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|openingDateNovember 02, 2020
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
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas determined by the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. The eligible locations aim to support the economic development of official language minority communities in Quebec.
- SMEs in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population.
- NPOs in an RCM whose population includes more than 500 English-speakers.
- SMEs or NPOs located in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End may receive flexible program conditions.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$70,000
Québec City
Expand a community center to provide more French-language services
$35,000
Montréal
Develop a bilingual business consulting service to support local startups
$80,000
Laval
Recruit bilingual healthcare professionals to launch a French clinic
$35,000
Gatineau
Implement a digital marketing strategy for a Francophone bookstore
$35,000
Sherbrooke
Design and launch an online platform to support French-speaking artisans
$50,000
Lévis
Modernize a manufacturing facility to enhance bilingual employee training programs
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's type and location.
- The applicant must be an SME in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population.
- The applicant must be an NPO in an RCM whose population includes more than 500 English-speakers.
- SMEs or NPOs in an economically vulnerable RCM or in Montréal’s East End may have flexible program conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is specifically for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) contributing to economic development in official language minority communities (OLMCs) within Quebec.
- SMEs located in a Regional County Municipality (RCM) outside of the Greater Montréal area where English-speakers constitute more than 5% of the total population.
- NPOs located in an RCM with a population that includes more than 500 English-speakers.
- Projects based in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End may qualify under more flexible conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their main activity. These restrictions ensure that the funding supports projects aligned with the initiative's economic development goals.
- 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
This grant supports the economic development of official language minority communities through strategic projects. The eligible activities are tailored to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation within these communities.
- Development of strategies, including intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans.
- Facilitation of networking and business contacts for organizations supporting entrepreneurship.
- Provision of information, consulting, and support services.
- Implementation of a commercialization strategy, including product and service design.
- Acquisition of equipment, IT tools, and technologies.
- Development, construction, modernization, or expansion of facilities.
- Recruitment or use of specialized resources to promote official languages in Quebec's French-speaking business community.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses directly associated with fostering the economic development of official language minority communities.
- Development of strategies, including intelligence gathering, specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans.
- Facilitation of networking and business contacts for organizations that support entrepreneurship.
- Provision of information, consulting, and support services.
- Implementation of commercialization strategies.
- 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_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and priorities.
- 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
- Step 1: Review Project Submission Guide
- Download and thoroughly read the Project Submission Guide provided by the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
- Ensure understanding of submission requirements and evaluation criteria.
- Step 2: Contact for Information
- Reach out to CED for any clarifications or additional information about the submission process.
- Discuss project eligibility and other concerns to ensure alignment with program objectives.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Develop a comprehensive project proposal outlining the economic benefits for the official language minority community.
- Gather necessary supporting documents such as financial statements, project plans, and proof of eligibility.
- Ensure the proposal highlights alignment with CED's mandate and priorities.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Follow the instructions in the Project Submission Guide for submitting your proposal.
- Ensure all required fields and documents are included in the application package.
- Submit the application to the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions before the deadline specified.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-up
- Await confirmation of receipt from CED. This may include an acknowledgment of application submission.
- Prepare to respond to any requests for additional information or clarification.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Financial assistance for SMEs is repayable without interest, with repayment starting two years after the project's completion.
- The program offers flexible conditions for SMEs or NPOs in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End.
- The grant for NPOs is generally non-repayable, covering up to 90% of authorized costs, providing significant financial relief for eligible organizations.
- CED offers resources like CED's Strategic Plan, project presentation guides, and other tools to assist applicants in preparing their submissions.
- Applicants are encouraged to explore CED's network of partners if they are ineligible for this specific grant.
Apply to this program
Fostering Economic Growth in OLMCs through Strategic Funding
This grant, part of the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions initiative, supports Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Non-profit Organizations (NPOs) aiming to enhance economic development within official language minority communities. It offers both financial aid and strategic support to cultivate innovation and strengthen partnerships, ensuring sustainable economic diversification in these communities.
Detailed Insights into the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages
The Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages is a vital funding program designed to bolster the economic vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs) across Quebec. As part of the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP), this initiative targets SMEs and NPOs looking to initiate or expand projects that can bring significant economic benefits to these communities. The grant is distinctive in its approach, providing a range of supports, from repayable financial assistance of up to 50% for SMEs, to non-repayable assistance covering up to 90% of costs for NPOs. Such financial aid is instrumental in unlocking the potential for innovative entrepreneurship within regions that traditionally face economic challenges due to language barriers or minority status.
Projects eligible for this funding typically include the development of comprehensive strategies such as intelligence gathering, specification development, and diagnostic or action plan formulation. These efforts are crucial for identifying economic opportunities, addressing gaps, and laying a structured plan for community growth. The initiative also focuses on enhancing networking and business contacts, essential for fostering entrepreneurship among organizations. By providing platforms for networking, the initiative helps establish lasting partnerships that can diversify and strengthen the local economy.
Additionally, the grant emphasizes the implementation of commercialization strategies, a key driver for economic expansion. This includes product and service design, acquisition of contemporary equipment and technologies, and the construction or modernization of facilities. Such investments not only enhance the efficiency and capacity of existing businesses but also create new opportunities for economic diversification within OLMCs. By prioritizing the recruitment or utilization of specialized resources, the initiative ensures the promotion of official languages within Quebec's predominantly French-speaking business ecosystem, thereby reinforcing the cultural identity of these communities.
This program is particularly mindful of the economic vulnerabilities faced by SME or NPOs located in regions outside Greater Montréal, with at least 5% English-speaking populations, and those in economically fragile regions such as Montréal’s East End. Such targeted support structures make it possible for these organizations to benefit from flexible program conditions that suit their unique economic environments.
Financial viability and the potential impact on competition are critical evaluation criteria for the projects seeking this grant. By carrying out a thorough assessment, the program ensures that the funds are directed towards initiatives that are not only feasible but possess the capability to deliver substantial economic benefits. This methodical approach to funding fosters an environment where growth is sustainable and deeply aligned with both community needs and CED’s strategic priorities.
Overall, the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages under the QEDP serves as a cornerstone for supporting economic growth in OLMCs, aiding them in overcoming language and regional barriers. By making strategic investments in crucial sectors, the initiative not only enhances the resilience of these communities but also contributes significantly to the broader economic landscape of Quebec. Businesses and organizations participating in this program are afforded a unique opportunity to drive community-centered growth, blending tradition with modern innovation to build a robust, inclusive economy.
