How much funding can be received?

The Fonds de diversification économique provides non-repayable financial contributions to support innovative projects from SMEs within the MRC des Chenaux, with a maximum funding amount limited to 50% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $15,000 per year. Eligible activities include supporting economic diversification efforts, adopting information technology, and developing new products or processes.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Economic Diversification Fund provides a non-repayable financial contribution to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the MRC des Chenaux region. This fund acts as a supplement to traditional financing.

The financial assistance is non-repayable and complements other government aids without replacing existing or future federal and provincial funding programs.
Cumulative financial contributions from government sources must not exceed 80% of the total project expenses.
The maximum aid provided is limited to 50% of eligible expenses, with a cap of $15,000 per year per enterprise.
Projects must be financed with at least 20% contribution from promoters or other community sources.
In exceptional cases, when a project is deemed particularly structuring, the MRC reserves the right to exceed the usual maximum financial aid limits.
Accepted projects are subject to a non-refundable commitment fee of 0.5% of the granted contribution amount, payable at the time of agreement signing.
Funds may be withheld from disbursement to cover the commitment fee.
All projects must adhere to a previously established set of conditions formalized in an agreement between MRC and the business.
Projects must begin within 12 months of acceptance, with possible re-evaluation required if significant changes occur.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Economic Diversification Fund (FDÉ) aims to boost innovation and support businesses at various stages of their projects, specifically targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the MRC des Chenaux region. Eligible projects must demonstrate novelty and significant economic impact.

Evaluation of project opportunities.
Feasibility studies including technical and financial assessments.
Development and implementation of marketing plans.
Analysis and evaluation of processes and technologies.
Market research related to the project.
Business diagnostics and strategic planning.
Creation, modernization, and updating of websites, especially for transactional applications and mobile compatibility.
Development of new products, including adaption, standards compliance, and quality initiatives.
Development and implementation of new production methods and procedural improvements.
Acquisition of technological equipment, software, and protection of intellectual property related to product and process development.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Fonds de diversification économique (FDÉ) grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a legally constituted enterprise registered in the Quebec Business Register (Registre des entreprises du Québec).
The primary activity of the enterprise must be located within the territory of the MRC des Chenaux.
The enterprise must be a private, for-profit entity.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Fonds de diversification économique (FDÉ) is aimed at private for-profit companies legally constituted in the Quebec Business Registry whose main activity takes place within the MRC des Chenaux territory.

Private for-profit enterprises located within the MRC des Chenaux.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward sectors that support local economic diversification and innovation.

Companies involved in sexual, religious, or political activities.
Businesses part of the tobacco, vaping, or cannabis industry.
Companies engaged in controversial activities such as dating agencies, war games, armament, astrology, tarot readings, personal growth courses, or pawn shops.
Professional services businesses regulated by an order.
Companies whose revenues are primarily derived from commissions.
Businesses with speculative or non-recurrent activities.
Companies exhibiting environmentally irresponsible behavior according to current legislation.
Businesses not adhering to labor standards or human rights legislation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant supports expenses directly related to the realization and success of the project in various sectors.

Expenses for the realization of a project, including fees, expertise costs, and other necessary costs for conducting a study.
Expenses exclusively related to the creation, modernization, and updating of a website.
Expenses for the development or improvement of products or processes such as conception, design, engineering, and prototyping.
Professional fees for specialized services.
Acquisition of technological equipment, software, or similar expenses.
Costs for intellectual property protection.
Expenses such as installation costs of fixed assets, professional fees, and training expenses related to the project, satisfactory to the MRC.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located specifically on the territory of the MRC des Chenaux. The eligible locations are defined to focus support on economic diversification within this region.

Companies with their main activity located in the territory of the MRC des Chenaux.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure they contribute to the diversification and development of the economy in the MRC des Chenaux.

The eligibility of the project.
The impact on the economic diversification of the MRC.
The relevance and structuring quality of the project for the local economy.
The financial, social, and environmental viability of the project.
The experience and involvement of the promoters or managers.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Ensure the project is legally constituted and located in the MRC des Chenaux.
Check that the project is innovative and contributes to the economic diversification of the MRC.
Verify that the project meets the criteria for non-excluded sectors.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Prepare a detailed project description including objectives and expected outcomes.
Gather financial documentation such as the latest financial statements and project cost estimates.
Develop a project timeline with key milestones.
Prepare CVs of the project promoters.
Step 3: Submit Application to MRC des Chenaux
Submit the completed application form along with all required documentation.
Ensure to include plans for financing, timelines, and other required project-specific details.
Step 4: Pay Engagement Fees
Upon acceptance, pay a non-refundable engagement fee of 0.5% of the contribution granted.
Ensure this fee is accounted for at the time of the agreement signing.
Step 5: Await Confirmation & Follow-Up
After submission, await confirmation and instructions for further steps from the MRC des Chenaux.
Ensure all the terms of the financial protocol are understood and met.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum financial assistance is limited to 50% of eligible expenses, with a cumulative annual limit of $15,000 per enterprise.
In exceptional cases, the MRC reserves the right to grant financial assistance beyond this cap.
An engagement fee of 0.5% of the contribution amount is non-refundable and payable upon signing the agreement.
A protocol agreement defines the terms of fund disbursement, and obligations of parties involved.
The project must be initiated within 12 months of approval; otherwise, reevaluation is required after significant project changes.

Apply to this program

Empowering Economic Diversification in MRC des Chenaux

The Fonds de diversification économique (FDÉ) offers non-repayable financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the MRC des Chenaux territory. This initiative aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurial spirit by supplementing traditional financing methods.

Unveiling FDÉ: A Strategic Approach to Regional Growth

The Fonds de diversification économique (FDÉ) is a pivotal financial instrument specifically tailored for businesses located within the MRC des Chenaux region. It is consciously crafted to stimulate regional economic diversification and innovation by offering non-repayable contributions. Understanding that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the cornerstone of economic vitality, the FDÉ grants these businesses the opportunity to transcend conventional boundaries and engage in novel, high-impact projects. The fund is not merely a financial resource; it acts as a catalyst for sustainable community development, encouraging enterprises to digress from typical paths and explore groundbreaking methods that contribute to the broader economic landscape.

Eligible projects under the FDÉ must exhibit a notable innovative edge, showcasing significant potential to revolutionize local industries. These projects are evaluated based on their ability to lead to significant technological advancements, enhance product value, or tap into new markets. By placing a strong emphasis on projects that generate a multiplier effect on the local economy, the fund ensures that funded initiatives have a ripple effect, fostering the growth of technologically intensive sectors and invigorating the community’s economic framework.

The fund’s strategic allocation extends to a spectrum of eligible activities which include, but are not limited to, diversification strategies, information technology enhancements, and the development of new products or processes. Moreover, a key feature of the FDÉ is its emphasis on partnering with other governmental financial aids, requiring the cumulative public financing to remain below 80% of total project expenses, while maintaining a minimum of 20% project cost participation from the promoters or from the environment it benefits.

For entrepreneurs, the FDÉ provides a rare opportunity to receive up to 50% of their eligible expenses covered for innovative projects, with potential exceptions granting even further financial support for particularly transformative initiatives. However, this financial backing is subject to an annual ceiling of $15,000 per project, ensuring broad and equitable distribution of resources across multiple ventures within the region.

Implementing an effective and accountable framework is fundamental to the fund’s operation. Each approved project is subject to stringent oversight mechanisms, including a detailed agreement setting forth the conditions under which funds are disbursed. This systematic control is executed through the diligent efforts of financial analysts tasked with project monitoring and ensuring compliance with all protocol requirements. Moreover, strict criteria are upheld wherein projects must commence within 12 months of approval to maintain eligibility, underscoring the fund’s commitment to timely and impactful economic interventions.

The FDÉ is strategically focused on nurturing sectors that hold promise for robust economic returns, such as manufacturing, agroalimentaire, recreational tourism, and business-to-business services with commercial and industrial significance. Conversely, it deliberately excludes industries that are saturated or do not align with the region’s sustainable development goals. This selective approach ensures that funding is directed towards ventures with the highest potential to contribute to a diversified and resilient regional economy.

In essence, the Fonds de diversification économique stands as a decisive force in bolstering the economic diversification and technological progression of the MRC des Chenaux area. It empowers businesses to innovate and adapt, fostering an environment wherein traditional barriers are dismantled, and new, sustainable opportunities emerge, ensuring a thriving economic future for the region and its inhabitants.