MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund

Q: How much funding can be received?

MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $3000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund?

MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund is funded by MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay

Q: Who is eligible for the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund program?

To be eligible for the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund program, you must: • The applicant must be registered in the Quebec Business Register. • The organization must be located in the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay area. • The project must require a minimum financial investment of $2,000.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund?

You can contact MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay by email at développement@mrc-fjord.qc.ca.

Q: Where is the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund available?

The MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Development support fund for Fjord-du-Saguenay organizations

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $2,000 to $3,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Professional, scientific and technical services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The "Fonds d'optimisation au développement" aims to support local organizations in planning and realizing their development projects by providing specialized professional services, with a maximum funding of up to $3,000 covering up to 50% for private companies and 90% for non-profit organizations of eligible expenses. Funded activities must focus on enhancing development strategies, improving performance, and addressing business functions like marketing, production, or technological transitions.

Financing terms and conditions

The Development Optimisation Fund offers structured financing modalities designed to support local organizations by covering professional service costs for enhancing strategic planning and operational efficiency. Financial support varies by organization type with specific limitations on project cost coverage.

Maximum aid of $3,000 per project.
For private enterprises, funding can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, while for non-profit organizations, it can cover up to 90%.
The total government aid for private enterprises must not exceed 50% of the total project cost.
For non-profits, total government aid including this fund can reach up to 90% of the project cost.
Funds are reserved upon signing the agreement and remain available for a period of 9 months, extendable by 3 months upon written request.
All financial support is contingent on project expenses exclusively pertaining to professional services aimed at enhancing organizational capabilities.

Activities funded

This grant supports projects that seek to enhance organizational performance through professional services. Eligible projects focus on strategic planning and performance optimization in key business functions.

Professional services for marketing strategy enhancement.
Consulting for production process improvements.
Management advisory services to boost organizational efficiency.
Financial and accounting services for improved fiscal management.
Human resources strategy development.
Services related to sustainable development practices.
Advisory for technological innovation and digital transformation.

Eligibility

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.

Selection criteria

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.

How to apply

Preparation of the necessary documents

Transmission of the request

Send the request and the required documents by email to the address: developpement@mrc-fjord.qc.ca.

Acknowledgment of receipt

Waiting for the receipt of an acknowledgment by email confirming the receipt of your request.

Tracking of the request

Collaborate with the MRC to provide any additional information if required.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

développement@mrc-fjord.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the MRC Fjord-du-Saguenay — Development Optimisation Fund. 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.