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MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation
Enhancing Les Etchemins' natural heritage through tourism development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 30, 2024
- Closing date : December 20, 2024
Location
Chaudière-Appalaches, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Signature Innovation Project aims to enhance the natural heritage of Les Etchemins with a maximum funding of $200,000 per project, by developing panoramic routes, trail networks for non-motorized mobility, and nature-based recreational tourism and accommodations. The program supports municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, private and social economy enterprises, cooperatives, non-profits, educational entities, and individuals starting a business.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 30, 2024
- Closing date : December 20, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Les Etchemins
- Chaudière-Appalaches
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- General public
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Signature Innovation Project grant supports innovative projects that highlight the exceptional natural landscapes of the MRC des Etchemins. The eligible initiatives aim to enhance the recreational tourism offer and foster long-term development, while promoting appreciation and discovery of the territory.
- Development of panoramic routes and exceptional viewpoints to enhance the region's unique landscapes.
- Creation and improvement of a non-motorized trail network to promote soft mobility and connectivity between local sites.
- Expansion of nature-based recreational tourism and accommodation options to appeal to diverse visitors.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, private and social economy enterprises (excluding those in the financial sector), cooperatives (excluding financial sector cooperatives), not-for-profit organizations, educational network organizations, and legal entities wishing to start a business are eligible to apply.
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are in place to direct resources to specific areas of tourism and cultural heritage enhancement.
- Private companies in the financial sector.
- Cooperatives within the financial sector.
Eligible expenses
The grant supports expenses that are directly attributable to the execution of the project, ensuring a focused use of funds.
- Real salaries and social benefits tied to project execution and monitoring, including travel expenses.
- Fees for specialists and expert consultants.
- Costs for land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and moving equipment.
- Expenses related to acquiring land or easements, including legal and evaluation fees.
- Costs for creating plans and designs, as well as surveying expenses.
- Rental costs for tools, equipment, and machinery, installation of equipment, and other direct project-related expenses.
- Promotion expenses for the project.
- Value of volunteer contributions involved in the project.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is targeted towards entities located within the MRC des Etchemins in Quebec, showcasing the unique natural landscapes of the region. Eligible geographical participants are those who operate in the following municipalities.
- Saint-Camille-de-Lellis
- Sainte-Justine
- Sainte-Rose-de-Watford
- Sainte-Sabine
- Sainte-Aurélie
- Saint-Luc-de-Bellechasse
- Saint-Magloire
- Saint-Philémon
- Saint-Prosper
- Saint-Benoît-Labre
- Saint-Zacharie
- Lac-Etchemin
- Saint-Léon-de-Standon
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The maximum financial assistance from the Signature innovation project is CAD 200,000 per project, encouraging large-scale initiatives on the territory of the MRC.
- Private enterprises can receive funding covering up to 50% of eligible expenditures, while other eligible beneficiaries can receive up to 80%.
- Applicants must contribute a minimum of 20% of the total project cost, with at least 10% in cash.
- Voluntary contributions are permissible, capped at 10% of the project's eligible costs.
- A business plan, though not mandatory, can be included to strengthen the application.
- Annexes such as maps, resumes, or letters of support can be provided to enhance the project's understanding.
- Exterior furniture like benches and permanent signage along trails are eligible expenses.
- If a project is declined, it may be resubmitted during a future call for projects if revised.
- Project results and financial administration must be reported, with interim and final reports required.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation. 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 Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation?
The Signature Innovation Project aims to enhance the natural heritage of Les Etchemins with a maximum funding of $200,000 per project, by developing panoramic routes, trail networks for non-motorized mobility, and nature-based recreational tourism and accommodations. The program supports municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, private and social economy enterprises, cooperatives, non-profits, educational entities, and individuals starting a business.
How much funding can be received?
MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was December 20, 2024.
Who is eligible for the MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation program?
To be eligible for the MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation program, you must:
The applicant must belong to one of the following categories: municipal organizations, Indigenous communities, private enterprises (excluding those in the financial sector), social economy enterprises, cooperatives (excluding financial sector cooperatives), non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or legal entities intending to start a company.
The project must aim to enhance the panoramic views and the recreational tourism offer in the region of MRC Les Etchemins.
What expenses are eligible under MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation?
The Signature Innovation Project grant supports innovative projects that highlight the exceptional natural landscapes of the MRC des Etchemins. The eligible initiatives aim to enhance the recreational tourism offer and foster long-term development, while promoting appreciation and discovery of the territory. Development of panoramic routes and exceptional viewpoints to enhance the region's unique landscapes.
Creation and improvement of a non-motorized trail network to promote soft mobility and connectivity between local sites.
Expansion of nature-based recreational tourism and accommodation options to appeal to diverse visitors.
Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation?
You can contact MRC des Etchemins by email at mapouliot@mrcetchemins.qc.ca or by phone at 418-625-9000.
Where is the MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation available?
The MRC Les Etchemins — Call for projects: Signature innovation program is available Chaudière-Appalaches, Quebec.