Food Processing Program - (MAPAQ)
QC, Canada
To carry out projects aimed at resolving issues of labor productivity, food quality and safety, or improving the competitiveness and environmental footprint of the food processing sector.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJuly 09, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant program aims to support innovative Canadian businesses in advancing their research and development initiatives. Eligible activities include product development, technology commercialization, and scaling up production. The program provides financial assistance to companies seeking to enhance their competitiveness and contribute to economic growth.
grant_single_labels|projects
To be eligible, projects must meet the following conditions:
- Have eligible expenses of at least $10,000;
- Have a maximum duration of 36 months from the date assistance is granted;
- Involve food processing activities or other activities recognized by the Ministry and carried out by the applicant;
- consist of hiring an external expert with no business ties to the applicant for at least one of the following projects:
- Business diagnostics that may focus on productivity, competitiveness, business functions, environmental performance or other aspects;
- Development and deployment of a workforce recruitment or retention strategy;
- Employee skills development;
- Business transfer planning;
- Drawing up plans and specifications.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$75,000
Implementation of advanced technology to scale up organic tea production
$35,000
Development of a new organic snack line including employee training and process optimization
$25,000
Implementation of a recruitment strategy for a tech start-up to scale operations
$30,000
Business diagnostics for a local dairy cooperative to improve productivity and environmental performance
$35,000
Business transfer planning for a family-owned craft brewery
$35,000
Development of an employee skills enhancement program for a non-profit education center
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Applicants who meet all of the following requirements are eligible:
- Are companies registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register;
- Are applying for financial assistance for an establishment they operate in Quebec;
- Have been in operation for at least one full year (12 months);
The establishment for which the application for financial assistance is submitted meets at least one of the following conditions:
- It carries out food processing activities, or at least two other activities recognized by the Ministry whose food products are, at the time of application, offered on the wholesale market or online;
- Operates a central kitchen.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Agricultural production: field crops, specialized crops, livestock, etc.
- Agri-food: Food processing, food distribution, etc.
- Fishing and aquaculture: Commercial fishing, sport fishing, aquaculture, etc.
- Rural development: Agricultural diversification, agri-tourism, etc.
- Innovation and research: Development of new technologies, applied research, etc.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Applicants whose establishment for which financial assistance is requested processes exclusively livestock feed;
- Applicants whose aquatic product processing establishments are located in maritime regions and whose main activity is the preparation and canning of aquatic products (NAICS code 3117);
- Government departments, budget-funded bodies, non-budget-funded bodies, Crown corporations referred to in Schedules 1 to 3 of the Financial Administration Act (RLRQ, chapter A-6.001), corporations controlled directly or indirectly by a government (provincial or federal) or by a Crown corporation, and municipal entities;
- Financial cooperatives and banking institutions;
- Applicants registered in the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA), including their subcontractors registered in the RENA, accessible at the following address: https://amp.quebec/rena/;
- Applicants who, during the two years preceding the application for financial assistance, have failed to meet their obligations after having been duly served with formal notice by the Minister, in connection with financial assistance previously granted by the latter;
- Applicants who are subject to an order issued by the Minister or a judge under the Animal Welfare and Safety Act (RLRQ, chapter B-3.1); 11
- Applicants who are under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (R.S.C. [1985], chapter C-36) or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (R.S.C. [1985], chapter B-3).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The following expenses are eligible:
- Those directly related to the realization of a project;
- Those corresponding to the following items:
- Fees and travel expenses for external experts with no business ties to the applicant;
- Staff training costs (training registration, teaching materials, access to a training platform and travel expenses in accordance with the rates set out in the Recueil des politiques de gestion du gouvernement du Québec);
- Purchase of specialized information required to carry out the project (databases, specialized journals, scientific articles).
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Companies in Quebec
grant_single_labels|criteria
Projects are submitted on an ongoing basis. All complete applications for financial assistance, for which both the applicant and the project are eligible, will be analyzed by representatives of the Minister, based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of the project to the objective of the component;
- Presence of the technical, organizational and administrative capacity required to carry out the project;
- The company's viability and financial performance. The Minister's decision will be communicated to the applicant by e-mail.
grant_single_labels|register
On-line subscription, form sent via MAPAQ website - Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. An advisor in charge of the application file will contact the applicant and follow up on the progress of each application.
1. Preparation of Documents
- Application Form: Obtain and fill out the financial aid application form available on the program's website.
- Financing Plan: Complete a financing plan for the application.
- Financial Statements: Prepare your company's latest annual financial statements. For abattoirs and cheese factories, also prepare additional documents such as a personal balance sheet or your latest tax return.
- Justification for Ministerial Enhancement: Prepare the necessary documents to justify any applicable ministerial enhancements.
2. Submission of Application
- Compilation of Documents: Ensure all required documents are complete and in French.
- Transmission: Send all documents in a single email to transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
3. Preliminary Support
- Contact a Counselor: If you desire support, contact your regional food processing counselor, whose contact details can be found on the MAPAQ website.
4. Acknowledgment of Receipt
- Receipt of Application: After submitting your application, the Ministry will send an acknowledgment of receipt to the applicant.
5. Completeness Check
- Request for Additional Information: If information or documents are missing, the Ministry will send a written request by email.
6. Eligibility Confirmation
- Evaluation of Application: If your file is complete and both you and your project are eligible, you will receive a confirmation of eligibility.
7. Project Analysis
- Detailed Examination: A representative of the minister will analyze your application based on the relevance of the project, your technical, organizational, and administrative capabilities, as well as the financial viability of your enterprise.
8. Decision
- Notification of Decision: The Ministry will inform you of its decision to fund or not fund the project. If your project is selected, you will need to sign a financial aid agreement outlining the conditions and modalities of project implementation.
9. Request for Review
- Review Option: If you wish to contest the decision, you can appeal the evaluation decision within 20 working days of its communication.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Maximum rate of financial assistance: 50% of eligible expenses
- Increased financial assistance: 10% for projects meeting ministerial or government priorities In the case of equipment purchased from a supplier registered with the Quebec Business Register, the increase applies only to the eligible expense, not to all eligible expenses.
- Minimum amount of assistance granted: $7,500
- Maximum amount of assistance: $150,000 per establishment for the duration of the program.
- Type of contribution from applicant and partners: In cash
- Minimum private funding from applicant: 20% of eligible expenses
grant_single_labels|contact
smsaia@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca
418 380-2110
Apply to this program
An Opportunity to Fund Your Innovative Projects
This grant provides financial support to companies and organizations developing projects aligned with specific strategic objectives. It aims to foster innovation and sustainable development in key sectors.
Comprehensive Details About the Grant and Its Impact
The grant is designed to promote innovation in strategic sectors by offering targeted funding to projects that align with the priorities set by the funding body. It is open to businesses of all sizes, with a particular emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that play a crucial role in driving sustainable development. The objective is to support initiatives that not only address immediate economic and social needs but also lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
Grant recipients must demonstrate their ability to manage resources effectively and deliver measurable outcomes. The funds can be used for specific expenses, such as purchasing equipment, financing research, or deploying innovative technological solutions. In addition to financial support, beneficiaries may also gain access to technical assistance, educational resources, and a network of strategic partners to maximize the impact of their projects.
One of the key advantages of this grant is its flexibility. While the funds are allocated for predetermined uses, beneficiaries have some leeway to adapt their projects to changing market needs or new opportunities. This ensures that supported initiatives remain relevant and effective throughout their lifecycle.
Finally, it is important to note that selected projects must meet rigorous evaluation criteria. These include innovation, potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the strategic priorities of the grant. Such criteria ensure that only projects with significant potential for success and impact receive funding, optimizing the use of public resources.
This grant represents a valuable opportunity for organizations looking to innovate, grow, and make a positive impact on their communities. By participating in this program, businesses and organizations can not only secure the support they need but also contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
