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

Funding for social economy business projects

Offered by
MRC de Joliette (CDÉJ)

Record updated

Funding available
$ 25,000
Up to 80% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Joliette, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Social economy businesses.
See full eligibility

Overview

This program provides up to CAD 25,000 to support social economy businesses in start-up, expansion, or turnaround phases. Eligible support covers capital investments, professional services, strategic planning, communication, and working capital for start-ups.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$25,000
Maximum share of project costs
80%
Financing goals
  • Increase production or service capacity
  • Complete an acquisition or business transfer
  • Strengthen organizational capacity
  • Access new markets
  • Start a business
  • Renovate or expand facilities
  • Ensure financial sustainability

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Joliette
  • Joliette
  • Lanaudière
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
1 employees minimum
Audience
  • Startups
Legal structures
Social economy enterprise

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Social economy businesses.
  • Non-profit organizations.
  • Cooperatives.
  • Community enterprises.

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses outside the social economy model.
  • Projects with a sexual, religious, or political character.
  • Professionally regulated service businesses.
  • Businesses whose revenue comes mainly from commissions.
  • Businesses acting as exclusive subcontractors for one company.

Eligible expenses

  • Capital expenses such as land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and rolling stock.
  • Purchase of intangible assets such as software and patents, excluding R&D.
  • Strategic development or turnaround planning by a professional.
  • Implementation of a turnaround plan or a communication/promotion plan.
  • Working capital for start-up operations during the first 18 months.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Debt service and repayment of future loans.
  • Projects already completed before the application is received.
  • Expenses incurred before the official application was received.
  • Projects focused only on research and development.
  • Consulting fees and administration costs for a consultant in which the entrepreneur has an interest.

Eligible geographic areas

  • MRC de Joliette

Activities funded

  • Start-up of a social economy business.
  • Expansion of an existing social economy business.
  • Turnaround or recovery of a social economy business.
  • Strategic development planning.
  • Communication or promotion planning.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Complete the application form
    • Fill out the form for the relevant stream.
    • Prepare the project presentation file and required supporting documents.
  • Step 2: Submit the application to CDÉJ
    • File the completed form and documents with the CDÉJ.
  • Step 3: Eligibility review
    • A CDÉJ advisor validates the applicant, project, and business eligibility.
    • The file is confirmed as complete before committee review.
  • Step 4: Committee decision
    • The investment committee reviews the project and makes a decision.
  • Step 5: Agreement and funding disbursement
    • If approved, sign the funding agreement and meet the required conditions for payment.

Documents Needed

  • Completed application form.
  • Project presentation file.
  • Business plan or turnaround plan.
  • Financial forecasts.
  • Supporting quotes or supplier estimates, when available.

Selection criteria

  • Social and economic benefits in the MRC de Joliette.
  • Business plan or turnaround plan with two-year financial forecasts.
  • Realistic pricing and fair competition.
  • Diversified financing, including owner contribution.

Processing and Agreement

  • The application is first validated by a CDÉJ advisor for eligibility.
  • Once the file is complete, it is reviewed by the investment committee.
  • The committee decides whether to accept or refuse the project.
  • If approved, a funding agreement is signed setting out obligations and payment conditions.
  • Funding is paid after the agreement conditions are met.

Additional information

  • The aid is complementary to other available financing.
  • A funding agreement is signed between the CDÉJ and the beneficiary.
  • The assistance is paid directly to the legally constituted organization.
  • Reporting and follow-up may be required under the agreement.

Contacts

info@cdej.ca
(450) 752-5566
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Frequently Asked Questions about the MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2 Program

What is the MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2?

This program provides up to CAD 25,000 to support social economy businesses in start-up, expansion, or turnaround phases. Eligible support covers capital investments, professional services, strategic planning, communication, and working capital for start-ups.

How much funding can be received?

MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2 Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2 program?

To be eligible for the MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2 program, you must: Social economy business project. Head office and operations in MRC de Joliette. At least one permanent full-time job.

What expenses are eligible under MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2?

Capital expenses such as land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and rolling stock. Purchase of intangible assets such as software and patents, excluding R&D. Strategic development or turnaround planning by a professional. Implementation of a turnaround plan or a communication/promotion plan. Working capital for start-up operations during the first 18 months.

Who can I contact for more information about the MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2?

You can contact MRC de Joliette (CDÉJ) by email at info@cdej.ca or by phone at (450) 752-5566.

Where is the MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2 available?

The MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2 program is available Lanaudière, Quebec.