The grant program "Appui à des initiatives provenant des milieux ruraux (AIMR)" provides non-repayable contributions up to $5,000 to support the development of cooperative, non-profit, and municipal projects within the economic territory of Bellechasse. The program aims to foster employment, address local needs, and bolster the unique socio-economic and cultural landscape through eligible activities such as infrastructure development and feasibility studies.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial support through non-repayable contributions to eligible initiatives, with specific conditions based on the territorial impact and project scope.

Maximum grant amount per project is CAD 5,000 based on eligible expenses.
Funding is modulated according to the territorial reach: 30% for projects spanning 1-5 municipalities, 40% for projects covering 6-10 municipalities, and 50% for projects impacting over 10 municipalities.
A mandatory contribution from the community representing at least 20% of the eligible expenses is required.

Activities funded

Construction of necessary infrastructure, excluding landscaping and parking.
Execution of micro projects that serve community needs.
Purchase of essential equipment and materials for project implementation outside of regular operations.
Conducting pre-feasibility or feasibility studies.
Market research initiatives to support local economic activities.
Engaging specialized consulting services for expert insights.
Pre-startup expenses related to the development of significant projects.
Resource inventory projects to assess and utilize local assets.
Implementation of projects that fall outside routine organizational expenditures.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is mainly determined by the applicant's organizational structure and location within the specific territory.

The applicant must be a municipality within the territory of Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB), including Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB) itself.
The applicant can be a non-profit organization that is incorporated and has its place of business within the DÉB territory.
Cooperatives with their place of business within the DÉB territory are eligible.
Private for-profit businesses are not eligible for financial assistance under this program.
Organizations that have already received the maximum financial aid of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($5,000) for a previously submitted eligible project under this program cannot reapply.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant program include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives located within the territory of Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB). Private for-profit businesses are not eligible. Additionally, organizations that have already received the maximum grant amount of $5,000 previously from this program cannot apply again.

Who is not eligible

This grant specifically restricts certain entities based on their for-profit status and previous funding limitations. These restrictions ensure that the funds are utilized by non-profit and cooperative organizations within the designated development area.

Private for-profit businesses.
Organizations that have already received the maximum grant amount of $5,000 for a previously submitted eligible project.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant pertain to costs that are essential for the development and execution of the project.

Salaries, wages, and related employer costs for employees, interns, and similar roles involved in an eligible project.
Professional fees.
Capital expenditures, including land, buildings, equipment, machinery, vehicles, incorporation fees, and similar expenses.
Acquisition of technology, software, applications, patents, and similar expenses.
Other costs inherent to the development and execution of the projects.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is open to municipalities, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives located within the defined territory of Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB), ensuring targeted support for local projects.

Any municipality that is part of the Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB) territory.
Non-profit organizations with their place of business within the Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB) territory.
Cooperatives having their place of business within the Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB) territory.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are determined by specific criteria that ensure they align with the objectives of the program.

Project contributes to direct or indirect job creation, maintenance, or support of existing or future jobs.
The project addresses collective needs, gaps, threats, or opportunities identified in the local economic and employment action plan.
The project's unique nature, being the only one of its kind in the region.
Engagement of community partners in the realization of the project, including financial and political support.
Contribution to increased social or economic activity through new infrastructure or development projects.
Facilitation of subsidiary projects in various socio-economic sectors.
Complements or strengthens existing projects or infrastructure.
Involvement in preliminary studies, research, or activities for larger project development likely leading to economic, social, or cultural outcomes.

How to apply

Eligibility Check

Confirm that your organization is either a municipality, a nonprofit organization, or a cooperative located within the territory of Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB).
Ensure that your project meets the eligibility criteria.

Preparation of the application file

Write a detailed description of the project including its objectives, anticipated impact, and contribution to the local economy.
Determine the relevant component for your project: Component A (Infrastructure and equipment) or Component B (Studies, research, or interventions).
Prepare a budget detailing eligible expenses and the funding required by the program.
Gather support from partners and the necessary supporting documents.

Submission of the request

Complete the application form provided by the program as soon as it becomes available.
Attach all required documents to your application file.
Submit the application before the deadline of the call for projects.

Follow-up on the request

Wait for a confirmation of the receipt of your request from the organization.
Keep a copy of your request and the confirmation for your records.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant is provided as a non-repayable contribution.
The grant is allocated up to a maximum of $5,000 per eligible project.
The financial contribution from the applicant's community must be a minimum of 20% of the eligible expenses.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR). 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 Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR)?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under MRC Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR)?

The AIMR grant is designed to support collective projects that contribute to local economic and social development in rural areas within the Bellechasse region. Eligible initiatives should either focus on enhancing local infrastructure or undertake crucial studies and interventions. Construction of necessary infrastructure, excluding landscaping and parking. Execution of micro projects that serve community needs. Purchase of essential equipment and materials for project implementation outside of regular operations. Conducting pre-feasibility or feasibility studies. Market research initiatives to support local economic activities. Engaging specialized consulting services for expert insights. Pre-startup expenses related to the development of significant projects. Resource inventory projects to assess and utilize local assets. Implementation of projects that fall outside routine organizational expenditures.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the MRC Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the MRC Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR)?

Who is eligible for the MRC Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR) program?

To be eligible for the MRC Bellechasse — Support for initiatives from rural areas (AIMR) program, you must: The applicant must be a municipality, a non-profit organization, or a cooperative operating within the territory of Développement Économique Bellechasse (DÉB). The applicant organization must not have received the maximum financial aid of $5,000 from this program in a previous application.