MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund

Organizations must meet specific criteria to be eligible for this grant:

• Eligible entities include Non-Profit Organizations (OBNL), private companies (sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, corporations), and cooperatives.
• Organizations must be registered in the Quebec Enterprise Register.
• Specific sectors such as retail and restaurants are generally not eligible, unless they provide local proximity services.
• Entities must not be listed in Annex A or fall under the conditions outlined there, such as those involved in certain excluded industries or with ethical concerns.
• The project and the organization must be located within the territory of the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay.
• The organization must not have received non-repayable financial aid from the MRC within the last 24 months.
• The organization or its representatives must satisfy high standards of integrity as expected of beneficiaries of public funds.

Who is eligible?

The "Fonds d'optimisation au développement" grant specifically evaluates projects based on their potential economic and strategic impact within the MRC of Fjord-du-Saguenay. Projects should align with regional priorities.

• Potential of profitability of the project.
• Potential economic impact on the MRC territory.
• Sustainability of the business and project.
• Relevance of the project within the MRC’s strategic planning.
• Level of risk associated with the project.
• Relevance of the analysis or expertise requested.
• Adherence to sustainable development criteria.
• Innovation.
• Potential to complete the project successfully.
• Contribution to the economic diversification of the targeted area.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on ethical, environmental, and legal concerns. Companies related to harmful or controversial activities are not eligible to ensure the integrity and responsibility of funded projects.

• Companies listed in the RENA (Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts).
• Businesses under bankruptcy protection or insolvency legislation.
• Organizations with unethical behavior that could damage the integrity of the county.
• Companies with irresponsible environmental practices.
• Businesses with a history of violating labor or human rights laws.
• The armament production or distribution industry.
• Fossil fuels sector, except for activities related to transitions to low-carbon economy.
• Gambling and betting establishments, like casinos and bingo halls.
• Enterprises involved in violent games or combat sports.
• Sex industry, including strip clubs, erotic massage parlors, and the production of pornography.
• Real estate management or development.
• Cannabis and industrial hemp industry, particularly recreational products and non-approved medical products.

Eligible expenses

The eligible expenses for this grant are exclusively related to professional services designed to assist organizations in improving strategic planning and achieving high standards of performance and efficiency.

• Marketing services.
• Production consulting.
• Management advisory.
• Accounting and finance services.
• Human resources services.
• Sustainable development guidance.
• Technological transformation assistance.
• Innovation support.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to projects and organizations situated within a designated regional area as stipulated by the funding body. The eligible geographical area is focused to foster local development and strategic growth.

• Organizations and projects must be located within the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay territory.
• For startup projects, the promoter must reside in the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay.
• For existing businesses, the head office must be situated in the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the FONDS D’OPTIMISATION AU DÉVELOPPEMENT is based on specific criteria designed to assess the potential success and impact of proposed projects within the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay.

• Potential profitability of the project.
• Economic impact potential on the MRC's territory.
• Sustainability of the business and the project.
• Relevance of the project within the MRC's strategic planning framework.
• Risk level associated with the project.
• Relevance of the analysis or expertise requested.
• Sustainable development criteria.
• Innovation presented by the project.
• Potential for project realization.
• Contribution to economic diversification in the affected territory.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The MRC will reserve the funds at the moment of signing the agreement, with availability to the applicant for 9 months, potentially extendable by 3 months upon written request.
• The MRC requires a single payment process, contingent upon proof of mandate completion and all financial documentation submission.
• A follow-up with an economic development advisor is mandatory six months post-mandate completion to discuss project impact and next steps.