How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA)?

MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA) is funded by MRC L'Érable

What are MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA)'s eligibility criterias?

The applicant must submit a business creation or acquisition project within the MRC de L'Érable territory that is realistic and presents good viability and profitability prospects. The applicant must present an acceptable financing structure and respond to a regional need.

MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA)

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Financial and technical support for new entrepreneurs in L’Érable

MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA) at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 20% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

MRC L'Érable

Status

Open

Overview of the MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA) program

The Soutien au travail autonome (STA) grant provides financial and technical support to individuals who wish to create or acquire a business in the MRC de L’Érable area, offering a weekly financial allowance equivalent to the minimum wage for up to 40 weeks and technical support for up to two years. Eligible activities include submitting a business creation or acquisition project that addresses regional needs and demonstrates potential viability and profitability, excluding certain professional services and oversaturated sectors.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial support designed to assist individuals in the startup phase, with modalities structured to support sustainability and growth of new enterprises.

Weekly financial support equivalent to minimum wage for a maximum of 40 hours, over a period that can extend up to 40 weeks as determined by a committee.
Technical support offered for a period of up to two years.
Applicants are required to contribute a minimum of 20% of the financial allocation, either in cash or through asset transfer.

Eligible projects & activities

The STA grant is designed to bolster entrepreneurial initiatives that fulfill specific regional needs within the MRC de L'Érable. Eligible projects must focus on the creation or acquisition of enterprises with viable and profitable prospects in the local community.

Projects that establish new businesses serving unmet needs in the MRC de L'Érable.
Acquisition of existing enterprises with strategies to enhance profitability.

Eligibility criteria of the MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA) program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's profile, project, and funding structure.

The applicant must be deemed eligible by a Services Québec agent under the STA measure.
The applicant must be a recipient of Social Assistance programs, an active Employment Insurance claimant, or a person belonging to underrepresented groups in the labour market.
The project must involve creating or acquiring a business in the MRC de L’Érable, with a realistic plan and viability prospect.
The project should meet a regional need.
A minimum financial contribution of 20% of the STA allocation is required, either in cash or asset transfer.
The promoter must have experience or skills relevant to the project.
The promoter must be dedicated full-time to the business project.
The promoter must have decision-making power, owning 51% of the business shares.

Who is eligible?

This grant is designed to support individuals interested in establishing or acquiring a business within the MRC de L’Érable region. To be eligible for the Soutien au travail autonome (STA) program, applicants must be recognized as eligible by a Services Québec agent, be beneficiaries of social assistance, active employment insurance claimants, or from underrepresented groups in the labor market. They must propose a realistic business creation or acquisition project with good viability and profitability prospects, address a regional need, and present an acceptable financial structure.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.

Professions considered as liberal such as notaries, lawyers, and accountants.
Businesses involved in personal care services like hairdressing, aesthetics, nail care, and massage therapy.
Industries that are already saturated, highly competitive, or not prioritized in the MRC de L’Érable region.
Companies with religious, spiritual, esoteric, political, or sexual characteristics.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to companies located within the MRC de L'Érable region. The eligible areas have been designated to support local economic initiatives.

Businesses established within the territory of the MRC de L'Érable.

Eligibility criteria of the MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA) program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on their practicality, viability, and alignment with regional needs, rather than specific point-scored criteria.

Realism of the project proposal: The business creation or acquisition must be realistic with good prospects for viability and profitability.
Regional need: The project must address a genuine need within the MRC de L’Érable region.
Financing structure: An acceptable structure of financing must be presented, including a minimum contribution of 20% of the allocation in the form of cash or asset transfer.
Promoter’s experience: The promoter must have relevant experience or competencies related to the project.
Full-time dedication: The promoter is required to dedicate full time to the business project.

How to apply to the MRC L'Érable — Self-employment support (STA) program

Check eligibility

Contact a Services Québec office agent to be recognized as eligible for the STA measure.

Preparation of the documentation

Design a realistic and viable project for creating or acquiring a business in the territory of the MRC of L'Érable.
Ensure that the project meets a need in the region.
Ensure that the financing structure is acceptable and includes a minimum contribution of 20%.

Development of the business plan

Participate in the training sessions and workshops offered during the first 12 weeks.
Write the business plan and the financial forecasts for two years.

Submission of the request

Compile all the required documents, including the business plan and financial forecasts.
Submit your application to the CLE or Economic Development of L’Érable according to the provided guidelines.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The financial assistance is subject to a maximum duration of 40 weeks, as determined by a committee for each participant.
Technical support is tailored to each participant and can last up to two years.
A minimum personal investment of 20% of the grant amount to be received is required, which can be in cash or asset transfer.
Applicants need to maintain full-time commitment to the entrepreneurial project.
The promoter must hold 51% of the company's shares to have decision-making authority.