How much funding can be received?

The Fund for Expert Consultants provides non-repayable grants of up to $5,000 or 50% of the project cost for private enterprises, and 80% for non-profits/cooperatives, to obtain specialized professional services. Eligible projects require external consultancy to deliver initiatives with a direct impact on the business and its community.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant is designed to assist businesses by covering the cost of external consultancy services with a direct impact on the company and its surrounding environment. These services help businesses in ways that are not covered by other government grant programs.

Projects that require the services of a consultant to successfully complete the initiative.
Projects not covered by existing government grants such as Agri-conseils, Fonds Écoleader, or Services Québec.
Professional service projects that have a direct impact on the company and its local community.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile, region, and past activities.

The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Quebec, at least 18 years old.
The applicant must represent a legally constituted private enterprise in Quebec, including Corporations, General Partnerships, or Sole Proprietorships.
The enterprise must be an entity located within the MRC de Papineau territory and in operation for at least 12 months.
The enterprise must not have received a grant under the policy in the last 12 months.
For non-profit organizations, they must obtain an attestation from CDROL confirming their status as a social economy enterprise.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers expenses specifically related to obtaining professional services necessary for the project's implementation.

Professional fees related to the request.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available to companies and entities located within the designated geographical area controlled by the funding body. The eligible locations are confined to ensure alignment with local economic development strategies.

Entities established on the territory of the MRC of 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 for the company, considering innovation, necessity, and added value (25 points).
The positive impacts of the project for the region, including community involvement, local partnerships, and job creation (25 points).
The quality of the project, assessed by the expertise of the chosen consultants, relevance of expenses, and sustainability measures (25 points).
The viability of the project, including human and financial capacities, promoter motivation, and realistic planning (25 points).

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Fonds experts-conseils grant:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure that your enterprise meets all eligibility criteria specified in the grant documentation.
Confirm that your project aligns with the objectives and eligible activities under the grant.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Download and complete the application form available on the MRC de Papineau's website.
Prepare a CV of the business owner for private enterprises.
Collect financial statements for enterprises active for over two years, or a business plan with financial projections for newer enterprises.
Secure a letter of attestation from the Pôle d’économie sociale if applying as an OBNL or cooperative.
Include articles of incorporation for OBNL or cooperatives.
Assemble supporting documents for each expense and revenue related to the project.
Step 3: Submission of Application
Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate.
Submit the complete application package via email to Katia Perrier at the provided email address: k.perrier@mrc-papineau.com.
Step 4: Application Review
The application will be reviewed by the MRC's committee of analysis.
Applications are then presented to the board of directors for a final decision.
Step 5: Receive Notification
Await notification on the decision regarding your grant application.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The subvention is non-recurrent and will be provided as a non-repayable grant.
The grant is available continuously throughout the year until the exhaustion of funds.
The funds are managed and the applications are approved by the MRC's Conseil d'administration.
The grant payment will be administered in two installments, in accordance with the agreement protocol signed by both parties.
The maximum grant amount available is $5,000 per application, excluding taxes.

grant_single_labels|contact

k.perrier@mrc-papineau.com

819-427-6243

Apply to this program

Empowering Local Enterprises with Expert Consultancy Support

The Fonds Experts-Conseils provides vital financial aid to businesses across the MRC de Papineau region, enabling them to hire external consultants for projects that significantly benefit their operations and community. With a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 or 50% of the project costs for private businesses and up to 80% for non-profit organizations and cooperatives, this fund is open continuously until resources are depleted.

Detailed Explanation of the Fonds Experts-Conseils Grant

The Fonds Experts-Conseils is a strategic initiative designed to support businesses and non-profit organizations located within the MRC de Papineau by meeting their needs for specialized professional services. The fund's primary aim is to boost the growth and development of local enterprises by providing them with the necessary financial support to engage external consultants. This enables businesses to tackle specific challenges or seize new opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach due to budgetary constraints.

The grant is part of a wider economic strategy adopted by the MRC de Papineau, as articulated in the Policy for Business Support, established on August 16, 2023. This policy underscores the MRC's commitment to fostering a robust economic environment by supporting enterprises that demonstrate potential for innovation and substantial regional impact. The fund caters to a diverse range of businesses, encouraging projects that do not overlap with other governmental support programs, thus ensuring a tailored approach to each enterprise's unique circumstances and needs.

Eligible projects must require the expertise of external consultants and demonstrate a direct, positive impact on the business and its surrounding community. The fund emphasizes projects that have significant potential to enhance the business's capacity or efficiency, thereby contributing to the broader economic vitality of the MRC de Papineau. Entrepreneurs and business leaders who can present a well-structured plan for consultant engagement, outlining clear objectives and projected outcomes, are likely to benefit from this grant.

Moreover, the financial support structure is designed to ensure maximum flexibility and efficiency. For private enterprises, the grant covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, while for non-profits and cooperatives, it can support up to 80%, reflecting the fund's commitment to social economy entities that often rely heavily on such assistance. This funding model not only alleviates financial pressure but also incentivizes recipients to adopt innovative strategies and sustainable practices that align with local economic and social goals.

The administrative process for applying to the fund is streamlined to facilitate quick access to resources. Complete applications, requiring a comprehensive set of documents including financial statements, business plans, and detailed project outlines, are submitted via email for consideration by the analysis committee and ultimately by the MRC's Board. Successful applicants will receive the grant in two installments, ensuring continuous project progression and accountability.

The evaluative criteria for the grant focus on the project's potential benefits to the business itself and the regional community, the quality of the proposed consulting professionals, and the overall viability of the project plan. This thorough assessment process ensures that the allocated funds are directed towards projects that are not only feasible but also capable of delivering meaningful and sustainable impacts.

In summary, the Fonds Experts-Conseils stands as a pivotal resource for entities seeking to leverage specialized consultancy for strategic advancement. By prioritizing projects with clear positive impacts and fostering a collaborative economic framework, the fund plays a crucial role in enhancing the resilience and dynamism of the local economy under the stewardship of the MRC de Papineau.