MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund program?

To be eligible for the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund program, you must: • For-profit business legally incorporated under Quebec or Canadian law • Head office located in Quebec and operating in Beauharnois • Registered with the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ)

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund?

You can contact MRC Beauharnois-Salaberry by email at info@mrcbhs.ca or by phone at 4502250870.

Q: Where is the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund available?

The MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Beauharnois, QC

Supports business development and workforce retention in Beauharnois-Salaberry

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The MRC Beauharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund offers up to $100,000 in financing to support business development, succession, workplace adaptation, and the promotion of the aluminum industry in the Beauharnois region. Eligible activities include business establishment, acquisition and succession projects, workplace improvements for workforce retention, and initiatives that increase the visibility of the aluminum sector.

Financing terms and conditions

Loan covering up to 40% of the project value, with a maximum of $100,000 per project (Volet 1 and 2), and $20,000 per project (Volet 3), at a minimum base interest rate of 3%.
Non-repayable rent subsidy covering 25% of annual commercial rent, up to $5,000 per year for three years (total $15,000 per business, Volet 1).
Non-repayable subsidy covering up to 75% of eligible professional fees, up to $2,000 per project (Volet 1 and 3).

Activities funded

Establishment or expansion of businesses in downtown Beauharnois.
Business succession or acquisition initiatives ensuring continuity of local enterprises.
Workplace adaptation projects to enhance inclusivity and retention of underrepresented workers.
Initiatives to promote the aluminum industry and the contribution of Rio Tinto Alcan within Beauharnois-Salaberry.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit business under Quebec or Canadian law, or a collective enterprise (such as a cooperative or NPO) as defined by the Social Economy Act, with at least 60% of revenue from commercial activities (for most streams; 50% self-generated revenue for downtown diversification projects).
The business must operate in Beauharnois and have its head office in Quebec.
The company must be registered with the Quebec Enterprise Register (REQ).
The project must demonstrate economic viability, including profitability, repayment capacity, and sound prospects.
The applicants must have relevant knowledge and experience in their field, and show an openness to good labor relations and compliance with environmental standards.

Who is eligible?

Legally constituted for-profit businesses (incorporated under the laws of Quebec or Canada)
Collective enterprises (such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations) engaged in economic activities, with at least 60% of their revenues from commercial activities (or 50% for downtown revitalization projects)

Who is not eligible

Companies that have failed to fulfill financial obligations to the Ministry or the MRC after formal notice, within the previous two years.
Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Any applicant whose behavior could tarnish the image of integrity or probity of the MRC, even by association.
Projects involving transactions between related companies or partners, in the context of business succession or acquisition.

Eligible expenses

Acquisition of assets and capital expenditures directly related to the realization of the business project (such as purchase of technology, land, building, equipment, machinery, and vehicles, as well as construction, expansion, renovation, or improvements to premises and land).
Marketing expenses linked to the business project.
Working capital for the first year of establishment (for new businesses).
Commercial rent (25% of annual commercial rent before taxes, up to set limits and for a maximum of 3 years; must be with an unrelated landlord).
Professional fees directly tied to the realization of the project (up to specified limits and with required documentation).
Acquisition of company shares (as part of an eligible business transfer).
Acquisition of goodwill (business assets) for business transfers.
Coaching and training services related to best practices for workforce integration, up to 75% of eligible costs before taxes (as per established limits and with supporting offer of service).
Renovations and improvements to enhance universal accessibility (such as installing ramps) and to adapt or improve the workplace to meet the specific needs of employees (e.g., ergonomic workstations, enhancing spaces like kitchens or restrooms, creating rest areas, or equipment for sensory sensitivities).

Eligible geographic areas

City of Beauharnois, Quebec
Businesses with their head office in Quebec and operating in Beauharnois
Companies with a significant presence (management, marketing, or production team) in Beauharnois or its immediate surroundings

Selection criteria

Economic viability: The business project must demonstrate long-term profitability, repayment capacity, and strong financial prospects.
Knowledge and experience: Promoters must show relevant expertise and experience in the field, or demonstrate access to appropriate resources and advisors.
Openness toward workers: The company's attitude and approach to labor relations will be considered in the assessment.
Environmental standards: The promoter must comply with applicable environmental standards and contribute to sustainable development.
Quality of business planning: Submission of a summary business plan, including three-year financial forecasts demonstrating viability and repayment capability (where applicable).

How to apply

Confirm eligibility and funding stream

Review the eligibility criteria for the grant, including business location, status, and compliance with regulations
Identify which funding stream applies to your project (e.g., downtown diversification, succession acquisition, workplace adaptation, RTA/aluminium promotion)

Gather and prepare documents

Gather required business documents such as financial statements, proof of business registration, and business plan
Prepare specific supporting documents listed for the chosen funding stream (e.g., lease agreements, service offers for professionals, project descriptions, estimates from contractors)
Ensure all financial forecasts and plans cover a three-year period if required

Submit application to MRC

Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the responsible office at the MRC de Beauharnois-Salaberry
Ensure submission occurs before incurring non-eligible expenses (other than permitted down payments)

Application review by MRC and committee

The application receives a preliminary review by the fund's responsible agent at the MRC
If found admissible and viable, the project is forwarded for further evaluation by the selection committee

Joint investment committee decision

The joint investment committee reviews the recommendation, analyzes project details, and decides on acceptance or refusal
If required, additional documents or clarifications may be requested

Sign agreements and fulfill conditions

If accepted, sign the necessary agreements with the MRC
Fulfill any conditions required before the disbursement of funds

Reporting and follow-up obligations

Provide periodic updates to the MRC as specified in the agreement
Submit annual financial statements and allow for on-site visits as required

Additional information

The management and administration of the Fund are overseen by a Joint Investment Committee, with defined governance and conflict of interest protocols.
Subsidized rent support requires that the landlord is not related, associated, or affiliated with the aided business.
Grant recipients must authorize the MRC to publicly disclose that funding was awarded to their enterprise.
Recipients are required to submit annual financial statements prepared by an external accountant and may undergo periodic site visits.

Contacts

info@mrcbhs.ca

4502250870

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Beaharnois-Salaberry — Rio Tinto Alcan Diversification Fund. 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.