Fonds Écoleader – business
QC, Canada
Money to green your Quebec business
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 30, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Le Fonds Écoleader
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_card_status|closingSoon
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $40,000 to adopt eco-friendly practices and up to $60,000 to adopt clean technologies, covering up to 75% of eligible project costs.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is designed for companies with a commercial establishment specifically located in a certain area. Businesses must be based in a defined geographical region to apply for funding.
- Companies with a commercial establishment in Quebec, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$30,375
Developing an action plan for adopting sustainable farming practices at our Calgary farm
$34,125
Evaluating eco-friendly waste management practices for our Ottawa-based healthcare facility
$54,750
Installing a solar energy system to power our Toronto manufacturing plant
$26,250
Implementing a recyclable packaging system to reduce waste at our Montreal-based bakery
$31,500
Developing a strategic plan for a green technology adoption in our Halifax logistics company
$30,000
Conducting a life cycle analysis to improve sustainable practices at our Vancouver restaurant
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and business location.
- The applicant must be a for-profit business or a social economy enterprise.
- The applicant must have a commercial establishment located in Quebec.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for this grant must be a for-profit business or a social economy enterprise and have a commercial establishment in Quebec.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain types of companies are not eligible for this grant. These include certain individual enterprises, financial services companies, and others as detailed below:
- Individual enterprises (self-employed persons)
- Condominium syndicates, associations, and groupings of persons
- Financial services companies and others under the Autorité des marchés financiers, including insurance companies or brokers
- Partnership companies according to the Registraire des entreprises du Québec
- Companies listed in the Register of enterprises not qualified for public contracts (RENA)
- Companies that have failed to comply with obligations to the Ministry or Investissement Québec in the past two years
- State-owned or state-controlled enterprises, with exceptions for those owned by Indigenous councils and communities
- Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
- Holding companies
- Companies involved in ethically questionable activities that could damage the government’s reputation
- Companies in certain industries such as weapons production, fossil fuel exploration, gambling, adult entertainment, tobacco or drug services, or activities protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Fonds Écoleader financial assistance program focuses on supporting businesses in adopting environmentally responsible business practices and preparing for the acquisition of clean technologies. Eligible projects are grouped into activities related to both these objectives.
- Conducting studies and analyses aimed at adopting eco-responsible business practices (up to $20,000).
- Developing concrete action plans for eco-responsible business practices (up to $10,000).
- Guidance in implementing eco-responsible business practices (up to $10,000).
- Conducting studies and action plans for the potential acquisition of clean technologies (up to $45,000).
- Additional guidance beyond initial studies for clean technology acquisition (up to $15,000).
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for this grant encompass various costs associated with implementing eco-responsible business practices and preparing for the acquisition of clean technologies.
- Studies and analyses aimed at adopting eco-responsible business practices (up to $20,000).
- Development of concrete action plans for eco-responsible business practices (up to $10,000).
- Support in implementing eco-responsible business practices (up to $10,000).
- Studies and action plans for the potential acquisition of clean technology (up to $45,000).
- Complementary support to studies conducted for the acquisition of clean technology (up to $15,000).
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The grant is assessed based on several criteria including the project's alignment with the program objectives, the feasibility of the project, the anticipated environmental benefits, and the potential for implementing sustainable practices.
- Alignment of the project with program objectives
- Feasibility of the project
- Anticipated environmental benefits
- Potential for implementing sustainable practices
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Review Eligibility and Requirements
- Consult the Guide du Demandeur for eligibility criteria and admissible expenses.
- Step 2: Engage an Expert
- Contact an expert listed in the Repertoire des Experts of the Fonds Écoleader.
- Collaborate with the expert to develop the project proposal.
- Step 3: Prepare Submission Documents
- Ensure all relevant information is collected.
- Refer to the Guide du Demandeur for guidance on document requirements.
- Collect necessary documents such as a cheque specimen, proof of signing authority, and letters of confirmation if applicable.
- If a startup (less than 3 years), prepare a business plan and proforma budget.
- If a social economy enterprise, provide financial statements for the past two years and other specified documents.
- Step 4: Complete Application Form
- Complete the online financial aid application form.
- Send the form’s URL to your expert for completion of service offer sections.
- Review pre-filled templates if needed for clarity on required information.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Ensure all sections of the form are filled correctly.
- Submit the form online by clicking "Envoyer le formulaire."
- Consider recording a copy of your submission for reference.
- Step 6: Follow Submission Confirmation
- Check for an acknowledgment of receipt from FAQDD.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- The grant allows simultaneous projects under both eco-responsible practices and clean technology adoption, provided their combined funding does not exceed a cap of $60,000.
- The final project submission must include a specimen cheque not older than a year, authorization documents for signing, and any private or public funding confirmation letters.
- If the applicant is a startup (less than three years old), a business plan and a proforma budget are required.
- For social economy businesses, financial statements from the last two years and a self-declaration form (for NPOs only) must be submitted.
- The project completion deadline is January 31, 2025, with supporting documents submitted by February 28, 2025.
- The grant process includes a comprehensive guide and example pre-filled forms for easier application completion.
Apply to this program
Eco-Friendly Business Practices Funding Initiative
The Fonds Écoleader program offers financial support to help Quebec-based businesses implement eco-responsible business practices and prepare for the acquisition of clean technologies. This initiative is designed to assist enterprises in addressing their specific environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Details of the Fonds Écoleader Program: Promoting Sustainable Business Practices
The Fonds Écoleader program is a strategic funding initiative aimed at supporting Quebec businesses in their journey toward sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices and preparing for the adoption of clean technologies. Managed under the "Volet 1" category, this program targets profit-driven companies and social economy enterprises operating within Quebec, offering them financial support to address unique environmental challenges.
The key focus of this initiative is to bring practical, actionable solutions to businesses looking to adopt more environmentally responsible operations. It provides assistance for projects involving thorough studies and analyses focused on implementing sustainable business practices, with funding of up to $20,000 available. Companies may also receive up to $10,000 for developing concrete action plans, and an additional $10,000 for support during the implementation stage. The maximum financial aid available for these endeavors under the program is $40,000 per company, with coverage of up to 75% of eligible expenses.
Moreover, the Fonds Écoleader also supports companies preparing to incorporate clean technology. It facilitates the completion of studies and action plans essential for potentially acquiring clean technology with financial backing up to $45,000. Furthermore, supplementary support is accessible for actions taken prior to acquisition to an additional $15,000, ensuring that each stage of the technological adoption process is financially accessible. The cap for clean technology preparation projects stands at $60,000 per company, again covering up to 75% of the associated eligible costs.
A unique aspect of the program allows businesses to simultaneously apply for both objectives—adopting eco-responsible practices and the preparation for clean technology acquisitions—provided the overall program funding ceiling of $60,000 per company is not exceeded, and the two projects complement each other. This offers a comprehensive approach for companies looking to overhaul their business models towards more sustainable and forward-thinking operations.
To submit a project proposal, applicants must first consult the comprehensive "Guide du Demandeur – Volet 1" to understand eligibility criteria and permissible expenditures. Partnering with an expert from the "Répertoire des Experts" of the Fonds Écoleader is highly recommended to ensure that project proposals are robust and actionable. The application process involves a thorough completion of the online financial aid request form, along with all necessary supporting documentation, such as financial statements, business plans, and proof of authority documentation where applicable.
The deadline for submitting applications is set for November 30, 2024, with projects needing to be completed by January 31, 2025. Post-completion documentation must be submitted by February 28, 2025, with no extensions permitted. This strict timeline ensures that projects are both efficiently executed and assessed, fostering accountability and results.
The Fonds Écoleader program represents a significant opportunity for Quebec businesses to foster environmentally responsible operations while preparing for the future with clean technologies. By participating, companies not only receive financial support but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainable business practices that contribute positively to the environment and society.
