How much funding can be received?

The New Entrepreneur Fund aims to financially support entrepreneurs in establishing new legally constituted businesses in the MRC de Papineau, with eligible activities including capital expenditures and acquisition of technology. The program offers non-repayable grants of up to $5,000 or 50% of the project costs.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides support to entrepreneurs through structured financial assistance, maximizing their potential to establish a successful venture. The funding modalities are clearly defined to ensure proper allocation and accountability.

Non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 per enterprise.
Funding covers up to 50% of the project costs or eligible expenses.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports new entrepreneurs in establishing legally constituted businesses within the MRC de Papineau. It aims to assist the creation of new enterprises through financial support, ensuring the growth of innovative businesses in the region.

Establishment of a legally constituted business as a sole proprietorship.
Formation of a partnership to launch a new enterprise.
Creation of a corporation to start business operations.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The eligibility criteria for the "Fonds nouvel entrepreneur" grant require that the company and its promoter meet the following conditions:

The promoter must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Quebec.
The promoter must be at least 18 years old.
The promoter must have relevant experience or training related to the project.
The promoter must commit to working full-time in their business, or create at least one full-time job equivalent per promoter (minimum 35 hours/week for 52 weeks).
The company must be a legally constituted private business in Quebec (corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship).
The company must be established within the territory of the MRC de Papineau.
The company must have been operational for less than 12 months.
The company must not have received another grant included in the business support policy in the last 12 months.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant evaluates projects based on their potential positive impact on the business and the region, the quality of the project, and its viability.

The positive impact of the project for the business (25 points): Assesses the type of project, level of innovation, real necessity of the request, and value added.
The positive impact of the project for the region (25 points): Evaluates the project's impact on the community, involvement with local partners/suppliers, and the creation of quality jobs.
The quality of the project (25 points): Reviews the selection of experts, relevance of planned expenses, and the integration of sustainable development criteria.
The viability of the project (25 points): Considers the human and financial capacity required, promoter's motivation, realism of the timeline, and financial projections.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses related to setting up and equipping a new business.

Capital expenditures such as land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and vehicles.
Acquisition costs for technology, software, or packages.
Service expenses including permits, professional fees, consultants, feasibility studies, incorporation fees, and patent costs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically meant for new entrepreneurs establishing businesses within the jurisdiction of the MRC de Papineau.

Businesses located in 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 fund’s objectives.

The positive impacts of the project for the business (25 points): This includes the type of project, level of innovation, real need for the current request, and added value.
The positive impacts of the project for the region (25 points): This involves the project's impact on the community, the business's involvement in the community, seeking local partners/suppliers, and maintaining and creating quality jobs.
The quality of the project (25 points): This includes the quality of chosen experts, relevance of planned expenditures for business continuity, and integration of sustainable development criteria.
The viability of the project (25 points): This considers the human and financial capacity necessary for project realization, the promoter's motivation, realism of the implementation schedule, and budget forecasts.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined for applicants and projects.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Complete the application form accurately and sign it.
Gather all necessary supporting documents, including proof of expenses and income, CVs of owners, business or project plans, and two-year financial forecasts.
Step 3: Submission of Application
Send the complete application and all required documents via email to Katia Perrier, the economic development commissioner at the MRC, at k.perrier@mrc-papineau.com.
Step 4: Application Review and Decision
Your application will be reviewed by the analysis committee.
The application is then submitted to the board of directors for final decision.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The policy adopted on August 16, 2023, takes precedence over all other documents related to the policy.
The MRC de Papineau's Financial Support Policy includes five different grants available to businesses and organizations within the territory.
This fund is open continuously throughout the year or until funds are exhausted.
Requests are reviewed by an analysis committee before being presented to the board of directors for final decision.
The grant will be distributed in two installments, according to the agreement protocol signed by both parties.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all required documents are submitted as incomplete applications will not be processed.

grant_single_labels|contact

k.perrier@mrc-papineau.com

819-427-6243

Apply to this program

New Entrepreneur Fund: Supporting Emerging Businesses in the MRC of Papineau

This fund offers significant financial assistance, specifically aimed at aiding new entrepreneurs in establishing their enterprises within the MRC of Papineau. It is designed to encourage business creation with grants up to $5,000, covering 50% of eligible project costs.

Empowering New Entrepreneurs Through Strategic Financial Support

The New Entrepreneur Fund represents a critical initiative aimed at bolstering the economic landscape of the MRC of Papineau by empowering new business ventures. This grant specifically targets individuals who have recently embarked on the entrepreneurial journey, providing them with vital financial backing within the first 12 months following their business inception. Through this non-repayable and non-recurring grant, aspiring entrepreneurs can procure up to $5,000, which constitutes 50% of their project's cost or eligible expenses, depending on which is lower. This initiative ensures that the up-and-coming enterprises have the foundational support to propel forward in their early stages, a period often fraught with financial challenges and uncertainties.

The fund seeks to stimulate local economic growth by fostering the establishment of new businesses which are anticipated to contribute sustainably and innovatively to the region’s economy. By targeting new ventures, it actively contributes to developing a robust, diverse, and resilient economic fabric in the MRC of Papineau. Beneficiaries of this grant can allocate the funds towards crucial capital expenditures that are often pivotal for business operations such as acquiring technology, equipment, or even procuring professional services for essential consultations and legal preparations, thus significantly offsetting the financial pressures encountered during business setup.

The program intentionally excludes recurrent operational expenses such as salaries, rent, or regular maintenance costs, ensuring that the focus remains on strategic capital investment needed to establish a strong initial business framework. Furthermore, the fund's structuring requires thorough planning and foresight. Prospective applicants are mandated to submit a comprehensive business plan and financial forecasts spanning two years, thereby encouraging a culture of meticulous planning and financial prudence among new entrepreneurs.

Additionally, the fund functions as a catalyst for networking and business collaboration on a local scale by encouraging enterprises to integrate into the local economic ecosystem, emphasizing partnerships with local vendors and stakeholders, fostering a cooperative business environment. The support offered through this fund thus extends beyond mere financial aid, urging businesses to align with sustainable practices and contribute to the locality’s socio-economic fabric.

Ultimately, the New Entrepreneur Fund is not just a financing tool but a pivotal part of the MRC of Papineau’s broader strategy to nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. By equipping new business ventures with the necessary resources and support, the fund aims to lay a solid foundation for future economic prosperity, ensuring that these businesses are here to stay, grow, and enrich the local economy for years to come. Through such targeted efforts, the MRC of Papineau continues to demonstrate its commitment to cultivating a thriving, dynamic, and inclusive local economy aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.