grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|fromMinToMax
  • grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|openingDate January 20, 2025
  • grant_single|closingDate June 25, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed

grant_single_labels|preview

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

  • 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.

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|apply

1

2

3

4

5

6

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

transfo@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

More grants like this

Programme to support the development of agriculture and agri-food in the regions -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|openingSoon
Support program for regional agriculture and agri-food development
Digital Transformation Offensive Program (OTN) — Stream 1 – Support -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Support for Quebec's food processing digital transformation initiative
Support for biofood exports - individual projects -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|openingSoon
SEB supports Quebec agri-food market expansion outside Quebec
Business Growth — Productivity and automation -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Supports industrial productivity through advanced technology funding
Economic development program to help revitalize territories (DEPART) -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
DÉPART supports economic diversification and growth in targeted areas
Business Growth — Growth support vouchers -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Grant program supports strategic consultancy for business growth
Digital Transformation Offensive program (OTN) — Stream 2 – Optimization -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Digital transformation support program for Quebec's food processors
Technoclimat -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Financial assistance for the demonstration of new technologies in Quebec
Biofood Innovation Program Component 2 – Applied research, experimental development and technological adaptation  -
Partnering and CollaborationGrant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Québec biofood sector innovation and knowledge transfer grant
ESSOR – Component 1A: Support for investment projects (feasibility studies and digital diagnostics) -
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|openingSoon
Investment support for feasibility studies in Quebec