How much funding can be received?

The Fonds amélioration et développement numérique provides non-repayable grants of up to $5,000 to help businesses enhance or develop their digital presence, which includes the creation of websites with online stores or booking functionalities. It is aimed at businesses lacking a current digital strategy, allowing them to access new markets and stand out from competitors.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing or developing the digital aspect of a business to improve market reach and competitiveness. It focuses on building a strong online presence through various digital platforms.

Development or improvement of a website that includes an online store.
Creation of a transactional website.
Development of an online booking website.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and business operations.

The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Quebec.
The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
The applicant must have relevant experience or training related to the project.
The applicant must commit to working full-time in their enterprise or creating the equivalent of one full-time job per promoter (minimum 35 hours/week for 52 weeks).
The company must be a privately-owned business legally established in Quebec (corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship).
The business must be established in the territory of the MRC (Regional County Municipality).
The business must have been in operation for less than 12 months.
The business must not have received any grant included in the business support policy in the last 12 months.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is designed to support new business creation on the territory of the MRC by providing financial assistance, with a focus on promoting entrepreneurship, economic development, and supporting new business projects.

The positive impact of the project on the business (25 points): Type of project, level of innovation for the business, real necessity of the current request, added value, etc.
The positive impact of the project on the region (25 points): Impact on the local community, involvement of the business in the community, seeking local partners/suppliers, maintaining and creating quality jobs, etc.
The quality of the project (25 points): Quality of chosen experts, relevance of the planned expenses for business continuity, integration of sustainable development criteria, etc.
The viability of the project (25 points): Necessary human and financial capacity for project realization, motivation of the promoter, realism of the implementation schedule and budget forecasts, etc.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that funds are directed to those who have not previously benefited and align with the grant's development goals.

Private companies in the financial sector.
Financial cooperatives.
Social economy enterprises.
Companies that have been operating for more than 12 months.
Entities that have received a grant from the enterprise support policy in the past 12 months.
Companies registered in the non-eligible business register for public contracts.
Companies that have previously failed to meet financial aid obligations from a ministry or granting body.
Businesses focusing solely on subcontracting or privatizing operations, where the grant would merely shift economic activity and jobs from one organization to another.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers eligible expenses including capital expenditures, technology acquisitions, and service costs directly related to the project.

Capital expenditures, including land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and vehicles.
Acquisition of technologies, software, and software packages.
Service expenses such as permits, professional fees, consultants, studies, incorporation fees, and patents.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is geographically limited to organizations within a specific administrative region. It is intended to benefit businesses operating in those areas to foster local economic growth.

Companies based on the territory of the MRC de Papineau.

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.

The positive impacts of the project on the business (25 points): This includes the type of project, its level of innovation for the business, the actual necessity of the funding request, and the added value.
The positive impacts of the project on the region (25 points): This includes the project’s impact on the local area, the company's engagement within its community, efforts to find local partners/suppliers, and maintaining and creating quality jobs.
The quality of the project (25 points): This involves the quality of the chosen experts, the relevance of the proposed expenses for ongoing business continuity, and the integration of sustainable development criteria.
The viability of the project (25 points): This considers the human and financial capacity to execute the project, the promoter's motivation, the realism of the project schedule, and budget forecasts.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Download and fill out the application form.
Prepare justification documents for each eligible expense and income.
Include the curriculum vitae of business owners.
If the enterprise is in pre-startup/startup phase, prepare a business or project plan.
Develop financial projections for the next two years.
Step 2: Application Preparation
Ensure the application form is duly filled and signed.
Compile all required supporting documents.
Verify the completeness and accuracy of all information provided.
Step 3: Submit Application
Send the complete application package by email.
Use the email address provided: k.perrier@mrc-papineau.com.
Step 4: Wait for Application Review
The application will be analyzed by the review committee.
The committee will forward the recommendation to the board for the final decision.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for these grants:

The policy of business support adopted on August 16, 2023, takes precedence over all supporting documents related to that policy.
The Fonds amélioration et développement numérique offers up to 5,000 CAD as a non-refundable grant, covering 50% of the project cost or eligible expenses for private businesses, and 80% for non-profits/cooperatives.
Non-profit organizations must obtain a social economy enterprise certification from CDROL to be eligible for the Fonds amélioration et développement numérique.
All requests must be sent by email to the MRC's specified email address, and only complete applications will be processed.
Applications are reviewed by an analysis committee before being submitted to the board of directors for a final decision.

grant_single_labels|contact

k.perrier@mrc-papineau.com

819-427-6243

Apply to this program

Empowering Business Digital Transformation

The "Fonds amélioration et développement numérique" provides non-refundable financial aid to businesses aiming to advance or establish their digital presence. With a maximum funding of $5,000, this grant supports the creation or enhancement of digital platforms crucial for expanding market reach.

Detailed Insights into the Digital Development Fund

In a rapidly digitizing world, businesses must evolve to stay competitive and seize new market opportunities. The "Fonds amélioration et développement numérique" is a strategic initiative designed to support enterprises in upgrading their digital capabilities. Under this program, businesses can receive up to $5,000 or 50% of eligible project costs in non-refundable support, while Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and Cooperatives may receive up to 80% of funding.

Eligible projects under this fund include the development or enhancement of digital aspects through the implementation of a website that may feature an online store, transactional capabilities, or an online reservation system. Such digital transformations are pivotal for businesses aiming to penetrate new markets, improve customer engagement, or distinguish themselves from competitors.

This grant is part of a broader initiative by the MRC de Papineau to foster economic growth by enhancing the digital infrastructure of businesses. By investing in digital capabilities, businesses can effectively navigate various web platforms and leverage digital tools to improve operational efficiency, customer interaction, and market access.

The application process requires detailed planning and documentation to ensure the clarity and feasibility of the proposed digital project. Businesses are required to present a comprehensive plan outlining the intended digital improvements, anticipated outcomes, and a budget breakdown of eligible expenses. This level of preparation ensures that the funding is allocated to well-conceived and impactful projects that can significantly elevate the digital prowess of the organization.

Furthermore, the "Fonds amélioration et développement numérique" aligns with the broader goals of promoting innovation and resilience among the business community within the MRC de Papineau. By supporting digital enhancement projects, it encourages businesses to adapt to contemporary technological demands and consumer expectations, thereby fostering long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

Successful applicants benefit not only from financial support but also from an enhanced capacity to compete in the digital economy, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and business opportunities. SMEs, in particular, stand to gain significantly, as these funds can help bridge the digital gap, enabling smaller enterprises to compete on a larger scale.

Overall, the "Fonds amélioration et développement numérique" represents a critical opportunity for businesses to harness digital technologies for growth and innovation. By engaging with this funding program, organizations position themselves at the forefront of digital evolution, ensuring their relevance and competitiveness in an increasingly online world.