Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit
QC, Canada
Funding for Quebec non-profits 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
- Other services (except public administration)
- 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 non-repayable contribution to cover up to 90% 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 targets SMEs and NPOs in particular regions of Quebec with significant English-speaking communities. The funding is focused on regions outside the Greater Montréal area and specific economic sectors.
- SMEs in Regional County Municipalities (RCMs) outside the Greater Montreal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the population.
- NPOs in RCMs that have a population including more than 500 English-speakers.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$90,000
Sherbrooke
Creating a bilingual online platform for small businesses
$108,000
Laval
Modernization of kitchen facilities for a bilingual community center
$126,000
Trois-Rivières
Acquisition of modern brewing equipment for a bilingual craft brewery
$76,500
Quebec City
Launching a marketing strategy for a new bilingual social economy enterprise
$85,500
Gatineau
Recruitment of specialized educators for a bilingual afterschool program
$135,000
Montreal
Development of an advanced IT network for a bilingual financial cooperative
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant focus on the applicant's organization type and their geographical and demographic context.
- The applicant must be an SME located in a Regional County Municipality (RCM) outside the Greater Montréal area where English-speakers constitute more than 5% of the total population.
- Alternatively, the applicant can be an NPO in an RCM with a population that includes more than 500 English-speakers.
- SMEs or NPOs located in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End may be considered for flexible program conditions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible clients for the Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages under the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions program include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) that serve official language minority communities. Specifically, the funding is targeted at:- SMEs located in a Regional County Municipality (RCM) outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers constitute more than 5% of the total population.- NPOs in an RCM that includes more than 500 English-speakers within its population.Projects from organizations in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End may also be eligible for more flexible program conditions. Notably, retail businesses, food services, transportation services, housing construction, daycare services, beauty salons, and nightlife establishments are explicitly listed as ineligible for this funding. The grant aims to support innovative, entrepreneurial projects that contribute to economic development, partnerships, and economic diversification within these communities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries mainly due to their primary activity. These restrictions ensure that financial assistance is directed toward projects that align with the initiative's objectives of supporting OLMC economic development.
- 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
The grant supports the economic development of official language minority communities through various innovative and entrepreneurial projects. Eligible activities include strategy development, networking, commercialization strategy implementation, and use of specialized resources.
- Development of strategies such as intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans.
- Networking and business contacts, especially for organizations that support entrepreneurship.
- Provision of information, consulting, and support services.
- Implementation of commercialization strategies including product and service design.
- 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
The funding supports various expenses crucial to the development and success of projects in official language minority communities.
- Development of strategies including intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans.
- Networking and business contacts facilitation.
- Provision of information, consulting, and support services.
- Implementation of a commercialization strategy, including the 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.
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 valuable contributions to official language minority communities (OLMCs).
- 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 proceed, considering other funding sources.
- The proponent’s management capacity.
- The viability of the business or organization.
- The degree of risk involved in the project.
- The impact on competition.
- The availability of CED funding.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Project Eligibility Verification
- Ensure your project aligns with the economic benefits for an official language minority community (OLMC).
- Check that your project relates to economic development initiatives, such as networking or commercialization strategies.
- Review the eligibility criteria to confirm your status as an SME or NPO in a qualifying region.
- Step 2: Consult Project Submission Guide
- Review the Project Submission Guide to understand the requirements and criteria for application.
- Gather all necessary information and documents as outlined in the guide.
- Step 3: Contact CED for Clarifications
- Reach out to CED via provided contact methods for any clarifications on the submission process or project eligibility.
- Step 4: Draft Project Proposal
- Create a detailed project proposal including project objectives, expected economic benefits, and alignment with CED’s mandate.
- Include supporting documents such as budgets, timelines, and management capacity proof.
- Step 5: Submission of Application
- Prepare to submit the application through CED’s preferred means after completing the necessary documents.
- Ensure all details are accurate and the application is complete before submission.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Financial assistance is repayable without interest for SMEs, with repayments starting two years after project completion.
- Non-repayable financial assistance for NPOs generally covers up to 90% of authorized costs.
- Economically vulnerable RCMs or Montréal's East End may be eligible for flexible program conditions.
Apply to this program
Empowering Economic Growth in Official Language Minority Communities
This funding initiative offers financial aid to SMEs and NPOs to stimulate economic development in Quebec's official language minority communities. It serves as a catalyst for innovation and partnership, helping diversify economic activities and supporting community sustainability.
In-Depth Insight into the Economic Development Initiative for Quebec's Regions
The Economic Development Initiative for Quebec Regions, an integral part of the QEDP, targets the advancement of economic opportunities for official language minority communities in Quebec. This initiative is uniquely structured to support SMEs and NPOs in launching and expanding projects that foster economic growth, thus enhancing the vitality of these communities. By aiming at specific sectors and project types, this funding distinguishes itself as a pivotal tool in aiding English-speaking minority areas, notably in sectors that are not retail or personal services.
This funding is particularly aimed at developing strategic plans, fostering networking and business contacts, and implementing commercialization strategies. For SMEs, the initiative offers repayable assistance, covering up to 50% of authorized costs without interest, with repayments starting two years post-project completion. NPOs, however, benefit from non-repayable support up to 90% of project costs, easing the financial burden for non-profit endeavors.
Highlighting the inherent economic potential, this initiative encourages the integration of new technologies, equipment acquisition, and facility development, supporting SMEs in adapting to modern economic demands. Moreover, the funding facilitates the recruitment of specialized resources, thus promoting the use of bilingual capabilities in Quebec’s French-speaking business domains.
Projects are meticulously assessed based on their economic benefits to official language minority communities, alignment with both the Initiative’s objectives and CED’s strategic mandate, and the applicant’s management capacity and project viability. This ensures that the approved projects have a substantial, positive impact while mitigating competition adverse effects.
It is important to note that while various projects can receive funding, businesses focused on retail, food, transport, and personal services are excluded, directing resources to more strategic economic areas. This stipulation underscores the grant’s focus on projects fostering substantial regional economic benefits rather than conventional business models.
The medium to long-term vision of the Economic Development Initiative involves not only offering immediate financial assistance but also preparing the local communities for enduring economic resilience. This empowers communities to thrive independently, leveraging their unique attributes to foster economic diversity and stability.
Undoubtedly, accessing this funding can serve as a transformative step for eligible entities, addressing financial constraints and opening avenues for broader market engagements. Interested parties are encouraged to refer to the Project Submission Guide for detailed application procedures and to engage with CED’s resources for comprehensive support throughout the project lifecycle.
