How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $150000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2?

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2 is funded by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

What are MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2's eligibility criterias?

The company must be registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register. The applicant must operate an establishment in Quebec for a minimum of one complete year (12 months). The company must have a minimum annual turnover of $300,000 related to food processing activities or other activities recognized by the Ministry, and at least $100,000 in equity.

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2

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QC, Canada

Enhancing productivity through food industry automation assistance

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grant_single|openingDate January 20, 2025
grant_single|closingDate June 25, 2024

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Grant and Funding

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Manufacturing

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Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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$ 150,000

Enhancing cheese production through automation and ERP integration

$ 150,000

Robotizing vegetable processing to enhance workforce productivity

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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

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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.

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Establishments holding certain permits, including: A local or permanently inspected slaughterhouse permit under the Food Products Act (RLRQ, chapter P-29).
A license for animal slaughter for human consumption (federally inspected slaughterhouse) under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SOR/2018-108).
A dairy plant operation permit under the Food Products Act (RLRQ, chapter P-29).
Establishments processing exclusively livestock animal food.
Aquatic product processing establishments located in a maritime region.
For-profit companies with: At least 50 employees (or 25 employees or more as of June 1, 2025) unable to meet the Charter of the French Language requirements.
More than 100 employees seeking financial assistance of $100,000 or more and unable to meet the Employment Equity Program requirements.
Projects focusing on animal feed, nutraceutical products, natural health products (as per the Natural Health Products Regulations (SOR/2003-196)), and products with a Drug Identification Number (DIN).
Establishments involved exclusively in restaurant activities, as these are not recognized as food processing activities.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Step 1: Application Preparation
Gather all necessary documents, which include the completed and signed financial aid application form, the financing plan, annual financial statements, productivity assessment, quotes for equipment (if available), documents justifying the ministerial grant, and the required environmental and municipal authorizations.
Step 2: Application Submission
Send all required documents in French by email to the address specified by the program: transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Step 3: Acknowledgment of Receipt
Following the submission, you will receive an acknowledgment of receipt from the Ministry. If additional information is needed or if a document is missing, the Ministry will contact you.
Step 4: Eligibility Assessment
The Ministry will assess whether the application is complete and if the applicant and the project are eligible. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
Step 5: Project Analysis
If the application is eligible, a representative from the Ministry will analyze the application based on relevance, alignment with the assessment, productivity gains, and other criteria such as feasibility and viability of the project.
Step 6: 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 to you for signing. If denied, a decision notice explaining the reasons will be sent.
Step 7: Request for Review (if necessary)
If you wish to contest the decision, an appeal can be made within 20 business days following the communication of the decision. The necessary form is available on the program's website.

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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