How much funding can be received?

The "Fonds régions et ruralité – Volet 3 Signature innovation" program allows for a maximum funding of $25,000 per enterprise, aiming to strengthen the territorial identity of the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or through innovative agricultural projects. Eligible activities include stimulating diverse vegetable production, encouraging skill development, and supporting market access and financial autonomy for producers.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible projects under this grant are aligned with promoting agricultural diversity and development within the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or. The activities focus on fostering innovation and sustainability in the local agricultural sector.

Stimulating the diversity of agricultural production specifically in the area of market gardening.
Encouraging producers to develop new skills and competencies in agriculture.
Promoting the financial independence of vegetable producers.
Enhancing the productivity of vegetable farming operations.
Facilitating the marketing of harvests through public markets in Malartic, Senneterre, and Val-d’Or.
Encouraging the development of experimental projects like pilot tests and trials.
Ensuring the collaboration between producers and various community stakeholders.
Promoting circular economy practices through the transformation of unsold products.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligible entities for this grant must meet certain criteria as outlined below:

Applicants can be private enterprises, social economy enterprises, except private financial sector enterprises.
Start-up companies in market gardening production are eligible.
Cooperatives, except financial sector cooperatives, are eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible organizations for this grant under the Fonds régions et ruralité - Volet 3 Signature innovation include various entities focused on agricultural development within the MRC de La Vallée-de-l'Or.

Private and social economy enterprises, except those in the financial sector.
Start-up companies in vegetable production.
Cooperatives, excluding those in the financial sector.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies due to their legal status or financial history. The restrictions aim to ensure funds are allocated responsibly and ethically.

Companies listed in the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for public contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors.
Enterprises that have failed to meet obligations in the two years prior to the application, following a formal notice from the Ministry or regional county municipality regarding previous financial assistance.
State-owned enterprises or companies directly or indirectly controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal) or those majority-owned by a state-owned enterprise.
Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (RSC 1985, c. C-36) or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (RSC 1985, c. B-3).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include costs associated with starting new projects and enhancing productivity in the relevant domain, provided they comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Purchase of inputs for new projects (seeds, fertilizers, liming, etc.).
Drainage work.
Hiring an external resource or consultant to implement the project.
Costs for acquiring or constructing capital assets (buildings, greenhouses).
Expenses for purchasing new or used equipment (various materials, machinery, tools).
Costs for improving infrastructures related to the new project.
Acquisition of technology, software, or other tools necessary for project realization.
Salaries and social charges specifically dedicated to a new project's realization may be eligible.
Other expenses deemed necessary for project completion by the management committee.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located within the territory of the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or. The eligible locations are targeted to ensure that projects have direct impacts on this specific geographical area.

Territory within the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that are designed to ensure the successful development of the agricultural sector within the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or.

The project's alignment with the specific objectives such as stimulating agricultural diversity, improving productivity, and encouraging market access.
The overall impact of the project, including its economic, social, and environmental structuring effects.
The quality and realism of the project's financial plan, including cost estimation, involvement of partners, and applicability of government programs.
The credibility of the implementation plan, demonstrating clear connections between stages, activities, resources, and targets.
The promoter's capability to technically and financially execute the project.
The project’s potential for sustainability and longevity.
The requested contribution’s significance in relation to the project's overall impact.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to apply for the Fonds régions et ruralité – Volet 3 Signature innovation:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure that your organization is eligible for the grant as per the clientèles admissibles section.
Determine if your project aligns with the specific objectives and admissible projects criteria.
Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal
Develop a detailed project plan that aligns with the objectives of the grant program.
Include an overview of the project, objectives, budget, and timeline.
Gather all necessary supporting documents as required.
Step 3: Submit Application
Prepare the application documents as required by the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or.
Submit your application along with all required documents to the MRC's development office.
Step 4: Application Review Process
Your application will be evaluated based on eligibility and project criteria by the coordonnatrice du développement local.
The project will be analyzed through the selection criteria and ranked accordingly.
A recommendation will be forwarded to the council of mayors for approval.
Step 5: Approval and Agreement
If approved, a financial agreement will be drafted and signed between your organization and the MRC.
The agreement will outline the terms of funding and obligations.
Step 6: Project Implementation
Implement the project as per the approved plan and timeline.
Regularly report on the project's progress to the designated development officer.
Step 7: Final Report Submission
Submit a final report upon project completion, including all financials and project outcomes, before the deadline.
The final tranche of funding will be released following the approval of this report.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

All financial support under this grant is non-repayable.
A maximum grant of $25,000 is available per enterprise during the agreement period.
Applicants will need to secure at least a 50% financial contribution from their own resources for their projects.
The total budget allocation for this initiative is $150,000.
Funding applicants are advised to ensure their projects comply with relevant Quebec laws and regulations.
Changes affecting project timelines or funding must be communicated in writing to the local development coordinator.
Funding is disbursed in two parts, with 80% given at the start and the remaining 20% on submission and approval of the final report.
The council of mayors reserves the right to modify the management framework for extraordinary development opportunities.

Apply to this program

Driving Agricultural Innovation in La Vallée-de-l’Or

The "Signature Innovation" grant under the Fonds régions et ruralité program aims to enhance agricultural productivity in the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or by supporting innovative projects in the region. With a focus on diversifying and strengthening local market offerings, this initiative seeks to boost the economic landscape through targeted financial support.

Detailed Overview of the Signature Innovation Grant Program and Its Strategic Vision

Part of the Fonds régions et ruralité initiative, the "Signature Innovation" grant, available to the MRC de La Vallée-de-l’Or, is strategically designed to rejuvenate the region’s agricultural sector by specifically encouraging diversity and innovation in market gardening. It represents a targeted effort by the Québec government, introduced under the Partenariat 2020-2024 framework, to empower municipalities like La Vallée-de-l’Or to build a strong and sustainable local economy. This grant is foundational in addressing long-standing challenges faced by the local agricultural community, as evidenced by the significant decline in active agricultural enterprises from 408 in 1961 to a mere 26 by 2016.

The primary objective of this grant is to reverse these trends by stimulating new, innovative agricultural practices that not only enhance the variety of products available but also cater to local markets more sustainably. The initiative is backed by a substantial budget of $150,000, ensuring substantial support for promising projects, with individual projects receiving up to $25,000. This financial stimulus is not merely a response to current economic downturns but a strategic plan for long-term growth and development within the region's market gardening sector.

To achieve its ambitious goals, the "Signature Innovation" program puts forth specific criteria that foster a culture of progressive agricultural entrepreneurship. Eligible projects must stimulate diversity in agriculture and encourage local producers to expand their competencies. These initiatives are also pivotal in achieving greater financial independence for farmers, thereby enhancing the overall economic fabric of the MRC. The focus is further extended to include experimental projects and pilot programs aimed at testing new agricultural methods, such as innovative planting techniques or approaches to market integration.

Moreover, the grant promotes the concept of an economy that thrives on resourcefulness by encouraging the transformation of unsold produce, thus minimizing waste and increasing profitability for local farmers. This aligns with global trends in sustainable agriculture where economic circularity is increasingly becoming the focus. The successful integration of these measures into the agricultural practices in La Vallée-de-l’Or could position the region as a leader in agro-innovation, not only in Québec but potentially across Canada.

The significance of this program also lies in its ability to forge meaningful collaborations, both within the agricultural sector and between MRCs and other governmental entities. By establishing a cooperative framework for economic and social development, the "Signature Innovation" grant seeks to nurture a more interconnected and resilient community. This cooperative spirit is essential in addressing the needs of the local economy, paving the way for future initiatives across various regions.

Ultimately, the "Signature Innovation" initiative under the Fonds régions et ruralité is more than just a funding opportunity. It represents a bridge toward a sustainable agricultural future, promoting innovation and resilience at its core. For local stakeholders, this grant is an invitation to redefine the agricultural landscape of La Vallée-de-l’Or, offering the resources and support necessary to build a robust, sustainable, and economically vibrant community.