How much funding can be received?

The "Support for the Social Economy" grant program aims to assist social economy projects in their startup, expansion, or recovery phases within the MRC de Joliette, offering non-repayable contributions and/or interest-free loans up to a maximum of $25,000. Eligible activities include capital expenditures, acquisition of intangible assets, development or recovery strategy plans, and communication or promotion plans.

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This grant supports initiatives in the social economy sector during their startup, expansion, or recovery phases. Eligible projects focus on developing or consolidating income-generating activities that align with the principles of a social economy enterprise.

Creation of a new social economy enterprise that meets community needs through business activities.
Expansion of existing social economy enterprises to enhance service offerings and support job creation.
Recovery plans for social economy enterprises experiencing financial difficulties, ensuring sustainable operations.
Development of strategic business plans or recovery strategies conducted by professionals.
Implementation of communication or promotion plans to enhance public engagement and visibility.
Acquisition of capital assets like land, buildings, or equipment essential for business operations.

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$60,000

Launch a sustainable urban farming initiative

$100,000

Renovate community center to improve accessibility and services

$50,000

Create a training program for unemployed youth

$150,000

Conduct research on renewable energy in urban settings

$35,000

Implement a waste reduction program in local schools

$90,000

Develop an online platform for local artisans

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business status and project alignment.

The project must involve the creation, expansion, or restructuring of a business that seeks to develop or consolidate a profitable activity governed by the definition of a social economy enterprise as established by the CDÉJ.
The project must result in the creation or maintenance of at least one permanent full-time job (30 hours per person/week), including that of the promoter, within 18 months following the project initiation.
The social economy enterprise must have its head office located within the territory of the MRC de Joliette and conduct operations there.
The project must not replace existing jobs or resources already present in the territory.

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This grant is aimed at supporting projects originating from the social economy within the Joliette RCM. Eligible organizations must adhere to specific criteria that align with the definition of a social economy enterprise set by the CDÉJ.

Projects focused on creation, expansion, or recovery of a social economy enterprise that aims to develop or consolidate a profitable activity.
Must lead to the creation or maintenance of at least one full-time permanent job, including the promoter's, within 18 months of project initiation.
The social economy enterprise must have its headquarters within the Joliette RCM territory and conduct its operations there.
Employment or resources already present in the territory must not be substituted.

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This grant focuses on supporting social economy projects with specific financial and operational guidelines. The restrictions are set to ensure that only eligible companies benefit from the grant, in line with its objectives.

Companies that do not have their headquarters in the MRC de Joliette.
Projects that do not involve the creation, expansion, or recovery of a social economy business as defined by the CDÉJ.
Businesses seeking funding for debt servicing or the repayment of existing loans.
Projects that have already been completed and are not part of an approved recovery plan.
Companies substituting existing jobs or resources already present in the MRC de Joliette.

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The grant covers specific capital and strategic expenses related to the development of a social economy enterprise.

Capital expenditures such as land, building, equipment, machinery, and rolling stock.
Acquisition of intangible assets such as software, application software, and patents.
Development of a credible strategic or recovery plan by a professional.
Implementation of a credible recovery plan by a competent resource.
Development and implementation of a credible communication or promotion plan by a professional.
Working capital needs strictly related to the organization's operations for the first 18 months (for startups only).

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically aimed at companies located within a defined geographical area to bolster the local economy. The eligible location for applicants focuses on ensuring economic growth and entrepreneurial support within this specific region.

Companies must have their head office on the territory of the MRC de Joliette.
Operations must be conducted within the MRC de Joliette.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Social and economic impact generated within the MRC of Joliette by the project.
Presentation of a business plan, recovery plan, and financial forecasts for two years of operation that demonstrate good viability or profitability prospects.
Establishment of realistic pricing to avoid unfair competition.
Having diversified funding, including financial, human, and material contributions.

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Here are the steps to apply for "Volet 2 - Soutien à l’économie sociale" funding:

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Criteria
Ensure that your organization qualifies as an "entreprise d’économie sociale" and meets all the eligibility criteria outlined by CDÉJ.
Identify that your project involves the creation, expansion, or redressment of social economy activities within the MRC de Joliette.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Prepare a comprehensive business plan or recovery plan demonstrating the viability and potential impact of your project.
Prepare financial forecasts for at least two years.
Gather supporting documents, including a plan for strategic development, communication or promotion, if applicable.
Gather any necessary permits or regulatory documentation.
Step 3: Application Submission
Submit the completed application form along with all required documents to the CDÉJ.
Provide any additional forms or details as specified by the CDÉJ.
Ensure submission before the deadline.
Step 4: Confirmation and Follow-up
Receive a confirmation of receipt from the CDÉJ.
Keep the confirmation and any correspondence related to your application for your records.
Be prepared to provide further documentation or clarification during the review process as requested by CDÉJ.

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Below are some important additional details concerning this grant:

The maximum total funding from all government levels, including this grant, must not exceed 80% of the total project cost.
A formal agreement is required between the CDÉJ and the grant recipient outlining obligations and conditions for receiving the funds.
The protocol agreement for non-repayable contributions lasts a maximum of two years, while repayable contributions can extend up to four years.
A protocol of follow-up is included in the interest-free loan contract to monitor the promoter's extraordinary needs and the broader financial environment.
Interest-free loan repayment plans allow for equal consecutive payments possibly deferred by six months.
If there are issues with repayment, CDÉJ offers a structured problem-solving approach involving the borrower.
CDÉJ's policy for loan recovery includes several steps of communication before pursuing legal actions.

grant_single_labels|contact

info@cdej.ca

(450) 752-5566

Apply to this program

Supporting the Growth of Social Economy Enterprises in Joliette

This grant aims to aid social economy projects in phases such as startup, expansion, or restructuring within the MRC of Joliette. It offers financial support through non-repayable contributions or interest-free loans of up to $25,000 for eligible social economy enterprises.

Detailed Overview of "Soutien à l'économie sociale" Grant

The "Soutien à l'économie sociale" grant is a strategic financial assistance initiative designed to nurture and strengthen the social economy sector in the MRC of Joliette. Tailored to support initiatives that possess an entrepreneurial character while serving societal needs, this grant provides essential financial backing to projects poised to create enduring economic and social benefits.

This grant specifically targets social economy enterprises, which are unique in their focus on meeting community needs through business-like approaches. With criteria demanding the production of goods or services that address economic and social requirements, the funded enterprises are expected to operate democratically and prioritize human capital over financial profit. The grant is accessible to private independent organizations with a status of non-profit or cooperative entities, ensuring that a broad spectrum of social economy initiatives can flourish under its support.

The financial aid furnished through this grant is distinguished by its dual nature; enterprises can receive it as non-repayable contributions, interest-free loans, or a combination thereof. This flexibility allows it to be uniquely tailored to meet the needs of each phase of a project, whether they are within their first year of operation requiring startup capital or established entities seeking to expand or restructure.

Central to the evaluation of applications is the potential impact on local development and the creation of sustainable jobs. By supporting projects that sustain or create permanent full-time employment, especially within an 18-month window from project initiation, the grant underscores its commitment to economic stability and growth in the Joliette region.

Eligible expenses for this grant include an array of capital investments such as property, building, equipment, machinery, and essential tangible assets. Furthermore, it supports intangible investments like software and patents. For plans of development or restructuring, project management executed by professionals further qualifies as fundable. However, it's pertinent to remember that debt servicing and financing for already completed projects are not covered unless it's part of a clearly defined restructuring plan approved by the CDÉJ.

To ensure that financial support effectively reaches deserving projects, the grant mandates a rigorous analysis based on the sustainability and economic viability projected in business plans and financial forecasts. Projects are assessed for realistic pricing strategies to prevent unfair competition and are encouraged to demonstrate diverse and robust funding strategies.

The grant also maintains a structured system for disbursing funds, detailing maximum percentages of financial aid in line with project types and funding rounds. First-time and subsequent applicants are afforded varying levels of support, ensuring a sustainable influx of support opportunities aligned with governmental funding parameters.

Overall, the "Soutien à l'économie sociale" grant represents a cornerstone in promoting innovative and impactful social economy enterprises within Joliette. By providing comprehensive financial support that's both flexible and accommodating, it seeks to bolster projects committed to socioeconomic betterment, forging stronger community bonds, and contributing significantly to local and regional prosperity.

MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2

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