MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Entrepreneurship assistance and support fund (FASE)

Who is not eligible

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.

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

Eligible geographic areas

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

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.

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.

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.