How much funding can be received?

The significant shortage of manpower in Quebec's food processing sector compromises both the efficient use of company facilities and their ability to seize market opportunities. To overcome this problem, companies need to increase the productivity of their workforce, which requires significant investment.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The MAPAQ Food Processing Program Component 2 outlines specific financing modalities to support projects that improve workforce productivity through automation and robotization. Here is a breakdown of the financial support structure provided under this grant.

The financing provided can cover up to 50% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum contribution of $150,000 per establishment over the program's duration.
A project that aligns with ministerial or governmental priorities may receive an additional up to 10% of the eligible expenses financed.
The total maximum financial assistance available to each applicant, including related applicants across all program components, is capped at $750,000.
Private sector financing must account for a minimum of 20% of the eligible expenses for project funding.
The cumulative public financial assistance must not exceed 60% of the eligible expenses, with a potential increase to 70% for priority projects.
Funds from entities like the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) or others are considered private contributions if they are market condition agreements.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Component 2 of the MAPAQ — Food Processing Program supports projects aimed at enhancing labor productivity in food processing businesses through technological advancements. The eligible projects are centered around automation, process improvement, and the integration of management systems.

Automation, robotization, or digitization of processes or systems.
Implementation or adaptation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 150,000

Enhancing cheese production through automation and ERP integration

$ 150,000

Robotizing vegetable processing to enhance workforce productivity

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:

o 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 sales;

o Operates a central kitchen;

- Present, in their most recent annual audited financial statements, reviewed or compiled by a chartered professional accountant (CPA) :

o Minimum sales of $300,000 related to food processing activities or other activities recognized by the Ministry;

o Minimum equity of $100,000

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Companies registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec.
Companies operating an establishment in Quebec.
Businesses that have operated an establishment for at least one full year (12 months).
Companies whose establishments meet at least one of the following conditions:
Food processing activities or at least two other activities recognized by the Ministry.
Operation of a central kitchen.
Businesses with annual sales of at least $300,000 and equity of at least $100,000 in their most recent annual audited financial statements, reviewed or compiled by a CPA.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Ineligible applicants Ineligible applicants include

- Applicants whose establishment for which financial assistance is requested holds a local slaughterhouse or slaughterhouse under permanent inspection permit granted under the Food Products Act (RLRQ, chapter P-29);

- Applicants whose establishment for which financial assistance is requested holds a license to slaughter animals for human consumption (federally inspected slaughterhouse) granted under the Canadian Food Safety Regulations;

- Applicants whose establishment for which financial assistance is requested manufactures cheese and holds a dairy plant operating permit, granted under the Food Products Act (RLRQ, chapter P-29);

- Applicants whose processing establishment exclusively processes livestock feed; 15

- Applicants whose aquatic product processing establishment is located in the 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 (R.S.Q., chapter A-6.001), corporations controlled directly or indirectly by a government (provincial or federal) or by a government corporation (provincial or federal), or corporations controlled directly or indirectly by a government (provincial or federal) or by a government corporation (provincial or federal).

- 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 previous financial assistance 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);

- Applicants who are for-profit companies with more than 100 employees, who are requesting financial assistance of $100,000 or more, and who are unable to meet the requirements of the Equal Access to Employment Program;

- 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

Purchase, delivery and installation of new or used equipment from an equipment supplier, with a minimum three-month warranty.
Purchase and implementation of an enterprise resource planning system.
Fees and travel expenses for external experts with no business ties to the claimant.
Part of the remuneration of the internal expert responsible for implementing the project, corresponding to the time directly devoted to carrying out the project (may not exceed 30% of the total financial assistance).
Design of plans and specifications for project implementation that have not received financial support under Component 1.
Acquisition of specialized software and equipment required to carry out the project.
Subscription fees for specialized software for up to one year.
Staff training costs, including travel expenses in accordance with the scales set out in the Recueil des politiques de gestion du gouvernement du Québec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies operating within the province of Quebec. The eligibility is based on the location of the establishments that companies operate in Quebec.

Companies operating establishments within 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;

- Concordance between the diagnosis and the presentation of the project in the application for financial assistance;

- Targeted workforce productivity gains following project completion;

- Feasibility, realism and viability of the project;

- The technical, organizational and administrative capacities required to carry out the project;

- The viability and financial performance of the applicant;

- Contribution to sustainable development. The Minister's decision will be communicated to the applicant by e-mail.

grant_single_labels|register

On-line application form sent via the 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.

Prepare the Application:
Gather all required documents, which include the filled and signed financial aid application form, financing plan, annual financial statements, productivity diagnosis, equipment bids (if available), documents justifying ministerial enhancement, and required environmental and municipal authorizations.
Submit the Application:
Send all required documents in French via email to the specified program address: transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Acknowledgement of Receipt:
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt from the Ministry. If additional information is needed or a document is missing, the Ministry will contact you.
Assessment of Admissibility:
The Ministry will evaluate whether the application is complete and whether both the applicant and the project are eligible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Project Analysis:
If the application is admissible, a representative from the Ministry will analyze the application based on its relevance, alignment with the productivity diagnosis, productivity gains, and other criteria such as feasibility and viability of the project.
Decision:
After analysis, the Ministry will inform you of its decision to fund or not fund the project. If approved, a financial aid agreement will be sent for you to sign. If rejected, a decision notice explaining the reasons will be sent.
Request for Review (if necessary):
If you wish to contest the decision, an appeal can be made within 20 business days following the decision notification. The necessary form is available on the program's website.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Maximum rate of financial assistance : 50% of eligible expenses
10% bonus for projects meeting ministerial or government priorities In the case of equipment purchased from a supplier registered with the Quebec Business Register, the bonus applies only to the eligible expense, not to all eligible expenses.
Minimum amount of assistance granted : $25,000
Maximum amount of assistance : $150,000 per establishment for the duration of the Program
Type of contribution from applicant and partners : Cash
Applicant's minimum private funding : 20% of eligible expenses

grant_single_labels|documents

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2

grant_single_labels|contact

smsaia@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

418 380-2110

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An Opportunity for Business Growth and Innovation

This grant program offers essential financial support to organizations focusing on innovative projects that drive growth within Canada. By aligning with specific economic priorities, the grant seeks to support sectors critical to the nation's sustainable development and competitive advantage.

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