How much funding can be received?

The "Innovation, Exportation, Relève et Services professionnels" grant provides a non-repayable contribution with a maximum funding value of $3,000 per project for businesses financed by FLI or FLS loans from the MRC de Joliette. Its purpose is to support investments in innovation, exportation, succession planning, and professional services such as prototyping, feasibility studies, and professional consultancy for enhancing business skills.

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This grant aims to support investment projects and enhance business competence through funding for professional fees, prototyping, or feasibility studies. It is particularly targeted at businesses involved in innovation, exportation, business succession, and professional services.

Financing professional services related to projects of innovation, exportation, or business succession (e.g., notary, accountant, tax expert, lawyer, architect).
Reimbursement for tests and final prototyping studies and/or feasibility studies leading to business investment.
Technical support from export professionals of SODIL to enhance company expertise.
Technical support from business succession professionals of Lanaudière Économique to improve company transition skills.

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$50,000

Develop an e-commerce platform for local artisans

$70,000

Retrofit community center for energy efficiency

$40,000

Develop a digital app for local farmers' market

$35,000

Create a digital catalog for a regional museum archive

$45,000

Establish a mentorship program for youth in tech

$30,000

Launch a sustainable urban gardening initiative

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The eligibility criteria for this grant are based on specific conditions related to the type of business and the project specifics.

Only businesses that have been granted a loan from the FLI or FLS of the MRC de Joliette are eligible.
Eligible businesses must demonstrate the viability and profitability of their project through a complete business plan.
The business must complete all necessary conditions related to the disbursement of an FLI/FLS loan.
The project must include capital expenditures.
The project's structure must meet the required funding setup conditions, be feasible, and increase the likelihood of project success.
The contribution must be significant to the realization of the applicant's project, as demonstrated to the satisfaction of the CDÉJ.

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Eligible applicants for this grant are businesses that have been granted funding from the FLI or FLS of the MRC de Joliette. Such businesses must operate in one of the prioritized sectors, which include manufacturing, recreational tourism, agri-food (excluding retail food establishments), and business service enterprises with a commercial and industrial focus. Additionally, projects that demonstrate innovation and added value are prioritized. However, certain businesses, such as those in social economy or professional services regulated by an order, are not eligible. Furthermore, each company can only benefit from this grant up to two times.

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This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that financial support is given to projects aligned with strategic objectives and not to those with conflicting interests.

Consultants' fees and administrative expenses within a company where the entrepreneur has a stake are not eligible.
An enterprise can only benefit from this grant (Volet 3) twice.
Social economy enterprises eligible for Volet 2 are not eligible for Volet 1 and 3.
Non-profit organizations (for Volet 1 only).
Enterprises with sexual, religious, or political nature.
Professional service firms regulated by a professional order.
Businesses whose revenue primarily comes from commissions.
Speculative nature enterprises.
Temporary/non-recurrent enterprises.
Enterprises acting as exclusive subcontractors for a single company.
Businesses involved in multi-level (pyramid) sales.
Projects with discriminatory or degrading tendencies regarding sex or sociocultural origin.
Projects advocating political or religious defense or discrimination.
Projects solely focused on research and development.
Franchise acquisition projects.
Projects aiming solely at obtaining a grant or loan from an organization.
Businesses in financial restructuring (technical bankruptcy situations).

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant include professional services and specific project-related costs.

Fees for professional services linked to innovation, exportation, or business succession, including notary, accounting, tax, legal, and architectural services.
Costs for prototyping tests, final prototyping studies, and feasibility studies leading to an investment in the business.
Professional fees for exportation expertise from SODIL, funded by the CDÉJ.
Professional fees for business succession expertise from Lanaudière Économique, funded by the CDÉJ.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available to companies located in a specific region in Canada. The eligible area is strategically chosen to enhance regional economic development.

Companies financed by the FLI or FLS of the MRC de Joliette.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure their viability and potential for success.

Viability and profitability of the project demonstrated in a complete business plan.
Ability to meet all conditions required for the disbursement of a loan from FLI/FLS granted by one of these funds.
Inclusion of capital expenditures.
A project setup that respects the equity contribution conditions, is feasible, and promotes the success of the project.
The promoter must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the CDÉJ that the financial aid is significant to the realization of their project.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your business is located in the MRC de Joliette and is eligible for FLI or FLS financing.
Verify the business falls within the prioritized sectors, such as manufacturing or agro-food.
Check that the project complies with all specified exclusions, such as not being a speculative or temporary business.
Step 2: Prepare Application
Compile a detailed business plan demonstrating the viability and profitability of your project.
Include proof of meeting FLI/FLS requirements and evidence of capital expenditures.
Ensure alignment with any conditions related to personal or business contributions as mentioned.
Step 3: Compile Documentation
Gather all necessary supporting documents, including detailed invoices with a "paid" status, relevant to professional fees, prototyping, or feasibility studies.
Step 4: Submit Application
Complete the application form available through the CDÉJ.
Submit all compiled documents and completed forms directly to the CDÉJ via the specified method.
Step 5: Application Review and Agreement
Upon approval, enter a protocol of agreement with the CDÉJ, outlining the conditions of financial assistance and the responsibilities of both parties.
Ensure that the correct agreements and procedural processes are adhered to for financial disbursement.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The program terms include several specific conditions and processes regarding financial aid and its disbursement.

The financial aid will be directly disbursed to legally constituted companies, not to individuals.
Assistance from SODIL or Lanaudière Économique is directly billed to CDÉJ, not to the business.
All supported projects require a protocol agreement outlining disbursement conditions and obligations of both parties.

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Apply to this program

Enhancing Business Innovation and Competitiveness

This grant offers non-repayable contributions to businesses that focus on innovation, exportation, and succession planning by funding professional services, prototyping, or feasibility studies. It supports enterprises in leveraging professional expertise to enhance their operations and competitive edge.

Understanding the "Innovation, Exportation, Relève et Services professionnels" Grant

The "Innovation, Exportation, Relève et Services professionnels" grant is a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the capabilities of Canadian businesses through targeted financial assistance. This grant is specifically designed to assist enterprises that have secured funding from the Fonds Local d'Investissement (FLI) or Fonds Local de Solidarité (FLS) of the MRC de Joliette, allowing them to extend their projects in areas of innovation and market expansion. Eligible businesses can benefit from a non-repayable contribution of up to $3,000 per project, depending on the nature of their expenses.

The grant focuses on facilitating access to professional services crucial for business development, including but not limited to notarial, accounting, fiscal, legal, and architectural services. These services are pivotal for structuring and executing innovative projects that can propel business growth and competitiveness in international markets. The financial support provided under this grant can be utilized for professional services fees, prototyping tests, and feasibility studies, with maximum contributions set at $1,000 and $2,000 respectively.

To further enhance export capabilities, the grant offers technical support through professionals from the Société de développement international de Lanaudière (SODIL), funded by the Corporation de développement économique de la MRC de Joliette (CDÉJ). This technical assistance, valued at $3,000, aims to enrich the company’s competencies in exportation strategies and market engagements, positioning enterprises to succeed in the global marketplace.

A significant feature of this grant is its support for succession planning, aiding businesses in ensuring seamless transition and continuity. This is achieved through services offered by Lanaudière Économique, focusing on the sustainability and transfer of companies to new leadership, which is crucial for the longevity and enduring success of enterprises. This aspect of the grant underscores its role in enhancing sustainability and ensuring that businesses are equipped for future challenges.

Eligible projects must clearly demonstrate their potential for viability and profitability, supported by a comprehensive business plan. The grant prioritizes enterprises within specified sectors, including manufacturing, recreational tourism, agri-food processing, and business services oriented towards commercial and industrial growth. Importantly, the grant is designed with checks and balances to ensure the judicious use of resources, requiring that funds are disbursed upon the presentation of precise invoices marked as paid, and that all supported projects adhere to established protocols of the CDÉJ.

Through this grant, the Government of Canada continues to foster a resilient and innovative business ecosystem. By providing targeted support to strategically important sectors, this initiative not only enhances the competitive advantage of Canadian businesses but also contributes to broader economic growth and development outcomes. Whether through fostering innovation, advancing export opportunities, or facilitating company transitions, this grant plays a pivotal role in shaping a dynamic and sustainable economic landscape.

MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 3

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