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MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2
Joliette, QC
Funding support for social economy projects in Joliette
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- MRC de Joliette (CDÉJ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The MRC Joliette's Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 2 offers financial assistance to social economy projects, providing both non-repayable contributions and interest-free loans to aid their development. The funding modalities are carefully structured to bolster projects effectively in their various phases of growth.
- Non-repayable contributions and/or interest-free loans up to a maximum of $25,000.
- Assistance structured based on the enterprise's autonomous revenue in relation to total revenue.
- Initial funding requests can receive a maximum of $25,000 for startups or $20,000 for expansions, while redevelopment plans can get up to $10,000.
- For ongoing projects, following the initial application, support is primarily offered through repayable contributions.
- Total grants from multiple government sources for startups should not exceed 80% of project costs including working capital requirements.
- Support for expansion projects is capped at a maximum of 50% of eligible costs, ensuring the total government assistance, including FAE, doesn't surpass 80% of the project cost.
- An agreement protocol between CDÉJ and the beneficiary specifies the financial terms, including the condition of grants.
- Funding not permitted for debt servicing or previously completed projects unless part of an approved redevelopment plan.
- Maximum duration for agreements with non-repayable contributions is two years, while repayable contributions can extend up to four years.
- Interest-free loans are repayable through equal and consecutive installments over a period up to 48 months, with a possible six-month grace period.
- Borrowers may expedite loan repayments without penalty.
- Agronomical and equitable repayment terms are set, adaptable to particular financial circumstances as necessary.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports projects that enhance social economy initiatives in their early stages, expansion, or restructuring within the MRC of Joliette. The financial assistance is aimed at complementing existing funding to achieve sustainable business objectives.
- Creation, expansion, or restructuring of social economy enterprises.
- Development or consolidation of profitable activities within social economy businesses.
- Implementation of strategic development or restructuring plans by professionals.
- Execution of communication or promotional plans by experienced professionals to support social enterprises.
- Initial working capital needs for new organisations to cover the first 18 months of operations.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 60,000
Launch a sustainable urban farming initiative
$ 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
$ 100,000
Renovate community center to improve accessibility and services
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
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 available to companies that have their headquarters within the MRC de Joliette and conduct operations in this region. The geographical eligibility is centered around ensuring local economic and social development.
- Businesses with their head office located in the territory of the MRC de Joliette.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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
