MRC Thérèse de Blainville — Business start-up fund
grant_single|update May 16, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports new entrepreneurs starting or acquiring a business
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- MRC Thérèse de Blainville
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The MRC Thérèse de Blainville — Business Start-up Fund provides non-repayable contributions of up to $5,000 to support new entrepreneurs in creating or acquiring their first or second business. The program aims to finance activities such as the purchase of equipment, acquisition of technology, or working capital needs for enterprises established within the MRC territory.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Non-repayable financial contribution of up to 20% of the total project cost, with a maximum of $5,000 per beneficiary.
- The combined government funding (from federal, provincial, and MRC sources) cannot exceed 50% of eligible expenses per project, except for social economy enterprises where support may reach up to 80%.
- The total amount of financial support granted by the MRC to a single beneficiary cannot exceed $150,000 within a 12-month period.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Creation or acquisition of a first or second business located within the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville.
- Business projects that demonstrate potential for long-term viability and profitability.
- Entrepreneurial initiatives leading to the creation of at least two permanent jobs within two years, including owners.
- Collective entrepreneurship or social economy business start-ups in the region.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 4,900
Acquisition of computers and licenses for digital agency launch
$ 5,000
Purchase of delivery van to launch local fresh foods service
$ 4,900
Purchase of bakery equipment for new artisan bakery business
$ 4,800
Acquisition of e-commerce software for ethical clothing start-up
$ 4,750
Purchase of sewing machines and software for social sewing coop
$ 4,950
Investment in espresso machine for independent neighborhood coffee shop
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Quebec, aged 18 or older at the time of application.
- The applicant must have relevant experience or training for the proposed project.
- The applicant must commit to working full-time in the business.
- The project must create at least two permanent jobs or the equivalent in person-years, including the entrepreneur(s), within two years of obtaining funding.
- The business must be established within the territory of the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- New businesses being created on the territory of the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville
- Existing businesses in their first or second acquisition phase within the MRC
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
- Companies operating in the retail or restaurant sectors, except when providing essential proximity services to underserved communities.
- Businesses with projects in highly competitive sectors, as determined by the MRC committee, are excluded.
- Projects involving expenses already incurred or completed before the official funding application are not eligible.
- Businesses seeking funding for ongoing operations, debt servicing, or completed projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Purchase of capital assets such as land, building, equipment, machinery, and vehicles.
- Incorporation fees and other similar capital-related expenses (excluding goodwill).
- Acquisition of technologies, including know-how, licenses or manufacturing agreements, patents, software, or similar expenses.
- Working capital needs for the first year of operation, strictly related to business activities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
- Businesses operating within the territory of the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville, Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
- Demonstration that the business plan for the first three years of operation indicates strong potential for viability and profitability.
- The project results in the creation of at least two permanent jobs (including the entrepreneur's position) within two years of receiving funding.
- Proof that the financial support requested is essential for the project’s realization.
- Project is located within the territory of the MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville.
- Exclusion of projects in highly competitive sectors as determined by the committee.
grant_single_labels|apply
1
Prepare a business plan
- Prepare a detailed business plan covering the first three years of operation
- Ensure your project demonstrates strong viability and profitability prospects
2
Assemble required documentation
- Gather personal and professional documents that prove eligibility (citizenship, residency, experience, commitment to full-time work, financial contribution, shareholding)
- Ensure the project will be implemented within the Thérèse-De Blainville MRC territory
3
Submit the application form
- Submit the official financial assistance application
- Ensure that all required documents and the business plan are included
4
Application evaluation process
- The MRC evaluates eligibility for detailed review
- If eligible, the project is submitted to the FRR – Business Support Committee for a comprehensive assessment
5
Council decision and funding adoption
- The committee makes recommendations to the MRC council for a decision
- The council adopts resolutions for approved projects and allocated financial aid
6
Agreement and funds disbursement
- Sign an agreement protocol with the MRC
- Receive financial assistance in a single payment once all conditions are met
- If requirements are not met within six months, reapply with updated documents
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Funding is subject to the availability of the Business Start-up Fund budget.
- The financial contribution will be made in a single payment once all preconditions are satisfied.
- If the funding is not claimed within six months, the aid offer will lapse and a new application must be submitted.
- All awarded projects and amounts are approved by the MRC council through an official resolution.