
MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Créavenir supports young entrepreneurs in Abitibi-Ouest with financing
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $5,000
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The Créavenir program, a partnership between MRC d'Abitibi-Ouest and Desjardins, aims to support young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 by providing financial leverage for startup or business development projects lacking conventional financing access. It offers a maximum of 25% of the project cost up to $5,000 in non-repayable aid, alongside a potential credit line of up to $15,000.
Financing terms and conditions
The MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program provides an innovative mix of financial support aimed at aiding young entrepreneurs with limited access to conventional financing. This combination of non-repayable and repayable assistance is designed to help bridge the funding gap for eligible business ventures.
- Non-repayable financial aid covering up to 25% of the project cost, with a maximum amount of $5,000.
- Availability of a line of credit up to $15,000 at a preferential rate plus 0.5% per annum, with a repayment term of up to 5 years.
Activities funded
This grant supports young entrepreneurs in the MRC d'Abitibi-Ouest region by providing financial assistance to help them start or develop a viable business project. It assists those who lack the necessary guarantees or capital for conventional financing.
- Starting a new business within the eligibility criteria.
- Development of an existing business that has been established for less than three years and funded personally.
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements pertaining to the applicant's age, business status, financial situation, and geographical location.
- The applicant must be aged between 18 and 35 years.
- The applicant must have a viable business startup or a developmental project for an existing business that is less than 3 years old.
- The source of funding for the business must be personal.
- The applicant must not have sufficient guarantees or the required down payment for access to conventional financing.
- The applicant must be a member of one of the participating Desjardins caisses or become one.
- The applicant must reside in the territory of the MRC d’Abitibi-Ouest.
Who is eligible?
This grant is specifically to assist young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 who are launching a new business or developing an existing one that has been established for less than 3 years. Applicants must not have the necessary collateral or down payment required for conventional financing. They must reside in the territory of the MRC d’Abitibi-Ouest and should be members or become members of one of the participating Desjardins caisses. The project must be funded personally by the entrepreneur.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant specifically supports companies located within a designated area as outlined by the funding partnership. Eligible locations are focused on fostering regional entrepreneurial development.
- Companies residing in the territory of the MRC d’Abitibi-Ouest.
How to apply
1
Preparation of the business plan
- Contact a professional for help in finalizing your business plan.
- Check that your project meets the eligibility criteria of the program.
2
Contact with an advisor
- Make an appointment with a development advisor to discuss the details of your project.
- Obtain additional information about the program and the steps to follow.
3
Submission of the request
- Prepare your application by following the instructions provided by the advisor.
- Submit the application to the MRC d'Abitibi-Ouest office or to one of the participating Desjardins branches.
4
Confirmation and follow-up
- Receive a confirmation of receipt of your request from the organization.
- Ensure regular follow-up with the advisor to know the status of your request.
Additional information
The Programme CRÉAVENIR has certain additional details that applicants should know:
- This programme is a partnership initiative led by the MRC d’Abitibi-Ouest and Desjardins, emphasizing local economic development.
- Financial aid provided may be both non-repayable and repayable, highlighting the importance of understanding each component.
- Although no minimum personal investment is required, successfully obtaining funds may depend on securing additional financing from other programmes.
- Applicants must engage with professional consultants to complete their business plan as a mandatory pre-requisite before submitting the application.
- The margin of credit offered comes with a competitive interest rate pegged to the prime rate plus a 0.5% markup.
- Applicants must either be existing members of participating Desjardins caisses or commit to becoming members.
- There's an emphasis on applicants receiving ongoing support and advisement throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program?
Who is eligible for the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program?
Where is the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program available?
Are startups eligible for the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program program?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the MRC Abitibi-Ouest — CRÉAVENIR Program program?

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