How much funding can be received?

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|projects

Eligible projects for this grant focus on collective initiatives aiming at proximity marketing or agritourism.

Planning, diagnostics, or studies
Knowledge transfer activities, support, or development
Business prospecting or matchmaking
Designing marketing materials or tools
Constructing, adapting, or arranging sales locations

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$22,400

Trois-Rivières

Organizing an agrotourism festival featuring local products in Trois-Rivières.

$28,000

Montreal

Developing a farmer's market in Montreal with local vendors and agrotourism activities.

$23,000

Quebec City

Creating educational workshops on local and organic farming in Quebec City.

$18,000

Gatineau

Launching a digital marketing campaign for local artisanal products in Gatineau.

$28,000

Sherbrooke

Building a community garden with educational programs in Sherbrooke.

$20,000

Laval

Establishing a direct-buying program from local farms in Laval.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

This grant aims to support collective proximity marketing and agritourism initiatives in Quebec. Eligible applicants must meet specific organizational and operational criteria.

Non-profit organizations legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada
Cooperatives
Groups of enterprises
Municipal entities
Indigenous communities or nations recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec
Public institutions committed to setting a target for purchasing Quebec foods while respecting the Initiative's objective

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are several types of companies eligible for this grant. These include nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, groups of businesses, municipal entities, indigenous communities recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec, and public institutions committed to sourcing Quebec food products.

Nonprofit organizations legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian laws
Cooperatives
Groups of businesses
Municipal entities
Indigenous communities or nations recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec
Public institutions committed to incorporating Quebec food products

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. The companies that don't meet the eligibility criteria are listed below:

The ministries, budgetary organizations, non-budgetary organizations, or crown corporations listed in schedules 1 to 3 of the Financial Administration Act, and companies directly or indirectly controlled by a government (provincial or federal) or a crown corporation
Financial cooperatives and banking institutions
Applicants registered in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors
Applicants who, within two years prior to submitting the fully completed application for financial aid, failed to meet their obligations after being duly put on notice by the minister, regarding a previous financial aid granted by the minister
Applicants who, at the time of submitting the fully completed financial aid application, are under a ministerial or judicial order under the Animal Welfare and Safety Act
Applicants registered in the Register of Convictions within the two fiscal years preceding the submission of the fully completed financial aid application
Applicants under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. These include expenses directly related to the project such as professional fees, salaries, and various costs related to the conception or production of materials.

Professional fees of contractors
Salary of personnel directly involved in the project
Social contributions and benefits related to project personnel
Costs related to the conception or production of visual or graphic elements
Costs for materials and equipment
Logistics expenses
Administrative fees up to 15% of eligible expenses

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Eligible geographic zones for this grant are limited to establishments located in Quebec, Canada.

Quebec
Agencies located within the administrative regions of Quebec
Priority given to Îles-de-la-Madeleine for certain projects

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: Obtain and complete the application form
Requirement: Fill out the "Application for Financial Assistance" form in French.
Step 2: Prepare the "Cost and Financing Structure" file of the project
Requirement: Develop a detailed financial plan for the project.
Step 3: Provide proofs of funding or availability of funds
Requirement: Submit proof of funds or financing available for the project.
Step 4: Obtain a detailed quote for professional services
Requirement: Submit a detailed quote from professionals for each expense exceeding $5,000.
Step 5: Submit authorization documents if required
Requirement: Provide a proxy or document that authorizes the representative to complete the application.
Step 6: Submit CVs of personnel involved in the project if applicable
Requirement: Provide CVs detailing professional background and relevant information for the project.
Step 7: Submit lease agreement if applicable
Requirement: Provide a lease agreement showing a minimum remaining term of five years.
Step 8: Provide proof of biological pre-certification if applicable
Requirement: Submit proof of bio-certification for the products involved in the project.
Step 9: Prepare any other necessary documents
Requirement: Submit any additional documents required for the analysis of the application.
Step 10: For collective initiatives (Volet 1)
Include financial statements of the past two years, unless the entity is municipal, indigenous, or a public institution.
If part of an enterprise group, submit an agreement defining the partnership terms.
Step 11: For individual initiatives (Volet 2)
Include financial statements of the past two years unless newly established.
Submit a budget forecast for new companies projected to reach $30,000 turnover within 36 months.
Submit a marketing plan less than three years old.
Provide a copy of the diploma if applying for agricultural succession bonus.
Step 12: Submit the application
Submit the filled application form and all supporting documents to the Ministry.
Step 13: Wait for acknowledgment
Upon submission, the Ministry will provide an acknowledgment of receipt.
Step 14: Receive confirmation of eligibility (if applicable)
If the applicant and project are eligible, receive confirmation from the Ministry.
Step 15: Receive decision
Receive a letter from the Ministry informing whether the project is funded or not.
Step 16: Sign the financial assistance contract (if applicable)
If funded, sign the contract provided by the Ministry.

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.

Apply to this program

Grant Summary

The Initiative ministérielle Proximité 2024-2026 supports the planning, development, or consolidation of collective initiatives in local marketing and agritourism in Quebec. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, cooperatives, business groups, municipalities, recognized Indigenous communities, and public institutions committed to purchasing Quebec foods.

Detailed Explanation of the Initiative Ministérielle Proximité 2024-2026

The Initiative ministérielle Proximité 2024-2026 is a major government effort aimed at bolstering local marketing and agritourism efforts in Quebec. This initiative is divided into two main categories of projects: Volet 1, which focuses on collective initiatives, and Volet 2, which supports individual business initiatives. Below is a detailed explanation of the fundamental aspects of this grant, including eligibility criteria, types of projects and expenses that qualify, and the process for applying.

Objectives of the Initiative

The primary aim of this initiative is to provide support for the planning, development, and consolidation of collective efforts in local marketing and agritourism. By fostering these activities, the initiative seeks to enhance the visibility of local products, encourage community engagement, and boost the local economy through tourism and localized trade.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this initiative, applicants must have an operational establishment located in Quebec and meet the following conditions:

Be a legally constituted non-profit organization under Quebec or Canadian law.
Be a cooperative.
Be a group of companies.
Be a municipal entity.
Be a recognized Indigenous community or nation by the Quebec National Assembly.
Be a public institution committed to a target of purchasing Quebec food products.

Applicants who are financial cooperatives, banks, or entities listed on the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA) are not eligible. Additionally, applicants who have failed to comply with previous financial assistance agreements or are involved in specific legal or financial issues cannot apply for this grant.

Types of Eligible Projects

The initiative covers a broad range of projects as long as they meet the primary goal of promoting local marketing or agritourism. Eligible projects must:

Be a collective initiative.
Adhere to a maximum established timeline during project submission.
Have a minimum of $7,000 in eligible expenditures at the time of submitting the financial assistance request.
Focus on relational or geographical proximity marketing, or agritourism.
Fall under categories such as planning, diagnostics, studies, knowledge transfer activities, business matching, marketing material design, or the construction, adaptation, or arrangement of a sales space.

Projects aimed at promotional campaigns, recurrent or annual activities, conferences, donations of bio-food products, and those not targeting human consumers are deemed ineligible. Specific categories such as aquaponic activities, cannabis-related projects, and publishing scientific articles are also not covered by this grant.

Eligible Expenses

Only expenses directly linked to the project's realization are eligible. These include:

Professional fees for contractors.
Salaries and social benefits for personnel directly involved in the project.
Costs associated with producing and designing visual elements, publication models, videos, signs, web tools, and other marketing materials.
Logistical expenses and administrative fees up to 15% of eligible expenses.

Any expenses incurred before the complete application submission date are ineligible. Similarly, costs beyond planned budgets, promotional materials, gifts, consumables, and office supplies are not covered. Other exclusions include electronic and IT equipment, interest on debts, maintenance costs, and expenses exceeding government travel allowances.

Funding and Financial Contributions

The grant provides a non-repayable contribution, based on the parameters defined:

ParameterVolet 1Volet 2Maximum Financial Aid Rate70% of eligible expenses50% of eligible expensesBonification15% for projects in Îles-de-la-Madeleine or involving organic certification15% for projects in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, organic certification, or new agricultural enterprisesMaximum Aid Amount$50,000 per applicant$50,000 per applicantMinimum Contribution30% of eligible expenses (15% for bonification projects)50% of eligible expenses (35% for bonification projects) The combined total of public financial aids must not exceed 70% of the project expenses, or 85% for bonification projects. The applicant must disclose all other financial aid sources, and if they exceed the maximum allowed, the surplus must be repaid.

Application Process

To apply for this grant, the following steps and documentation are required:

Submit a duly filled and signed application form in French.
Provide a detailed "Cost and Financing Structure" file for the project.
Submit proof of funding or availability of funds.
Include a detailed quote for any expenses exceeding $5,000.
If applicable, submit a proxy or document authorizing the representative to complete the forms, a CV of the involved personnel, lease documents, proof of organic pre-certification, and any additional required documents.

Once submitted, the Ministry will acknowledge the application and confirm its receivability which does not guarantee funding. The applicant will later receive a letter indicating the project’s approval or rejection. Approved projects will require the signing of a financial assistance agreement with specifics on deliverables and reporting requirements.

Conditions and Compliance

To maintain eligibility and receive continuous funding, the recipient must:

Abide by all applicable laws and regulations.
If an agricultural operation, maintain its registration.
New businesses must register within a year following the signing of the assistance agreement.
Maintain and not sell or transfer funded resources for at least five years or their useful life without prior written approval from the Ministry.

The Ministry reserves the right to withhold or terminate funding if compliance is not maintained or integrity issues arise. All expenditures are contingent upon the Quebec National Assembly adopting the necessary budgetary credits.

Monitoring and Accountability

The Ministry retains the rights to monitor and verify the project's progress and financials during and up to five years after project completion. Financial reporting must adhere to the agreement standards, and the reimbursement of funds may be required should cumulative public financial assistance exceed the permissible limit.

Calculation of the last disbursement will depend on compliance with project guidelines, submission of all required deliverables and financial updates, and participation in potential surveys or interviews to assess project outcomes.

The Initiative ministérielle Proximité 2024-2026 offers an opportunity for various organizations in Quebec to enhance their local marketing and agritourism endeavors, thereby promoting economic growth and community engagement through carefully planned and supported projects.