Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — For-profit
QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec SMEs promoting official languages
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a repayable contribution to cover up to 50% of the costs of a project that supports the economic development of an official-language minority community in Quebec through a range of activities.
grant_single_labels|projects
Development of strategies Networking and business contacts Information, consulting, and support services Implementation of a commercialization strategy Design of products and services Acquisition of equipment, IT tools, and technologies Facility development, construction, modernization, or expansion Recruitment or use of specialized resources
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$35,000
Montréal
Develop a bilingual business consulting service to support local startups in Montréal.
$70,000
Québec City
Expand a community center to provide more French-language services in Québec City.
$80,000
Laval
Recruit bilingual healthcare professionals to launch a French clinic in Laval.
$35,000
Gatineau
Implement a digital marketing strategy for a Francophone bookstore in Gatineau.
$35,000
Sherbrooke
Design and launch an online platform to support French-speaking artisans in Sherbrooke.
$50,000
Lévis
Modernize a manufacturing facility in Lévis to enhance bilingual employee training programs.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages grant, the following criteria must be met: 1. SMEs in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers constitute more than 5% of the total population. 2. NPOs in an RCM with a population that includes more than 500 English-speakers. Ineligible clients include retail businesses (such as clothing stores, grocery stores, automobile sales and maintenance outlets), food services (restaurants and cafés), transportation services, housing construction, daycare services, hair and beauty salons, nightclubs, bars, and cabarets. For further information or to discuss specific project eligibility, contact the funding agency.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- SME in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population - NPO in an RCM whose population includes more than 500 English-speakers
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Retail businesses (e.g., clothing stores, grocery stores or automobile sales and maintenance outlets) Food services (e.g., restaurants and cafés) Transportation services Housing construction Daycare services Hair and beauty salons Nightclubs, bars and cabarets
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Design of products and services - Acquisition of equipment, IT tools, and technologies - Facility development, construction, modernization, or expansion - Recruitment or use of specialized resources to promote official languages in Quebec’s French-speaking business community
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
SME in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population NPO in an RCM whose population includes more than 500 English-speakers
grant_single_labels|criteria
- the economic benefits for an official language minority community (OLMC) - the project’s contribution to the Initiative’s objectives and expected results - alignment with CED’s mandate and priorities - the incentive nature of the assistance and the demonstration of the financial need required for the project to be able to go ahead, taking into account other existing funding sources - the proponent’s management capacity - the viability of the business or organization - the degree of risk - the impact on the competition - the availability of CED funding
grant_single_labels|register
The steps to apply for this grant are as follows: 1. Refer to the Project Submission Guide. 2. Contact the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions for more information.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Sure, here are some additional points that applicants should know about the funding opportunity in bullet points: - Projects must demonstrate economic benefits for official language minority communities (OLMCs). - The funding is aimed at kickstarting innovative or entrepreneurial projects, fostering partnerships, and diversifying economic activities in OLMCs. - Eligible clients include SMEs in regions outside Greater Montréal with English-speaking populations over 5%. NPOs in regions with over 500 English-speakers are also eligible. - Retail businesses, food services, transportation services, housing construction, daycare services, hair salons, and nightclubs are generally ineligible for funding. - Projects are assessed based on their alignment with the funding initiative's objectives, the proponent's management capacity, and the viability of the business or organization. - Financial assistance is generally repayable for SMEs and non-repayable for NPOs, with funding amounts up to 50% and 90% of authorized costs, respectively. - Clients should refer to the Project Submission Guide for detailed information on how to submit their projects.
Apply to this program
Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages Grant Summary
The Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages aims to support the economic development of official language minority communities (OLMCs) in Quebec by providing funding for innovative and entrepreneurial projects. This initiative offers financial assistance to SMEs and non-profit organizations (NPOs) to create, solidify, and diversify economic activities and partnerships in these communities.
Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages: Detailed Explanation
The Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages is a key component of the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) focused on fostering the economic prosperity of official language minority communities (OLMCs) in Quebec. Managed by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), this initiative provides financial support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) working to elevate the economic status and opportunities available within OLMCs.
Funding Objectives and Goals
The primary objective of this funding initiative is to stimulate economic growth and sustainability in communities where a linguistic minority is present. Through the provision of financial assistance, the Economic Development Initiative aims to:
- Encourage the development and implementation of innovative and entrepreneurial projects
- Facilitate the creation and strengthening of strategic partnerships
- Diversify economic activities to ensure long-term stability and growth
- Enhance the visibility and integration of official languages within the business community
Scope of Funded Projects
The initiative supports a wide range of projects, including but not limited to:
- Development of strategic plans, market intelligence, and feasibility studies
- Networking opportunities and business contacts, particularly for organizations promoting entrepreneurship
- Provision of information, consulting, and support services to SME owners and managers
- Implementation of commercialization strategies, including product and service design
- Acquisition of equipment, IT tools, and modern technologies
- Facility development, construction, modernization, or expansion
- Recruitment or engagement of specialized resources to promote official languages within the business environment
Other project types may also be eligible for funding, and applicants are encouraged to contact CED for detailed discussions regarding their proposals.
Financial Assistance Details
Financial assistance is available in different forms and amounts for SMEs and NPOs:
- For SMEs:
- Financial assistance generally up to 50% of authorized project costs
- The funding is repayable without interest, with repayment starting two years after the project’s completion
- For NPOs:
- Non-repayable financial assistance generally amounting to up to 90% of authorized project costs
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for this funding initiative are based on specific organizational and regional characteristics:
- SMEs must be located in a Regional County Municipality (RCM) outside the Greater Montréal region with a population where English-speakers comprise more than 5% of the total population
- NPOs must operate within an RCM with over 500 English-speaking residents
Exceptions and flexible conditions are available for projects from economically vulnerable RCMs or those in Montréal’s East End.
The following types of businesses and services are generally ineligible for this funding initiative:
- Retail businesses (e.g., clothing stores, grocery stores)
- Food services (e.g., restaurants and cafés)
- Transportation services
- Housing construction
- Daycare services
- Hair and beauty salons
- Nightclubs, bars, and cabarets
Organizations ineligible for this grant are encouraged to explore other funding opportunities available through CED’s network of partners.
Analysis and Selection Criteria
All submitted projects undergo a thorough analysis based on the following criteria:
- The economic benefits to the OLMC
- The project’s alignment with the Initiative’s objectives and expected outcomes
- Consistency with CED’s mandate and priorities
- The necessity of the funding for the project's feasibility, considering other available funding sources
- The proponent’s capability to manage the project successfully
- The business or organization’s overall viability
- The degree of risk associated with the project
- The potential impact on competition
- The availability of funding from CED
Steps for Submitting a Project
Interested applicants should adhere to the following steps to submit their projects:
- Refer to the Project Submission Guide available from CED
- Prepare and organize all necessary documentation and details required for the submission
- Contact CED directly for further information or to clarify any specific details regarding the application process
Additional Resources and Support
CED provides numerous resources and tools to assist applicants in understanding and navigating the funding application process. Available resources include:
- CED’s Strategic Plan
- Event information and registration details
- Project presentation guidelines
- Various tools and templates to aid in preparing the application
Applicants are encouraged to consult these resources and reach out to CED for tailored advice and support.
Contact and Communication
To communicate with CED for queries, assistance, or status updates on a submission, several contact options are available. Applicants can connect with CED through phone, email, or in-person visits to discuss their projects and receive guidance on the next steps.
Additionally, businesses and organizations are invited to subscribe to CED’s newsletter to stay updated on new funding opportunities, strategic advice, and success stories from other recipients of the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages.
Client Satisfaction and Feedback
CED values feedback from its clients and continually strives to improve its services. Applicants are encouraged to provide their thoughts and experiences regarding their interactions with CED to help shape the ongoing enhancement of service quality.
The Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages represents a significant opportunity for SMEs and NPOs within Quebec’s official language minority communities to access vital funding and support. By leveraging these resources, eligible organizations can drive meaningful economic development, foster innovative projects, and build resilient, diverse economies for the future.
