MRC Maskinongé — Social Economy Fund (ES)
QC, Canada
Social Economy Fund supports community-focused entrepreneurial projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 01, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateJune 01, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- MRC de Maskinongé
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Social Economy Fund (Fonds Économie sociale) aims to promote collective entrepreneurship projects providing services to members or the community, offering up to $15,000 in financial support for the creation or consolidation of an enterprise. Eligible activities include developing projects with a social purpose that align with local economic plans, create jobs, and demonstrate viability within the Maskinongé region.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Fonds Économie Sociale (ES) supports projects that enhance community well-being by promoting collective entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable economic activities. The grant aims to back financially viable projects that meet local community needs and adhere to principles of social economy.
- Projects that have a social purpose and address social needs in the community.
- Projects that are aligned with the local economic action plan to revitalize territories.
- Initiatives that enable job creation within the MRC de Maskinongé territory.
- Projects that demonstrate good viability prospects for the first two years and reinvest surplus annually for at least two years (for cooperatives).
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the nature and operations of the business or organization applying.
- The applicant must be an organization without a profit motive including cooperatives, and must have economic activities.
- The business or organization must operate on the territory of the MRC and have its head office in Quebec.
- The organization must be registered in the Quebec Business Register (REQ).
- The applicant must demonstrate financial viability and sustainable job creation.
- The applicant must have diversified funding sources and generate autonomous revenues.
- The organization must comply with the principles and rules emerging from the definition proposed by the Chantier de l'économie sociale.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Fonds Économie sociale (ES) grant in Canada targets organizations that are actively pursuing collective entrepreneurship projects with a primary focus on social service objectives. Eligible applicants must resonate with the following eligibility conditions:1. Non-profit organizations, cooperatives, or companies whose aim is social rather than profit-driven.2. Entities engaged in the production of goods and services that pursue a social goal and have a viable financial model, ensuring sustainable employment opportunities.3. Organizations with diversified funding sources generating autonomous revenues.4. Projects should align with the principles and guidelines set out by the Chantier de l'économie sociale in Canada, which emphasize democratic decision-making processes, autonomy of management, and prioritizing people and work over capital.5. Entities must reinvest any annual surplus back into the enterprise for at least two years if they are a cooperative, without engaging in unfair competition or duplicating existing services.Eligibility for this grant requires adhering to specific local economic and employment action plans and can only apply to projects that are materialized within specific territories, such as the MRC de Maskinongé.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed towards sustainable and socially responsible sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Companies involved in sectors well-covered by competition within the MRC of Maskinongé.
- Activities related to home support already financed by the government.
- Organizations with religious, sexual, political, spiritual, or esoteric natures, or those with potentially controversial activities that could tarnish the reputation of the MRC of Maskinongé and other government bodies.
- Businesses intending to invest in capital assets during creation or expansion.
- Companies listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- Enterprises that failed to meet obligations on previous financial aid from the Ministry or MRC.
- State-controlled or government-majority-owned entities.
- Businesses under creditor protection laws or bankruptcy.
- Organizations with ethical behaviors that may damage the government's image of integrity.
- Companies with irresponsible environmental practices.
- Entities with a history of non-compliance with labor or human rights laws.
- Companies in the arms trade or fossil fuel industries, except for those transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- Gambling-related operations like casinos or bingo halls.
- Organizations involved in animal testing, combat sports involving animals, or adult entertainment.
- Real estate management and development, except for service-related investments.
- Businesses related to tobacco or drugs, except for specific cannabis and hemp activities under strict conditions.
- Organizations whose financial aid would benefit ineligible entities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses directly related to capital investments and operational needs essential for the project's realization.
- Expenses in capital, including land, building, equipment, machinery, and motor vehicles.
- Incorporation fees and other similar expenses, except for goodwill.
- Acquisition of technologies, software programs, patents, and other similar expenses, excluding research and development activities.
- Working capital needs strictly related to the operations of the enterprise calculated for the twelve months following the realization of the project.
- Professional fees, expertise fees, and other expenses incurred by the entrepreneur for consultant or specialist services required for conducting the study.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically available to companies that operate within the geographical confines of the funding body's jurisdiction. The eligible areas are focused on ensuring the alignment with local economic development objectives.
- Companies operating on the territory of the MRC de Maskinongé.
- Enterprises with their headquarters situated in the province of Quebec, Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Fonds Économie Sociale (ES) grant:
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is a non-profit, cooperative, or enterprise with a social mission as per the outlined criteria.
- Verify that your project aligns with local action plans and is designed to benefit the community socially and economically.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Gather necessary documents including a business plan demonstrating project viability.
- Prepare financial statements and forecasts for the next two years.
- Compile any additional required declarations or certifications, such as francization certificates if applicable.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form, ensuring all sections are accurately completed based on your project and organizational details.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application form and all required documents to the MRC de Maskinongé.
- Ensure submission is done before any stated deadlines, possibly contacting local representatives for handover details.
- Step 5: Follow Up
- Contact Adele Pichette or another specified representative if you have questions or need confirmation of receipt.
- Be prepared for potential inquiries or additional requests for information from the reviewing committee.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Fonds Économie sociale aims to stimulate collective entrepreneurship projects, prioritizing service to members or the community, management autonomy, democratic decision-making, prioritization of people over capital in surplus distribution, and individual and collective responsibility.
- Applicants must ensure projects concretize within the MRC Maskinongé territory and align with local economic and employment action plans.
- Project surplus reinvestment is required for a minimum of two years in the case of cooperatives.
- The financial support from the "Fonds locaux" operates primarily through loans, with adjustable repayment schedules tailored to business realities such as seasonal activity.
- There's a shared investment mechanism between FLI and FLS, aiming for a well-distributed financial intervention across different entrepreneurial projects.
grant_single_labels|contact
819
Apply to this program
Supporting Collective Entrepreneurship for Social Impact
The Fonds Économie sociale (ES) aims to bolster collective entrepreneurship projects focusing on social welfare within the community. It supports initiatives that prioritize service to members or the community and operate under principles such as autonomy, democratic decision-making, and the primacy of people over capital.
Detailed Insights into the Fonds Économie sociale and Its Role in Community Development
In the realm of social economy in the Maskinongé region, the Fonds Économie sociale stands out as a pivotal initiative dedicated to fostering community-driven development efforts. Established with a focus on supporting projects that upholds social values and community service, this fund provides crucial financial resources to non-profit organizations, cooperatives, or enterprises that align with specific eligibility criteria detailed under its mandate. Notably, these entities must maintain a core mission that serves social purposes, produces goods or services sustainably, and creates lasting employment opportunities.
Projects funded by the Fonds Économie sociale are expected to integrate deeply with community needs, thereby contributing to local development strategies. These proposals must reflect the local action plan for economic and employment development as outlined by the Maskinongé regional county municipality (RCM). This alignment ensures that projects are not only economically viable for at least the first two years but also resonate with the broader goals of community enhancement and employment growth.
The fund offers financial assistance in two primary segments: up to $5,000 for the realization of a new business project and up to $15,000 for creating or consolidating an existing business. Beyond financial support, the MRC of Maskinongé provides technical assistance to social economy promoters, guiding them throughout their project's life cycle. This dual approach ensures that beneficiaries not only receive monetary support but also acquire the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of implementing and sustaining successful projects.
An important aspect of the Fonds Économie sociale is its commitment to reinvesting profits back into the business, particularly for cooperatives. This reinvestment extends over a minimum of two years and is crucial in reinforcing the fund's ethos of prioritizing collective responsibility and sustainable business practices. Such principles are aligned with those highlighted by the Chantier de l’économie sociale, which further emphasizes communal ownership and democratic management structures.
Exclusion criteria are strictly enforced to maintain fairness and competitive balance within the community. Projects must not overlap with existing service provisions by governmental bodies nor should they disturb the local market by instigating unfair competition. Sectors explicitly mentioned as ineligible include those prominently served by the market or activities characterized by controversy or religious, sexual, political, or esoteric engagement that may tarnish the RCM's reputation.
In conclusion, the Fonds Économie sociale is pivotal in nurturing social entrepreneurship within Maskinongé, providing both financial and technical support to ensure viable and impactful community projects. By targeting collective enterprise efforts, it enhances local employment and contributes significantly to a sustainable societal ecosystem, ensuring that economic activities are interwoven with strong social values.