MRC des Chenaux — Chenaux Local Social Economy Fund (FLÉS)

Who is eligible?

The Fonds local d'économie sociale des Chenaux (FLÉS) grant is available to specific types of organizations and projects in the community. Eligible applicants include:- Non-profit organizations- CooperativesThese entities must focus on projects that pursue a social purpose, demonstrate significant economic viability, and address defined social needs in the community. Additionally, the project must:- Be executed within the territory of the MRC des Chenaux- Provide the creation or maintenance of sustainable employment with decent wages and adherence to labor standards- Operate in sectors that do not cause unfair competition or service duplicationPriority is given to projects in the following sectors:- Manufacturing- Recreational tourism- Agri-food- Community services with a commercial characterWhile sectors such as retail and personal services are generally excluded, exceptions may apply if the project fills a market gap or involves the acquisition of a well-established business with a strong market potential.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their nature and main activities. The purpose is to support organizations that align with the social economy objectives while excluding those engaged in controversial or unsuitable businesses.

• Businesses involved in the sexual, religious, or political sectors.
• Companies in the tobacco, vaping, or cannabis industries.
• Enterprises engaging in controversial activities such as matchmaking agencies, war games, arms trading, astrology, tarot reading, personal growth courses, pawn shops.
• Professional service companies regulated by an order.
• Businesses whose income mainly comes from commissions.
• Speculative ventures.
• Temporary or non-recurring businesses.
• Enterprises that are environmentally irresponsible under current legislation.
• Companies violating labor standards or human rights legislation.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers expenses that are essential for the capital investment and technological acquisition needed for the project.

• Capital expenses such as land, building, equipment, machinery, rolling stock, incorporation fees, and similar expenses excluding goodwill expenses.
• Acquisition of technologies, software or software packages, patents, and similar expenses, excluding research and development activities.
• Working capital needs strictly related to the identified needs of the presented project.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies that operate specifically within the MRC des Chenaux. It aims to provide financial and technical support to eligible organizations within this region to foster collective entrepreneurship initiatives.

• Projects must be realized in the territory of the MRC des Chenaux.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The aid is meant to complement existing governmental programs and not to replace them.
• The financial offer is time-constrained; projects must be initiated within 12 months of approval.
• If major changes occur in the project, it must be re-evaluated for viability by the committee.
• Beneficiaries must retain their status as a non-profit organization or cooperative for at least five years post-agreement signing.
• Accepted projects incur a non-refundable commitment fee of 0.5% of the loan amount.
• An MRC financial analyst oversees administrative follow-up and compliance with the funding terms.
• Innovative and job-creating projects might receive more than the maximum financial aid, depending on available funds.