MRC Collines-de-l'Outaouais — Local Investment Fund (FLI) and Solidarity Fund (FLS)
QC, Canada
Local funds support sustainable business development in the Outaouais
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 1, 2013
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 31, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant aims to support sustainable economic development in the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais through the Local Investment Fund (FLI) and Local Solidarity Fund (FLS), with a maximum funding amount of $150,000 for eligible business projects, including business start-ups, expansions, and entrepreneurial succession. Eligible activities supported by the funds include productivity improvements, digital transformation, and the establishment of durable organizational practices.
grant_single_labels|projects
This funding initiative encourages entrepreneurship and supports business sustainability within the MRC des Collines-de-l'Outaouais territory. The program funds a variety of business projects from startups to expansions, promoting economic growth and job creation.
- Startup projects, supporting businesses from the start of commercialization to reaching profitability.
- Business succession, assisting new owners in acquiring a significant stake in an existing company.
- Company acquisition, providing financial support for purchasing assets or shares of a business.
- Enhancement and transformation of businesses, focusing on productivity, digital transformation, and sustainable practices.
- Business growth and expansion, funding the marketing of new products, export projects, and subsidiary establishment.
- Temporary financing for short-term needs pending confirmed sources of income.
- Business restructuring, supporting recovery plans for companies experiencing non-critical crises.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant focus on the applicants' legal status, location, and business sector alignment with regional priorities.
- Applicants must be for-profit businesses legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada, or collective enterprises (cooperatives and non-profit organizations) with commercial activities as defined by the Social Economy Act.
- The business must operate within the territory of the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais and have its head office in Quebec.
- The business must be registered with the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ).
- Social economy enterprises must meet the conditions specified in Annex "A."
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Fonds local d’investissement (FLI) and Fonds local de solidarité (FLS) target legally constituted for-profit companies and social economy enterprises operating within the territory of the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais and having their headquarters in Quebec. Companies must be registered in the Quebec Business Directory and not fall under specific excluded categories.
- Legally constituted for-profit companies under Quebec or Canadian law.
- Collective enterprises, including cooperatives and non-profit organizations engaging in commercial activities as defined by the Social Economy Act.
- Companies with their headquarters in Quebec.
- Companies registered in the Quebec Business Directory.
- Companies operating within the territory of the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
- Companies not listed in the Register of businesses ineligible for government contracts (RENA).
- Companies that have not defaulted on previous financial obligations to the Ministry or regional county municipality in the previous two years.
- Companies not under protection from bankruptcy legislation.
- Companies that fit within the eligible sectors excluding those focused on armaments production, fossil fuels, gambling, exploitation, real estate, and certain drug-related activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries primarily due to their legal issues or specific sector engagements. The intent is to ensure appropriateness of fund allocation and adherence to ethical norms.
- Companies listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors.
- Entities that failed to meet obligations with prior financial aid from the Ministry or regional county municipality.
- State corporations or entities controlled directly or indirectly by any level of government.
- Companies under protection from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Businesses with unethical behavior that could tarnish government or municipal integrity by association.
- Organizations with irresponsible environmental practices.
- Businesses with a history of non-compliance with labor standards or human rights legislation.
- Companies involved in arms production or distribution.
- Entities focusing on fossil fuel exploration, production, or related industries, except for transition activities toward a low-carbon economy.
- Those engaged in gambling operations such as casinos and bingo halls.
- Businesses exploiting violent games, combat sports involving living beings, or similar activities.
- Entities involved in sexual exploitation industries.
- Real estate management and development businesses, with specific conditions.
- Businesses related to tobacco or drug consumption services, except for some cannabis-related activities that meet specific criteria.
- Projects related to recreational cannabis and certain non-certified medicinal cannabis products.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The FLI supports specific expenses that are crucial for the successful realization of business projects, focusing on capital needs and professional services related to business development and transitions.
- Additional working capital required for project implementation, limited to a maximum duration of two years, based on justified and reasonable expenses.
- Capital expenditures directly linked to the realization of the business project, such as technology acquisition, land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and rolling stock, including construction, expansion, renovation, and layout of land and premises.
- Pre-project professional fees like feasibility analysis, external audit, or impact study.
- Professional fees directly related to the implementation of technology, equipment, and machinery, as well as acquisition, construction, renovation, and layout of land and premises.
- Expenses for acquiring ownership titles (voting shares or stakes) and assets of the targeted company in entrepreneurial succession projects.
- Professional fees directly linked to the transaction, acquisition, and leadership transition of the business in entrepreneurial succession projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located within the specific territory as determined by the funding body. The eligible locations ensure alignment with local development initiatives.
- Businesses operating within the territory of the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
- Companies with their head office located in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Fonds local d’investissement (FLI) and Fonds local de solidarité (FLS) are based on specific criteria to ensure the sustainability and impact of investments on the local economy.
- The economic viability of the funded enterprise: demonstration of profitability, repayment capacity, and sound prospects.
- The knowledge and experience of the promoters: relevant expertise and management skills are essential, with the provision for additional support if needed.
- Environmental and societal benefits: contributions to improving the socio-economic and environmental balance with sustainable business practices.
- Openness towards workers: the business’s approach to labor relations and inclusivity is considered.
- No focus on subcontracting and privatization: investments should not merely transfer economic activity and jobs from one organization to another.
- Participation of other financial partners: capital contributions from other sources, especially from promoters, are strongly encouraged.
- Perpetuation of the funds: self-financing perspective guides the choice of enterprises to support, focusing on the impact on the fund portfolio balance.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
- Complete the financial assistance application form, ensuring it is dated and signed.
- Prepare and compile a detailed business plan or project description as required in the application form.
- Create a detailed breakdown of project expenses.
- Develop the financial structure of the project, including confirmation of any other financial support or funding involved.
- Collect financial statements for the past three years.
- Prepare interim financial statements if the past statements are over six months old or the business is less than a year old.
- Draft forecasted financial statements.
- Provide a statement of compliance with francization requirements or a French compliance certificate, if applicable.
- Provide a declaration of compliance regarding employment equality or a copy of the Employment Equity Program, if applicable.
- Include any other documents requested by the MRC.
- Step 2: Submit the Application
- Send the completed application and all accompanying documents to the MRC.
- Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to facilitate continuous processing.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Interest rates are influenced by a risk premium and an amortization premium, and can be reduced with secured loans.
- There is a possibility for a refund anticipation without penalty if conditions in the loan agreement are adhered to.
- The investment approach includes term loans with flexible repayment schedules based on the specific realities of the business.
- In cases of default, legal measures for recovery are shared between the FLI and FLS funds according to their investment proportions.
- Management fees of 0.5% of the total loan amount apply.
- The maximum duration for repayment, including any moratoriums, should not exceed June 1, 2032, for FLI.
- All modifications to the policy must be submitted to the MEIE and Fonds locaux de solidarité FTQ.
