How much funding can be received?

The Fonds Régions et Ruralité (FRR) provides financial support of up to $150,000 for projects that create or maintain jobs, demonstrating potential profitability and market development, with a focus on economic, social, and regional development within the MRC of La Matapédia. Eligible activities include business start-ups, expansion, and diversification, with a particular emphasis on local impact and economic integration.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, sustainability, and community development in rural and regional areas. Eligible projects include startups, market expansions, studies, and efforts by social economy enterprises.

Startup and acquisition of new businesses, especially those that demonstrate a significant market potential and job creation.
Projects focused on commercializing new or improved products or services, including digital transformations like developing transactional websites.
Expansion and diversification initiatives that enhance a business's revenue base, productivity, or job creation.
Feasibility studies, market studies, and other analyses necessary to validate the potential of a new business project.
Support for social economy enterprises in their startup phase, expansion, or consolidation to ensure community resilience and job retention.
First-time membership in strategic business networks like regional commerce chambers or tourism associations to foster strategic alliances.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for this grant, businesses must meet the following criteria related to their operations and legal status:

The business must have a place of business located in the MRC de La Matapédia. A business with a head office in La Matapédia but whose main economic activities occur outside may be considered ineligible.
The business can be a cooperative or a non-profit organization recognized as a social economy enterprise, depending on the project nature.
The business can be a private enterprise, but private enterprises in the financial sector are excluded.
The business must be legally incorporated and possess a Quebec Business Number (NEQ).
If the parent company is outside La Matapédia, the business may still be eligible if the economic benefits and employment are directly generated within La Matapédia.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The POLITIQUE DE SOUTIEN AUX ENTREPRISES is designed to support local business development through the Fonds Régions et Ruralité in the MRC de La Matapédia. Eligible applicants include:- Enterprises with a place of business on the territory of the MRC de La Matapédia.- Cooperatives or non-profit organizations recognized as social economy enterprises.- Private businesses, excluding financial sector enterprises.- Businesses legally constituted with a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ).- Businesses whose parent company is outside La Matapédia but generate economic benefits and jobs within La Matapédia.Additionally, eligible beneficiaries must be 18 years or older, Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Quebec, and demonstrate entrepreneurial aptitude with relevant knowledge or experience.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries mainly due to their status or primary business activities. These restrictions ensure that the grant supports businesses aligning with regional development objectives.

Private companies in the financial sector.
Financial cooperatives.
Companies listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts.
Companies that failed to fulfill past financial aid obligations within the last two years after being duly notified.
Retail and restaurant sectors, except for specific proximity services in underserved communities.
Enterprises in certain specific retail and service sectors such as hair salons, convenience stores, gas stations, bars, and fast-food franchises.
Professional services in competitive markets like bookkeeping, accounting, and web design.
Construction and renovation services, including snow removal and residential construction, unless specializing in potential development.
Various enterprises including trucking, new forestry machinery acquisitions, private daycare, religious, sexual, political, and arms-related businesses, online or physical dating agencies, and tarot/numerology services.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific eligible expenses directly associated with the project and business development.

Capital expenditures such as land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and rolling stock.
Cost of technologies acquisition including know-how, license or manufacturing agreement, patents, software, or packages.
Working capital requirements strictly related to the first year of business operations.
Purchase of shares, stocks, or interest in an existing business, assessed by the selling price of the shares.
Eligible study expenses such as professional fees, expertise fees for feasibility or opportunity studies, market studies, product or prototype development.
Membership fees for associations like the Chamber of Commerce, provided the project is funded by the MRC under this investment policy.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available for companies located within the MRC of La Matapédia. The eligible locations are focused to enhance economic development within this region.

Companies with their place of business on the territory of the MRC of La Matapédia.
Enterprises generating economic impacts and employment directly within La Matapédia.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Fonds Régions et Ruralité (FRR) grant focus on aligning with the FRR's objectives across economic and community development.

Impact on job creation or maintenance and local workforce retention.
Potential for profitability and development assessed by market, organizational structure, capitalization, and debt level.
Evaluation based on market potential and competition in the area.
Comprehensive submission of required documentation, such as business plans or executive summaries and financial forecasts.
Established eligibility based on financial needs and qualitative assessment of the project's viability.
Demonstration of substantial financial backing or a capital contribution by the project's promoter.
Ensuring due diligence through discussions and site visits.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Initial Contact
Reach out to the Service de développement de la MRC for preliminary discussion and guidance.
Confirm eligibility and gather initial project insights.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
For startups and enterprises under three years: Prepare a business plan or opportunity brief outlining objectives.
For existing businesses over three years: Prepare an executive summary and provide financial statements for the last three years.
Submit financial projections for the ensuing three years.
Collect all required documentation necessary for a complete project analysis.
Step 3: Submit Application
Fill out the official application form available from the Service de développement de la MRC.
Submit the form along with all required documents to a business development advisor at the MRC.
Step 4: Review Process
Undergo a preliminary positioning and project analysis by the MRC.
Participate in any required meetings and site visits.
Step 5: Wait for Decision
The investment committee reviews the complete application and makes a decision.
Await notification from the MRC regarding the outcome of your application.
Step 6: Ensure Agreement
If the application is approved, enter into a formal agreement outlining the grant terms and conditions.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum financial aid granted to a single beneficiary within a 12-month period cannot exceed $150,000.
Applications will be analyzed in part based on financial profitability and economic significance.
A committee appointed by the MRC council is responsible for evaluating applications and deciding funding allocations.
A protocol agreement is mandatory before disbursing funds, detailing commitments and payment modalities.

Apply to this program

Empowering Rural and Regional Economic Growth

The FRR grant is a dynamic funding initiative aimed at supporting regional and rural communities by fostering local economic development and entrepreneurship. This program is part of a strategic initiative by the Quebec government to enhance the economic, social, and cultural fabric within certain territories through targeted financial interventions.

Understanding the FRR Grant and Its Significant Role in Community Development

The "Fonds Régions et Ruralité" (FRR) is a pivotal funding program initiated by the Quebec government to drive regional and rural economic vitality. Established in April 2020, the FRR is committed to enhancing the local economy through a flexible, accountable structure that empowers Municipal Regional Counties (MRCs) such as La Matapédia to independently strategize and implement projects that yield substantial benefits at the community level. This grant strategically supports initiatives in various key domains including economic growth, social development, environmental sustainability, and cultural enhancement.

The FRR grant aims to promote job creation and retention, reduce labor displacement, and support projects with strong market potential and competitiveness. Eligible projects must positively impact employment opportunities within the region and demonstrate financial viability. The grant is available to a wide range of entities, including local businesses, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations, provided they meet specific criteria set forth concerning their operational base and economic contributions to the target region.

The grant offers a financial ceiling of up to $150,000 per beneficiary within a 12-month period, ensuring substantive backing for qualifying projects. This support is structured to encourage additional funding by aligning with federal and provincial financial assistance programs, thus amplifying the potential for impactful outcomes. The MRC mandates a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and optimal resource utilization, involving detailed project applications and financial scrutiny.

In addition to direct financial aid, the FRR provides a framework for ongoing support and governance through a dedicated investment committee. This committee is instrumental in evaluating proposals and providing oversight to ensure that funded projects align with the region's developmental goals. Beneficiaries must comply with a protocol that outlines the mutual commitments and operational guidelines governing the use of funds.

Furthermore, the FRR encompasses various funding streams tailored to specific entrepreneurial needs, such as business startup and acquisition, marketing innovation, expansion and diversification efforts, and market research studies. By addressing the unique aspects of economic and social enterprises, including sectors like social economy and community services, the FRR serves as a catalyst for sustainable development that aligns with regional priorities.

Ultimately, the FRR grant signifies an investment in the resilience and competitiveness of rural and regional economies in Quebec. It not only bolsters local businesses and their developmental initiatives but also reinforces the community's social and environmental fabric, paving the way for a more robust and sustainable future for generations to come.