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MRC Haute-Yamaska — Local investment and solidarity funds (FLI and FLS)
QC, Canada
Financial support for local business sustainability and growth
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- MRC de La Haute-Yamaska
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Haute-Yamaska MRC's FLI/FLS Program offers financial assistance of up to $300,000 to support business start-ups, expansions and transformations. It aims to encourage job creation and maintenance by financing activities related to business acquisition, entrepreneurial succession and organizational improvement.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- FLI provides financial investments primarily through term loans, with or without collateral, subject to detailed terms matching the project's unique requirements.
- These loans can be participatory, including profit-linked royalties or options to purchase shares, and may feature repayment schedules adapted to the business cycle, potentially extending to a maximum of seven years.
- The FLS offers temporary financing, known as bridge loans, lasting from several weeks to months, with interest payable monthly and principal due upon maturity.
- Collectively, investments from FLI and FLS must adhere to a combined funding cap per enterprise, with adjustments made if one fund reaches its maximum allocation.
- The financial contributions from government entities must not exceed 50% of the project's total cost, unless it's a social economy enterprise where the cap is 80%.
- The interest rate for loans is determined by adding a risk premium to the base rate, specifically Desjardins’ prime rate minus a 1% regional development rebate.
- FLI loans might include deferred interest and principal payments, subject to a grace period determined by the project's type and phase.
- Maximal FLS investment per project is capped at CAD 100,000, while cumulative FLI support shouldn't exceed CAD 300,000 across all projects within 12 months.
- Loans under FLS cannot be converted into equity, and FLS is restricted from guaranteeing loans.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Startup phase projects, from commercialization to reaching the break-even point.
- Entrepreneurial succession, including acquiring at least 25% of an existing business's value or assets.
- Business acquisition through the purchase of company assets or shares.
- Projects aimed at enhancing productivity, digital transformation, and sustainable organizational practices.
- Growth and expansion projects for existing profitable businesses, including new product commercialization, export projects, and subsidiary establishment.
- Temporary financing for bridging the gap until other confirmed income sources are available.
- Business turnaround projects in specified conditions.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 300,000
Digital transformation for a sustainable textile business
$ 280,000
Succession planning for a local organic farm
$ 300,000
Expansion of a local artisanal bakery
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- Enterprises must demonstrate economic viability and potential for job creation.
- The project must align with the MRC's economic priorities and not create unfair competition.
- Applicants must not be listed on the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA).
- The enterprise must not have previously failed to meet obligations after a formal notice by relevant authorities.
- State-owned or government-controlled enterprises, or those part of a franchise or banner network are not eligible.
- Projects must not involve sectors such as armaments production, gambling, violent sports, or sexual exploitation.
- Only enterprises with positive equity post-project are considered eligible.
- Entrepreneurs or groups seeking entrepreneurial succession must hold at least 25% of an existing company's value or assets.
- Social economy enterprises must meet specific criteria, including self-financing 60% of their revenue and having at least 15% of assets in net equity.
- Projects in the pre-startup phase are excluded. Only those in the commercialization phase or later are considered.
- Eligible sectors must align with regional economic priorities and demonstrate sustainable development outcomes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Enterprises operating in sectors aligned with MRC priorities.
- Businesses with potential for job creation.
- Projects demonstrating added value.
- Entrepreneurial projects focused on sustainable development.
- Entrepreneurs or groups of entrepreneurs acquiring at least 25% of a business or its assets for succession purposes.
- Companies engaged in business sectors other than those excluded (e.g., not in arms production, gambling, or unethical industries).
- Enterprises in economic sectors that support community development and create sustainable jobs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is not open to certain companies and industries, based on their specific characteristics and activities. These restrictions ensure that funding aligns with the grant's economic and ethical standards.
- Companies listed on the Register of Ineligible Enterprises for Public Contracts (RENA).
- Entities that have failed obligations under past financial aid agreements within two years of application.
- State-owned enterprises or those controlled by any level of government.
- Franchises or companies with apparent dependency.
- Entities with unethical behavior impacting the government's integrity.
- Companies with irresponsible environmental practices.
- Businesses known for not respecting labor standards or human rights legislation.
- Industries involved in arms production or distribution.
- Projects related to unsustainable energy exploitation.
- Gambling operations, including casinos and bingo halls.
- Entities engaged in violent sports, animal fights or similar activities.
- Businesses involved in sexual exploitation.
- Real estate management and development companies, with some exceptions.
- Firms related to tobacco or drug consumption, with specific exceptions for cannabis and hemp in certain regulated scenarios.
- Producers of recreational cannabis products.
- Businesses involved in certain non-pharmaceutical hemp or cannabis products.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant supports a comprehensive range of investment-related expenses to facilitate business development and growth.
- Additional working capital needs directly related to the project's execution in the following year.
- Capital expenditures strictly and directly linked to project realization, including technology acquisition, land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and rolling stock.
- Construction, expansion, renovation, and land and premises development costs.
- Professional fees incurred before project realization, such as feasibility analysis, external audits, or impact studies.
- Professional fees directly related to project execution, including the integration of technology, equipment, and machinery, along with acquisition, construction, renovation, and premises development.
- Acquisition costs for ownership interests in the targeted business (voting shares or equivalent) and business assets.
- Professional fees directly and strictly connected to the transaction, acquisition, and management transition of the business.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant specifically targets businesses within the jurisdiction of the MRC de La Haute-Yamaska. The eligible geographical areas for this grant are defined by the regional boundaries set by this municipal entity to support local economic development initiatives.
- Companies operating within the territory of MRC de La Haute-Yamaska.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Economic viability of the funded enterprise, demonstrated by permanence in profitability, repayment capacity, and positive future outlook.
- Promoters' knowledge and experience, requiring entrepreneurs to show relevant expertise and management skills.
- Environmental and societal impact, prioritizing projects with positive outcomes.
- Openness towards workers, evaluating engagement and integration efforts.
- Involvement of external financial partners, indicating broader financial support.
- Longevity and sustainability of the funds, ensuring the long-term viability of investments.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents
- Complete the financial aid application form, ensuring it is signed and dated.
- Prepare a detailed business plan or project description as required in the application.
- Compile a detailed breakdown of costs associated with the project.
- Submit financial projections and the financial statements for the past three years.
- Include interim financial statements if the latest financials are older than six months or if the company is new.
- Provide a statement of project financing and confirm any other funding sources.
- If applicable, include declarations of compliance regarding language requirements and equal opportunity employment policies.
- Step 2: Submit Application
- Ensure all gathered documents are complete and accurate.
- Submit the application to the MRC de la Haute-Yamaska following the specified procedure.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The cumulative total of governmental financial support must not exceed 50% of the total project cost, except for social economy enterprises where it can reach up to 80%.
- The common investment policy for FLI/FLS investments became effective on September 30, 2023, replacing any previous policies.
- The investment committee must approve any derogations from the policy, except for two non-changeable criteria: investment ceiling and lack of negative equity post-project.
- The committee has the authority to modify the interest rate policy based on risk assessment as determined by a risk assessment grid.
- There is a maximum investment limit for each fund to ensure equity in fund distributions.
- Recovery procedures are in place if obligations are not met, potentially involving legal mechanisms.
- File opening and annual follow-up fees are mandatory for every project funded.
- The investment funds cannot be utilized for housing projects, though equipment purchase or immobilization improving tenant living conditions might be supported.
- A strategic report ensuring the sustainability of the funds is required if interest rate modifications occur.
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