Nordic Incubator-Accelerator — Stream 1 — Support Pathway

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the "Incubateur-accélérateur nordique" grant include the following:1. For-profit Organizations (OBL): Businesses that operate with the goal of earning profit.2. Non-profit Organizations (OBNL): Organizations that operate to achieve objectives other than profit distribution.3. Cooperatives: Organizations owned and operated for the mutual benefit of their members.4. Municipal Organizations: Local government entities within the specified geographical location.5. Recognized Indigenous Communities and Nations: Indigenous groups officially acknowledged by the National Assembly.6. Any coalition of these types of entities.### Additional Conditions:- Projects must be located north of the 49th parallel (including Anticosti Island), though businesses headquartered outside this territory can be eligible if their operations or upcoming projects take place within the specified area.- Certain entities are excluded, such as: - State-owned enterprises and government departments or agencies. - Applicants registered in the "Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics" (RENA) or undergoing restructuring. - Businesses protected under certain bankruptcy laws. - Businesses that failed to meet obligations of past financial aid within two years prior to application.### Compliance Requirements:- Tourism accommodation operators must adhere to relevant laws and regulations and possess a valid registration number under the "Loi sur l’hébergement touristique."- Outfitters require a proper outfitter permit and must comply with wildlife conservation laws, except those bound by specific agreements in northern territories.- Nature or adventure activity providers must be "Qualité-sécurité" accredited by Aventure Écotourisme Québec, or be in the process of obtaining it.

Who is not eligible

This grant is not available to certain companies and industries based on their status and activities. The aim is to prioritize projects that align with sustainable and responsible tourism initiatives.

• State-owned companies and government ministries or agencies of Quebec or Canada.
• Any applicant registered with the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA) and businesses under financial restructuring.
• Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
• Companies that have not fulfilled their obligations following a previous financial aid from the Ministry of Tourism, Société du Plan Nord, or other Quebec government ministries in the past two years.
• Retail businesses and the restaurant sector.
• Projects related to gambling industries.
• Projects involving the sale and consumption of alcohol (bars).
• Projects that have been partially completed or fully completed before the grant application submission.
• Projects that are purely cultural and not related to Indigenous tourism.

Eligible geographic areas

The eligible geographical areas for the grant are those located at or north of the 49th parallel. This specific regional focus is aimed at promoting tourism development in northern regions of Quebec.

• Regions north of the 49th parallel of Quebec (including Anticosti Island).

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The Incubateur-accélérateur nordique offers two tailored support pathways: Start-up and Acceleration, each lasting up to 18 months.
• For the Start-up track, a maximum of 200 hours of support valued at $33,000 is available, with a $1,500 contribution required from the entrepreneur.
• For the Acceleration track, a maximum of 250 hours of support valued at $42,000 is available, with a $3,000 contribution required from the entrepreneur.
• The program includes group training sessions, personalized mentoring, and custom expert support.
• Successful applicants must participate in an interview and sign an agreement to join the program.
• The aim is to mobilize projects that contribute to local economic development and adhere to sustainable tourism practices.
• The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and the Société du Plan Nord, in collaboration with several regional tourism associations.