How much funding can be received?

The Fonds d’aide et de soutien à l’entrepreneuriat (FASE) aims to financially support private companies in the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay for projects that promote economic development, job creation, and sustainability, with a maximum funding amount of $75,000 for major and structuring projects when combined with other financial support like FLI-FLS. The program supports various activities, including agriculture, tourism, digital transformation, and business expansion, among others, as long as they generate significant economic benefits for the region.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides financial support to entrepreneurship projects through non-reimbursable contributions aimed at accomplishing specific development goals. The fund allocates resources strategically based on the financing needs of the projects within defined parameters.

The MRC can contribute up to a maximum of 50% of the total project costs, subject to a predefined ceiling depending on the category of the project.
The financial assistance is calculated based on the cash investment that the promoter injects into the project.
Funds are intended exclusively for authorized expenses incurred after the official application date and are subject to the terms of the funding agreement.
The financial aids are limited to one-time contributions and do not support ongoing operational costs.
Combined governmental aid, including that from Québec and Canada, must not exceed 50% of eligible project expenses.
All disbursements and agreements are contingent on compliance with the terms specified in the protocol of agreement.

grant_single_labels|projects

The FASE grant aims to financially support entrepreneurship through various development projects within the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay region. These projects focus on bolstering the local economy, enhancing employment quality, and increasing productive capacity.

Major and structuring projects enhancing regional reputation and economic impact.
Establishment and maintenance of essential service providers in underserved areas.
Business succession plans involving the transfer of management and ownership.
Projects aimed at productivity improvement, market development, and profitability increase.
Development and enhancement of tourism offerings.
General development projects impacting significant business growth.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The project must be located on the territory of the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay.
The promoter must be a Canadian citizen or hold a registered and valid business number in Canada.
The promoter must be 18 years of age or older.
The project must create, maintain, or enhance the quality of one or more jobs within the MRC territory.
The promoter must comply with the MRC's requirements and regulations.
The project must involve the production of a good or service intended for commercialization.
The project must require a minimum financial investment (project cost) of $15,000.
The project must not be a one-time activity or event.
The promoter must submit a business or development plan.
The promoter must not have received non-repayable financial aid from the MRC in the last 24 months.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are in place to ensure proper alignment with ethical and environmental standards.

Companies registered on the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Businesses under protection from bankruptcy laws, such as the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Entities engaging in unethical behavior potentially damaging to the county's reputation.
Companies with environmentally irresponsible practices contrary to legislation.
Businesses with a history of non-compliance with labor standards or human rights legislation.
Industries involved in the production or distribution of weapons.
Fossil fuel exploration, extraction, drilling, production, and refining, except for those aiming for a low-carbon economy transition.
Gambling operations, including casinos, bingo halls, and game terminals.
Violence-related gaming, combat sports with living creatures, races, or similar activities.
Sexual exploitation operations such as erotic bars, escort agencies, erotic massage parlors, or swinger clubs, and pornographic material production.
Real estate management and development.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include various costs associated with the project after the official application has been submitted.

Acquisition of capital assets
Acquisition of technologies
Acquisition of intangible assets, except goodwill expenses
Marketing expenses for existing or new products
Expenses for professional services related to startup or expansion
Working capital requirements may be considered

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located in the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay region. Eligible locations must align with the MRC's territorial development objectives.

MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay region

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on various criteria to ensure effective alignment with the fund's objectives and the broader economic goals of the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay.

Rentability of the project.
Economic impacts on the territory of the MRC.
Permanence and sustainability of the enterprise and the project.
Creation, consolidation, maintenance, or enhancement of job quality in the business.
Relevance of the project within the MRC's strategic planning framework.
Level of risk associated with the project.
Experience and training of the promoters.
Competencies of the promoter and/or the management team.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria or sustainable development considerations.
Innovation.
Presence of financial partners.
Diversification of the economy in the affected territory.
The project must be supported by relevant and appropriate resources.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Fonds d’aide et de soutien à l’entrepreneuriat (FASE):

Step 1: Information Collection
Collect all relevant information about your project and ensure it meets the eligibility criteria.
Prepare necessary documents such as business plans or development plans, financial statements, and the declaration of the applicant's form.
Step 2: Application Preparation
Develop a comprehensive project proposal including details about the project's economic impact, job creation, and financial projections.
Ensure all documentation is complete and corroborates the information in your proposal.
Step 3: Application Submission
Submit the application to the Service de développement économique (SDÉ) of the MRC for initial assessment.
Ensure the application is received before any stipulated deadlines.
Step 4: Project Review
The SDÉ will review the project for conformity with eligibility criteria and analyze its viability.
The application is then forwarded to the Comité d’Investissement en Développement Économique (CIDE) for further evaluation.
Step 5: Decision and Notification
Receive a decision that will either approve, modify, or deny the assistance requested.
If approved, sign the protocol agreement that outlines the terms of financial aid and project monitoring.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The Committee on Economic Development Investment (CIDE) has the authority to make recommendations or decisions on projects, and its conclusions must be submitted to the MRC council of mayors.
The grant may be adjusted based on the contribution from the promoter, which may affect the final awarded amount.
The MRC has the right to change the investment policy at any time without prior notification to ensure it aligns with their economic and budgetary directions.
Beneficiaries may be required to publicly acknowledge the financial assistance and share certain project details, but sensitive information will remain confidential without consent.
The sums reserved for a project are available during the period that the agreement is in effect, with a maximum duration until March 31, 2025.
A potential maximum envelope of $3,000 is available for additional professional services to support companies in achieving higher performance standards.

Apply to this program

Empowering Entrepreneurs in the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay

The Fonds d’Aide et de Soutien à l’Entrepreneuriat (FASE) offers substantial financial support to businesses seeking to stimulate local economic growth within the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay. This grant is tailored to bolster projects that aim to enhance job creation, entrepreneurial development, and the economic vitality of the region.

Detailed Insights into the FASE Investment Policy

The FASE is structured to optimize economic outcomes by concentrating its resources on projects that promise significant economic benefits within the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay's thirteen municipalities and three non-organized territories. The program supports a diverse array of initiatives, from the enhancement of local businesses to large-scale projects that can potentially attract broader economic activity and investment. It is available for various business forms including private enterprises and cooperatives, thereby encompassing a wide spectrum of economic actors. These enterprises, however, must be officially registered in the Quebec Enterprise Registry to qualify.

FASE's key focus is to provide non-repayable financial assistance that directly addresses the economic needs of the region. Such assistance is instrumental in driving projects that foster entrepreneurship and economic innovation. The grant supports projects categorically tailored towards the agriculture and agro-food transformation sectors, tourism, digital transformation initiatives, natural resource exploitation and processing, manufacturing, and local service provision. By focusing on these strategic areas, the grant seeks to fuel productivity, encourage economic diversification, and maintain sustainable growth.

The Investment Policy outlines a clear pathway for applicants, ensuring that each possibility is thoroughly vetted before consideration by the economic development committee and eventual endorsement by the council of mayors, illustrating a well-defined governance structure. This committee, composed of sectoral representatives, ensures that diverse economic interests are considered, promoting transparency and inclusiveness in decision-making.

Eligible projects benefit from a structured, clear process involving information gathering, conformity checks, comprehensive project assessments, and potentially beneficial follow-ups post-approval. This coherent structure not only enhances accountability and effectiveness in fund allocation but also reinforces the policy's commitment to thorough project support. These provisions underline the grant's focus on maintaining high standards of project delivery and ensuring the highest possible impact.

Furthermore, the comprehensive support offered through FASE includes potential additional assistance for functional enhancements such as marketing, management, production, financial planning, and technological innovation. This broad support framework is designed to support the evolving needs of businesses in a competitive market environment, helping them to adapt, innovate, and thrive.

The grant amount is carefully calculated based on the sponsor's financial investment, demonstrating a commitment to shared fiscal responsibility. The emphasis on non-repayable contributions acknowledges the importance of minimizing financial burdens on businesses as they pursue growth and innovation. Additionally, the program allows some degree of flexibility to address unforeseen changes in project demands or market conditions, promoting adaptability within a strict funding framework.

Overall, the FASE initiative is an invaluable resource for enterprises looking to foster significant economic contributions while aligning with regional strategic objectives. Through its deliberate focus on economic impact, strategic alignment, and robust governance, the FASE serves not only as a source of financial support but also as a catalyst for entrepreneurial vigor and community-centric economic development.