How much funding can be received?

The Fonds Écoleader provides financial support of up to $80,000 per business to help Quebec companies implement eco-responsible business practices and adopt clean technologies, aiming to improve their environmental performance and competitiveness. Eligible activities include expert-led projects involving responsible sourcing, sustainable development practices, eco-design, and improvements in areas like water, energy, and waste management.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Fonds Écoleader: Soutien spécifique à l'implantation program provides financial assistance up to 75% of eligible expenses, ensuring significant support for companies aiming to implement eco-responsible business practices and clean technologies. It is designed to encourage businesses in Quebec to take meaningful action towards environmental sustainability.

The financial grant cannot exceed 75% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum cumulative grant of $80,000 per individual business, regardless of the number or type of projects.
For projects involving responsible business practices, the maximum assistance is $30,000 per company, up to $200,000 for a cohort project with 3 to 10 businesses.
For projects involving clean technologies, the maximum assistance is $50,000 per company, up to $300,000 for a cohort project with 3 to 10 businesses.
The maximum assistance for a cohort project involving both business practices and clean technologies is $400,000, with additional coordination fees covering up to 10% of eligible expenses, capped at $25,000.
Private contributions must be at least 25% of the total eligible project expenses, clearly indicated upon application submission.
Financial assistance can be combined with other governmental programs, except other MEIE programs, and cannot exceed 75% of eligible expenses when combined with public funds, including refundable tax credits.
Financial settlements with Quebec's Transition énergétique program are not cumulative.
The grant reserves the right to adjust the financial aid based on project deployment, with initial payment of 50% upon project start and final payment upon completion and verification of project outcomes.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Fonds Écoleader supports businesses in Quebec to implement eco-friendly practices and clean technologies. Eligible projects focus on achieving significant environmental impact through the adoption of innovative solutions.

Accompaniment by experts in the implementation of environmentally responsible business practices, including service-consulting and technical guidance.
Training employees to carry out and sustain new eco-friendly business practices.
Facilitation of trials or pilot projects to validate new tools and practices within the business.
Development of operational, strategic, or decision-support tools for eco-friendly practices.
Support in research and sourcing for clean technology suppliers, financing mechanisms, and procurement contacts.
Technical support and needs analysis for drafting a tender offer related to clean technologies.
Engineering work including decision-aid tools, plans, specifications, reports, usage guides, and necessary documentation for clean technology implementation.
Supervision of a pilot project within the business to test clean technology before large-scale implementation.
Training of staff to use and maintain new clean technologies that are part of the project.
Installation, commissioning, and calibration of clean technologies.
Project coordination for implementation, including site supervision and verification of installations and post-implementation benefits.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 80,000

Developing eco-design strategies for sustainable packaging solutions

$ 80,000

Renewable energy integration for an artisanal bakery

$ 80,000

Implementing a water management system in a food cooperative

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility for the Fonds Écoleader grant under the 'Support for Implementation' envelope requires specific conditions to be fulfilled by the applicant:

Be a for-profit business or a social economy enterprise legally constituted and registered with the Enterprise Register of Quebec (REQ), incorporated under a law from the Government of Quebec or Canada.
Have a business establishment in Quebec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The grant is open to companies and social economy enterprises legally constituted, registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (REQ), and incorporated under a law of the government of Quebec or Canada. These entities must have a business establishment in Quebec. Specific provisions exist for cohort projects, which require between 3 to 10 companies, with detailed commitments. Ineligible applicants include sole proprietorships, certain financial services firms, government-affiliated entities, and those with negative ethical standings. Companies engaging in certain prohibited activities, such as fossil fuel production or controversial sectors, are also excluded. Additionally, past non-compliance with funding obligations can disqualify applicants.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are put in place to focus on supporting entities that align with the grant's environmental and sustainable business objectives.

Individual businesses (self-employed individuals).
Condominium unions, associations, and groups of individuals.
Financial services companies and those regulated by the Autorité des marchés financiers, including insurance companies or brokers.
Joint ventures as recognized by the Registraire des entreprises du Québec.
Businesses listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
Companies that have previously defaulted on obligations related to financial aid from FAQDD, MEIE, or Investissement Québec.
State-owned enterprises or those controlled by a government or municipal entity, with exceptions for those owned by Indigenous councils and communities.
Companies under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Holding companies.
Enterprises engaging in ethical activities that could damage the image of the Québec or Canadian government.
Businesses engaged in sectors such as weapon manufacturing, fossil fuel exploration and production, gambling, erotic entertainment, and activities primarily focused on religion, politics, or rights advocacy.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly associated with engaging external expertise and supporting the project implementation phase.

Professional fees for specialist services, including design and documentation, up to a maximum of $200/hour.
Travel and accommodation expenses related to the project, up to $2,500 for individual projects and $5,000 for cohort projects, justifying the need and cost-effectiveness.
Taxes directly applicable to eligible project expenses.
Training expenses up to a maximum of 50% of the total project cost.
Material costs essential for implementing eco-responsible business practices or clean technologies, up to a maximum of 15% of the total project cost.
Communication costs, up to a maximum of 10% of the total project cost, including the creation of information and awareness materials for employee training.
Professional fees directly related to project accountability required by FAQDD, up to $1,500.
Subcontractor fees not listed in the Ecoleader Fund's expert directory, up to 10% of the total project cost, up to a maximum of $10,000.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The Fonds Écoleader grant targets businesses located within the Quebec province. The fund supports initiatives aligned with sustainable business practices specific to this geographical region.

Businesses with headquarters in Quebec.
Organizations registered under the Quebec business registry.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives, focusing on the adoption of eco-responsible business practices and clean technologies.

Cohérence et pertinence de la solution proposée, y compris la clarté de la problématique, la justification du projet, la planification judicieuse du projet (échéancier, budget, livrables), et la garantie de réalisation.
Capacité de l’entreprise à encadrer et à assurer la réalisation du projet, détermination du financement complémentaire, et choix adéquat d’un expert pour accompagner l’entreprise.
Retombées potentielles du projet, avec un accent obligatoire sur la démonstration que le projet vise des retombées environnementales significatives et, de façon recommandée, des cobénéfices socioéconomiques et de gouvernance.
Efficience du projet, en évaluant l’adéquation entre la problématique décrite, l’ampleur des retombées attendues et le coût du projet. Le FAQDD se réserve le droit de demander des précisions ou de refuser le projet si les retombées environnementales attendues ne sont pas significatives par rapport au coût du projet.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Ensure your business is legally constituted, registered in Quebec.
Verify involvement in eligible industries and compliance with environmental regulations.
Step 2: Identify Project Type
Decide if you are applying as an individual business or part of a cohort.
Ensure your project aligns with eco-responsible practices or clean technology adoption.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documents
Complete the financial aid application form available on the Fonds Écoleader website.
Attach the expert's offer directly within the online form.
Provide authorization proof for signatory authority.
Include letters of commitment from partnering businesses if part of a cohort.
Prepare additional financing confirmation if applicable.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Send the completed application form with all required documents through the Fonds Écoleader online portal.
Ensure submission before the deadline.
Step 5: Await Confirmation
Receive confirmation email acknowledging receipt of application.
Note any requests for additional information from Fonds Écoleader during the review process.
Step 6: Formalize Agreement
Upon approval, sign the agreement with FAQDD and involved parties including the expert.
Ensure all terms and conditions are understood and agreed upon by all stakeholders.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The approval of a project and issuance of the grant depend on a written confirmation by FAQDD, and any expenses incurred before this confirmation are at the applicant's own risk.
The eligible activities can include both eco-responsible business practices and clean technologies, but separate applications must be submitted for each.
Progress reports and final reporting are integral elements of the funding process, ensuring the project's impacts are documented and assessed.
Coordination fees can represent up to 10% of eligible costs but are subject to specific conditions.

grant_single_labels|documents

Fonds Écoleader — business

grant_single_labels|contact

info@fondsecoleader.ca

Apply to this program

Funding Opportunities for Eco-friendly Practices in Quebec

The Écoleader Fund in Quebec aims to support companies in adopting eco-responsible business practices and clean technologies. This grant is designed to improve the environmental performance of businesses while enhancing their competitiveness.

Explore the Écoleader Fund and Its Implications for Sustainable Business Practices

The Écoleader Fund, implemented by the Quebec government since 2018, represents a significant opportunity for Quebec businesses seeking to transition to more sustainable operational models. Coordinated by the Fonds d'action québécois pour le développement durable with the support of Development Economic Canada for Quebec regions, this fund specifically targets the integration of ecological and sustainable practices in the business realm.

Beginning its second phase in the fiscal year 2024-2025, the grant builds on past successes and lessons learned to further assist Quebec enterprises. The fund provides financial support for two primary categories of projects: individual business initiatives seeking to rectify specific environmental challenges, and collective projects involving cohorts of businesses aimed at sharing resources and experiences to adopt eco-friendly practices and clean technologies efficiently.

This phase introduces enhanced funding structures that encourage project implementation by financing up to 75% of eligible expenses with maximum contributions set at $80,000 per business. For cohort projects, this financial support amplifies up to $400,000. The grant underscores eco-responsible practices defined as managerial processes that enhance both the environmental footprint and the economic productivity of businesses.

With a broad scope of eligible projects, the Écoleader Fund espouses numerous thematic areas, including responsible procurement, sustainable mobility, energy management, and waste management. Each project submitted must clearly demonstrate tangible and significant environmental impacts, supporting the Quebec government's broader strategy of sustainable development and climate resilience.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to engage with recognized experts to help guide their eco-responsible transformations. These experts are listed in the Écoleader Fund directory and are essential in ensuring effective project implementation through detailed action plans and strategic insights.Additionally, the grant involves comprehensive reporting requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. This annotation demands precise documentation of expenditures and demonstratable environmental outcomes, reinforcing the fund's commitment to sustainable and measurable change.

Overall, the Écoleader Fund offers an indispensable platform for Quebec's businesses to innovate towards a greener and more economically robust future. By participating, enterprises not only secure crucial financial backing but also align with a growing global movement towards sustainability and responsible business operations.