MRC Bellechasse — Bellechasse Agri-Food Investment Fund (FIAB)
QC, Canada
Agri-food financial aid for small Bellechasse enterprises
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- MRC de Bellechasse
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Fonds d'investissement agroalimentaire Bellechasse (FIAB) offers financial assistance in the form of an honor loan, with a maximum funding of $20,000, to support small-scale agricultural enterprises in their production, transformation, and short-circuit marketing projects, including start-up, expansion, acquisition, and succession. Eligible activities must align with Bellechasse’s strategic development plan, create sustainable employment, and demonstrate market viability with a 20% promoter contribution.
grant_single_labels|projects
This fund is designed to support new and expanding businesses within the agri-food sector, encouraging short supply chain market and small-scale farm operations. It targets projects that enhance production, transformation, and market delivery within these contexts.
- Initiation of new agricultural production enterprises focusing on conventional or unconventional methods.
- Expansion of existing small agricultural operations into broader markets, emphasizing local consumption.
- Acquisition of existing agri-businesses to introduce or maintain value-added processing and market integration.
- Succession or business transfer projects ensuring the continuity of small-scale agri-food operations.
- Projects that develop short supply chain strategies for agri-food market integration.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the nature of the proposed projects.
- The fund is aimed at small agricultural businesses focusing on first, second, or third-stage on-farm processing and promoting short supply chain marketing.
- Eligible participants are enterprises in conventional, non-conventional production, or small-sized farms.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is aimed at supporting small agri-food businesses in the Bellechasse region through honor loans from Développement Économique Bellechasse, promoting projects focused on short market circuits and transformation.
- No specific evaluation and selection criteria with point scores are provided in the given context.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific capital and operational expenses essential for agricultural projects focused on production, processing, and market involvement.
- Purchase of land.
- Construction or acquisition of buildings.
- Procurement of equipment and machinery.
- Purchase of vehicles.
- Incorporation fees.
- Acquisition of technologies, software, or management systems.
- Purchase of patents and similar intellectual property costs.
- Working capital needs strictly for the first year of operation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant targets agribusinesses producing goods or services specifically on territories within a designated regional area. Eligibility is confined to projects aligned with regional strategic development within this area.
- Territory of the MRC de Bellechasse.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure your project aligns with the eligibility criteria for businesses and projects as detailed by DÉB.
- Check that your project adheres to the strategic development plan of the MRC de Bellechasse.
- Step 2: Prepare Financial Plan and Documentation
- Prepare a comprehensive business plan, including projected financial statements for the first three years.
- Document the required 20% equity investment, which can include capital, equipment, or other eligible contributions.
- Step 3: Develop Project Proposal
- Draft a detailed project proposal that includes objectives, proposed activities, and anticipated outcomes.
- Ensure the proposal demonstrates job creation benefits and potential market viability.
- Step 4: Gather Required Documentation
- Assemble necessary documents such as technology, software, or patent acquisition plans, and any other relevant capital expenditures.
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurately reflect project needs and compliance with eligibility requirements.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Contact Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB) for submission details as explicit instructions are not provided in the context.
- Submit all prepared documents and the application form as per DÉB's guidelines.
- Step 6: Sign Loan Agreement
- If approved, review and sign the loan agreement to finalize the acceptance of the honor loan.
Apply to this program
Supporting Agricultural Entrepreneurs in Bellechasse
The Fonds d'investissement agroalimentaire Bellechasse (FIAB) offers financial support to small agricultural enterprises in Bellechasse through honor loans provided by Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB). The fund is particularly aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability in agricultural production, transformation, and short supply chain marketing.
Detailed Explanation of the FIAB Grant
The Fonds d'investissement agroalimentaire Bellechasse (FIAB) is a pivotal financial instrument designed to bolster the agricultural sector within the MRC de Bellechasse. By focusing on both conventional and unconventional agricultural production, this grant seeks to ensure the longevity and prosperity of small farm businesses. The FIAB targets enterprises that are engaged primarily in transforming and marketing their products within short supply chains, thereby promoting local economic development and reducing ecological footprints.
The financial aid, presented as a zero-interest honor loan, maximizes support for projects that demonstrate effective job creation or retention — vital for the region's economic vitality. With potential loan amounts reaching up to $20,000, or even $25,000 for particularly pivotal projects, the FIAB prioritizes initiatives that generate or maintain employment, making a meaningful impact on the local community.
Eligible projects encompass a range of undertakings, from the startup phase and business expansion to acquisition and succession in the agricultural production and transformation sectors. This flexibility ensures that numerous business needs and development stages can be addressed, enabling a diverse array of enterprises to thrive.
One of the strategic goals of the FIAB is the alignment with the MRC de Bellechasse's development strategy. This requirement ensures that all funded projects contribute positively to the broader goals of regional development, adhering to sustainability standards and economic growth projections. Furthermore, businesses must provide comprehensive business plans with financial forecasts, illustrating the project's market potential and viability over three years.
The FIAB not only encourages establishment on company-owned land but also accommodates projects on long-term rented properties, thus offering considerable flexibility to entrepreneurs regarding project location. This strategic financial backing mitigates the risks associated with new ventures and expansions, fostering a supportive environment for agricultural entrepreneurship.
Importantly, the fund's emphasis on creating and maintaining durable employment underscores its commitment to strengthening the local workforce. Projects eligible for assistance must not threaten existing businesses, ensuring that the financial benefits truly enhance the economic ecosystem rather than redirect it. The stipulation for a 20% equity contribution by project promoters ensures a level of vested interest and commitment to the project's success, while also leveraging additional resources for greater economic impact.
In summary, the FIAB is a cornerstone initiative that empowers small agricultural enterprises to innovate and expand within Bellechasse. Through strategic support and stringent eligibility criteria, it catalyzes projects that contribute to sustainable development, economic resilience, and community well-being, positioning the region as a hub for forward-thinking agricultural practices.
