Grants for women entrepreneurs

The J. Armand Bombardier Excellence Grants for the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs are designed to celebrate and support women entrepreneurs in Québec active in cultural, creative, processing, manufacturing, and technological innovation sectors. Worth $10,000 each, these grants recognize women-led businesses between 1 to 5 years old to encourage growth, innovation, and community impact.

The J. Armand Bombardier Excellence Grants for the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs provide an outstanding opportunity to recognize and support audacious women entrepreneurs in Québec. Aimed at businesses that are between 1 to 5 years old, these grants focus on three pivotal sectors: cultural and creative fields, processing and manufacturing fields, and technological innovation fields. By shedding light on the importance and impact of women entrepreneurs, the grants ensure that diverse initiatives contribute to the vibrant economic and community development of Québec. These grants are named in honor of the women founders of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation who retired in 2018 after more than half a century of service. The grants are rooted in a long-standing dedication to empowering women to participate robustly in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. They are designed to foster innovation and provide substantial support to businesses operating within Québec. The grants also serve as a form of recognition and encouragement for the transformative initiatives led by women in various sectors. Eligibility is primarily open to incorporated private companies where at least 50% of the ownership is held by a woman or a group of women, and to social economy enterprises where the entrepreneur must be a founder or co-founder. Importantly, the business must have its head office in Québec, and the entrepreneur must reside in Québec and be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. The intention is to secure the roots of businesses within the Québec province, stimulating local economic growth and generating community benefits. An exclusion list ensures that the grants are focusing on projects that align with the foundational values of the program. This includes excluding projects of a discriminatory nature, student or research projects, ad hoc events, and those related to illicit or recreational drugs among others. By delineating such exclusions, the grants aim to harness activities conducive to inclusive growth and innovation. In terms of sectors of activity, the grants span a wide area: 1. **Janine Bombardier Grant**: Focuses on the cultural or creative field including architecture, design, digital arts, literature and publishing, museology, theatre arts, and visual and audiovisual production. These sectors are vital for promoting innovative cultural narratives and fostering an ecosystem that values creativity and uniqueness. 2. **Claire B. Beaudoin Grant**: Open to women entrepreneurs active in the processing and manufacturing field, with all sectors eligible. This ensures the development of businesses involved in transforming raw materials into valuable products, stimulating industrial growth and innovation. 3. **Huguette B. Fontaine Grant**: Targets women entrepreneurs in technological innovation fields, notably in sectors like artificial intelligence, biotechnology/health, electronics, engineering, ICT, quantum technologies, and robotics. These are sectors integral to the digital economy and future-forward development. When assessing applications, a comprehensive set of criteria is employed to determine the excellence of each submission. These include the quality and soundness of the business model, its viability and coherence, potential for consolidation and growth, community roots and partnerships, innovative nature, and social impact. The added value the grant could bring to the project is particularly emphasized, ensuring the allocation is maximized to foster meaningful business development. The application process is streamlined to ensure clarity and precision. Applicants must submit a range of documents including the entrepreneur’s CV, the company’s organizational chart, financial statements, projections for the future, and a roadmap for business development. Additionally, a video clip is required to succinctly present the business plan, team, and anticipated impact of the grant. This holistic approach aims to capture both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the business, with a focus on demonstrating strategic planning and innovative potential. The timeline for the next application period begins on November 1st, 2024 and runs through to January 15th, 2025. During this period, interested applicants can familiarize themselves with the application guide available for presumptive aid, ensuring they meet all necessary requirements and can articulate their business vision effectively. After the submission deadline, a systematic evaluation process is undertaken, with announcements made by April 2025 and the official presentation of the winners scheduled for May 2025. In conclusion, the J. Armand Bombardier Excellence Grants for Women Entrepreneurs are a crucial initiative that empowers women in business across Québec's diverse sectors. By recognizing excellence and encouraging bold new projects, these grants contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial landscape. They provide not only financial support but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for future women entrepreneurs. As businesses navigate the competitive landscape, the prestige and resources afforded by these grants can significantly aid in breaking new ground and achieving substantial success. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive economy, reinforcing the essential roles women play in driving innovation and creating lasting community change.