MRC Sept-Rivières — Support for entrepreneurship (SE)

Who is eligible?

• Private businesses operating in the MRC de Sept-Rivières territory
• Social economy enterprises (including non-profits and cooperatives)
• Entrepreneurs (including self-employed workers registered with the REQ)
• Businesses in innovative sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, manufacturing (primary, secondary, tertiary transformation), tourism, IT/software development, environment (circular economy), digital transformation, and industrial machining

Who is not eligible

• Bars, arcades, pawn shops, projects of a religious nature, or businesses exploiting the sex industry.
• Retail trade and restaurants, unless they are considered essential local services situated in rural communities or urban neighbourhoods.
• Projects in sectors that are highly competitive or saturated.
• Companies with annual revenues exceeding $2 million (for the "administrative support and business growth" subcomponent).
• Businesses whose sole activity is promotion or advertising, the creation of a web page, or professional fees related to business succession (for some subcomponents).

Eligible expenses

• Capital expenses such as land, building, equipment, machinery, rolling stock, and incorporation fees.
• Acquisition costs of business ownership (voting shares, units, or assets) and professional service fees directly related to acquisition transactions.
• Acquisition of technologies, including know-how, licenses or manufacturing agreements, patents, software, or similar expenses.
• Operating costs directly related to project execution, including salaries, rent, acquisition of materials and equipment, and reporting costs.
• Training expenses for the entrepreneur or employees.
• Equipment purchase or work carried out for business improvements.
• Costs associated with the acquisition of software to improve administrative efficiency.
• Professional fees for implementing accounting systems or preparing annual financial statements and tax reports, or similar activities.
• Salaries and professional fees for the preparation of plans and studies linked to project development.

Eligible geographic areas

• Companies operating within the territory of the MRC de Sept-Rivières (Quebec).

• Alignment of project objectives with the strategic orientations of the Fonds régions et ruralité (FRR) and the MRC's vision.
• Demonstration by the applicant that financial support is essential for the project’s realization.
• Soundness of the business plan for the first three years, including viability and profitability prospects, project costs, market potential, and job creation.
• Socio-economic impacts, particularly the creation or maintenance of full-time jobs (30 hours/week per job).
• Entrepreneurial qualities, such as relevant experience or training related to the proposed project.

• Step 1: Initial Consultation
  • Contact the MRC Sept-Rivières Economic Development team to discuss your project and receive initial advice on eligibility and funding opportunities.
  • Obtain guidance on required documents and the appropriate program stream (grant or loan).
• Step 2: Prepare Project Documentation
  • Develop a comprehensive business plan covering at least the first three years of operation, including anticipated economic benefits, employment creation or retention, and project viability.
  • Gather all supporting materials, such as incorporation documents, proof of eligibility, and financial projections.
  • Prepare relevant documentation showing your financial contributions and supporting evidence for your project expenses.
• Step 3: Complete the Application Form
  • Fill out the official application form specific to the selected funding stream (grant or loan) as provided by the MRC Sept-Rivières.
  • Ensure all sections are completed and that all required supporting documents are attached.
• Step 4: Submit Application to MRC
  • Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the MRC Sept-Rivières Economic Development department by the specified method (contact the MRC for submission details, such as email or online portal, if available).
  • Ensure submission before any applicable deadlines and retain proof of application.
• Step 5: Application Review and Follow-Up
  • The MRC will review your application for completeness and compliance with program guidelines.
  • Respond promptly to any requests from the MRC for additional information or clarification during the evaluation process.
• Step 6: Funding Decision and Agreement
  • If your application is approved, sign a protocol agreement with the MRC that outlines funding conditions, payment schedules, and your obligations.
  • Begin project activities according to the agreed-upon schedule and requirements stipulated in your agreement.

• Financial support is available through both grant and loan components under the program.
• The program extends support to both private companies and social economy enterprises (such as NPOs and cooperatives).
• The MRC may make a public announcement regarding financial assistance granted, including the name of the business and the nature and amount of funding.
• The entrepreneur is required to submit supporting documents such as financial statements for the duration specified in the agreement.