MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative Proximity — Component 1
QC, Canada
Supporting Quebec's collective market and agritourism initiatives
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateAugust 1, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 31, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Proximity 2024-2026 Initiative aims to support the planning, development, or consolidation of collective initiatives in local marketing and agrotourism. Eligible activities include implementing market studies, organizing knowledge transfer events, developing marketing tools, and constructing or adapting sales venues. Nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, municipal entities, and Indigenous communities with active establishments in Quebec can apply.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides structured financial support to ensure effective project implementation with clear disbursement conditions. The financing modalities are designed to offer flexibility while maintaining accountability and transparency.
- Financial assistance is non-repayable and provided as a grant.
- The grant covers up to 70% of eligible expenses for projects within Component 1, with an additional 15% bonus for projects that meet specific conditions, such as those in Îles-de-la-Madeleine or involving organic certification.
- The maximum financial assistance per applicant over the initiative's duration is capped at $50,000.
- Applicant contributions can be made in cash or in kind, requiring a minimum contribution of 30% of eligible expenses, reduced to 15% for projects eligible for the bonus.
- Public financial assistance from all governmental sources is limited to a cumulative total of 70% of eligible expenses, or 85% for bonus-qualifying projects, ensuring the applicant contributes the remainder.
- Financial disbursements are made in two instalments: an initial payment of up to 70% following the signing of the financial assistance agreement, and the final balance upon completion and verification of project deliverables and financial documentation.
- Applicants must provide updated financial information before each payment, detailing the project's financial structure and all public funding sources.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant focus on enhancing local market access and developing agrotourism through collective initiatives. They aim to improve marketing strategies, business networking, and sales environments for Quebec-based businesses.
- Engaging in the creation of planning documents, diagnostics, or studies related to local market access or agrotourism.
- Organizing knowledge transfer activities, providing support or developmental initiatives to strengthen local market presence.
- Conducting business outreach or facilitating business matchmaking to enhance local network connectivity.
- Designing marketing materials or developing commercial tools to better promote local products or services.
- Constructing, adapting, or refurbishing sales venues to better accommodate local business needs.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 18,000
Launching a digital marketing campaign for local artisanal products
$ 20,000
Créer un jardin communautaire avec des programmes éducatifs à Sherbrooke
$ 28,000
Developing a farmer's market with local vendors and agrotourism activities
$ 23,000
Creating educational workshops on local and organic farming
$ 22,400
Organizing an agrotourism festival featuring local products
$ 28,000
Building a community garden with educational programs
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the nature of the proposed project.
- The applicant must have an active establishment located in Quebec.
- Eligible applicants include legally constituted non-profit organizations under the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada, cooperatives, groups of businesses, municipal entities, indigenous communities or nations recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec, and public institutions committed to purchasing Quebec food products while respecting the Initiative's objectives.
- The project must correspond to a collective initiative.
- The project must aim for proximity marketing or agritourism.
- The project must present eligible expenses of a minimum amount of $7,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is open to applicants with an active establishment in Quebec and who fall under one of the following categories:
- Non-profit organizations legally constituted under the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada.
- Cooperatives.
- Business groupings.
- Municipal entities.
- Indigenous communities or nations recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec.
- Public institutions committed to adopting a target for purchasing Quebec foods while respecting the objectives of the Initiative.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain applicants based on their status or financial integrity. The restrictions are in place to ensure that applicants adhere to the grant's eligibility requirements and financial obligations.
- Government ministries, budgetary and non-budgetary organizations, state-owned enterprises, and companies directly or indirectly controlled by a government or state-owned enterprise.
- Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
- Applicants listed on the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA) or those who have defaulted on previous financial assistance agreements.
- Applicants under an order by the minister or a judge regarding animal welfare and safety regulations.
- Applicants listed on the Register of Criminal Convictions within two financial years prior to the grant application.
- Applicants under the protection of insolvency legislation, including the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Projects eligible for this grant aim to enhance local marketing and agritourism through collective initiatives. The focus is on development activities ranging from planning to the creation of new market access points.
- Conducting planning, diagnostics, or studies related to collective initiatives.
- Organizing knowledge transfer, mentoring, or development activities.
- Engaging in business networking or matchmaking efforts.
- Creating marketing materials or tools.
- Building, adapting, or setting up a sales location.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically available to companies that are operationally based within a designated region. Only those situated in the specified area are eligible to apply for funding consideration.
- Companies with an establishment in activity located within Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the grant involve an analysis conducted by representatives of the minister based on specific criteria. This analysis ensures that the project aligns with the initiative's objectives, has a feasible plan, and delivers tangible benefits to both the applicant and consumers.
- The identified problem and the solutions proposed
- The project's objectives
- The technical feasibility of the project
- The organizational feasibility of the project
- The financial feasibility of the project
- Market analysis
- The potential benefits of the project for the applicant
- The potential benefits of the project for consumers
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
- Collect all required documents, including the completed and signed financial assistance application form, the "Cost and Financing Structure" file of the project, proof of available funds or financing, and detailed quotes for expenses exceeding $5,000.
- If applicable, prepare a proxy or document (minutes or resolution) authorizing the representative to fill out the financial assistance application documents.
- For employees involved in the project, compile their CVs showing relevant professional experience.
- If applicable, obtain a lease with a renewal clause or a minimum remaining term of at least five years from the acceptance date of the financial assistance.
- If applicable, secure proof of organic precertification for the products involved.
- Prepare any other documents necessary for application analysis as required by the Minister.
- Step 2: Submit Financial Statements (For Relevant Applicants)
- For projects under Component 1, submit complete financial statements for the past two years, except for newer businesses that lack these statements, as well as for municipal entities or recognized Indigenous communities or nations.
- For business groupings, the company responsible for the application must submit its financial statements. The Minister may also request those of other member companies.
- Step 3: Complete the Application
- Ensure the application is filled out in French, as required by law, including all required documents.
- Confirm the financial structure and ensure all the information aligns with the project parameters.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Submit the complete application package, including all forms and supporting documents, to the Minister electronically via the Ministry’s website or as per submission guidelines provided on the specified webpage.
- Step 5: Receive Confirmation
- After submitting, you should receive an acknowledgment of receipt from the Minister, indicating that your application has been received and whether it is deemed complete and eligible.
- This acknowledgment does not guarantee funding but indicates that the application will undergo review.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This funding initiative has thorough follow-up and accountability requirements to ensure proper use of the allocated funds.
- The project location must be available for inspection by the minister's representative or an authorized individual during normal business hours for up to five years following project completion.
- All project-related documents must be retained for the same duration, for potential verification.
- The final financial installment will only be released after all necessary project outcome data, including indicators of results, have been submitted and approved.
- Beneficiaries may be required to participate in a survey or an interview to gauge the project's impact and effectiveness.
