Open Innovation Subsidy Program for start-up companies
Montréal, QC, Canada
Montréal subsidy supports innovative start-up collaborations
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Utilities
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- City of Montreal (MTL)
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grant_card_status|open
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This financial support program is designed to facilitate the initiation of business relationships between innovative startups and established organizations in the metropolis of Montreal.
The main goal of the program is to boost the commercialization of innovative solutions addressing key issues such as urban development, ecological transition, or labor shortages. These urban challenges encompass a wide range of areas, including economic, cultural, and social development, environmental management, improvements to transportation systems, and the revitalization of neglected zones.
Through this collaboration, emerging companies not only receive technical and financial support but also benefit from an expanded business network. Meanwhile, partner organizations enjoy the agility and innovative capacity of startups, as well as privileged access to cutting-edge solutions.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas that are part of the Montréal agglomeration. The eligible locations are designed to boost the local economy through the support of innovative enterprises.
- Companies based in one of Montréal’s boroughs.
- Businesses located in neighbouring municipalities of Montréal.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$48,000
Offering a pre-commercial demonstration of an innovative public transportation app
$40,000
Developing a pilot project for smart waste management in urban areas of Montreal
$35,000
Implementing a renewable energy solution for underserved neighborhoods
$50,000
Creating a mobile app to help Montreal workers find jobs more efficiently
$45,000
Launching a community garden initiative to promote urban agriculture
$45,000
Providing a feasibility study for a new bike-sharing system
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the start-up company's location, operational status, team size, and ownership structure.
- The company’s head office or principal place of business must be located in one of Montréal’s boroughs or neighbouring municipalities.
- The company must be in the start-up phase or in operation for fewer than five years.
- The company must have a team of at least two people working full-time.
- Annual sales must be equal to or lower than $2 million.
- If the company is a joint-stock company, its capital stock must primarily be held by Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a Certificat de sélection au Québec, and it cannot be more than 50 per cent owned by another legal person.
- Social economy companies (co-ops or non-profits) are also eligible if they meet the aforementioned criteria.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is targeted towards emerging start-up companies in Montréal that aim to collaborate with established organizations to bring innovative solutions to market. Eligible applicants must meet criteria such as having their principal place of business in Montréal, being in operation for less than five years, having annual sales of $2 million or less, and being primarily owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Partner organizations must be legal entities within the Montréal agglomeration, have more than 50 employees or independent workers, and meet specific governance requirements. Projects need to contribute to sectors like clean technologies, medical technologies, or entertainment and tourism, among others, and focus on the commercialization of new solutions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects that aim to innovate in sectors crucial for urban improvement, ecological transition, and addressing labor shortages in Montréal. Eligible activities focus on commercialization and innovation in specific domains to enhance quality of life and economic vitality.
- Development and commercialization of new solutions in the biofood sector and improving access to food.
- Innovative projects in the entertainment and tourism industries.
- Improvements and innovations in logistics and intelligent mobility solutions.
- Research and application of new medical technologies and community health initiatives.
- Creation and implementation of clean technologies and green energy solutions, including projects focused on energy optimization and the circular economy.
- Efforts to enhance the commercial vitality of neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses necessary for the execution and success of the open innovation project.
- Remuneration of temporary or permanent staff, based on market conditions.
- Professional fees, such as legal assistance, research, accounting services, and software or data processing development.
- Purchase of equipment and supplies.
- Equipment rental fees.
- Licencing or certification fees.
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.
- Growth potential of the start-up and capacity to successfully complete the open innovation project.
- Quality of the project and of the collaboration between the start-up company and the partner organization.
- Scope and financial benefits of the project.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Obtain Agreement with Partner Organization
- Reach an agreement with a partner organization in Montréal that meets the eligibility criteria.
- Ensure the partner organization commits to a minimum financial contribution of 10% of the project costs.
- Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Complete the application form (in French).
- Prepare a board of directors’ resolution authorizing the application submission or provide a power of attorney document, if necessary.
- Compile curriculum vitae for each member of the management team.
- Prepare financial statements for the last fiscal year, or if unavailable, a report and earnings statement with bank statements for the preceding six months.
- Estimate the sales potential of the innovative product in the target market over three financial years.
- Draft a business plan or document summarizing the business model and commercialization strategy.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Send all documents and the completed application form to the provided email address once all documents are compiled.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The city may cancel or request a reimbursement of the subsidy if certain conditions are not met, such as relocation of the main business establishment outside Québec or acquisition by another company.
- The start-up retains ownership of all rights related to any adaptations, changes, or developments made during the project implementation.
- The program is available until funding is exhausted, so applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.
- The first installment of the subsidy, equivalent to 60% of the maximum estimated amount, is provided upfront, with the balance payable upon submission of accountability documents.
- The grant program encourages partnerships and collaborations to foster innovation that meets urban, ecological, and labor-related challenges.
- Montreal's Service de développement économique cannot act as a partner organization.
Apply to this program
Supporting Montréal's Innovative Start-Ups for Urban and Ecological Solutions
This grant program offers emerging companies in Montréal the opportunity to collaborate with established organizations, providing financial and technical support to address urban challenges and contribute to ecological transitions. It aims to foster commercialization of innovations, improve local economies, and revitalize communities through strategic partnerships.
Detailed Insights into the Start-Up Innovation Grant Program
This grant program is a pivotal initiative aimed at propelling start-ups in Montréal by facilitating collaborations with stable organizations. These partnerships are designed to integrate innovative solutions into real-world business contexts, stimulate economic growth, and address critical urban and ecological challenges. Eligible start-ups and partner organizations must meet specific criteria to ensure that projects align with the overarching goal of sustainable city development.
The program is structured to help start-ups not only gain financial assistance but also benefit from an extended business network, thereby enhancing their potential for growth and innovation. For the partner organizations, the collaboration brings the agility and creativity of start-ups to their operations, enabling them to test and implement cutting-edge solutions efficiently.
To participate, start-ups are required to be in a nascent stage or within the first five years of operation, with annual sales under $2 million. Additionally, they must form a partnership with an established entity within Montréal, which will contribute a minimum of 10% to the project costs. The financial framework of this grant offers up to 50% of the project costs, capped at $50,000. The funding can be complemented through other financial sources like loans, public contributions, or private investments, ensuring the viability and continuity of the project.
The city has delineated sectors where innovative solutions can make significant impacts, such as biofood, clean technologies, medical technologies, logistics, and intelligence mobility, among others. This targeted approach ensures that the funded projects not only have commercial viability but also address pressing urban issues such as ecological transitions and labor shortages.
The application process involves several formalities. Applicants must submit a completed form with the necessary financial documents, including a business plan and an estimate of the potential sales of the innovative product. These documents are integral to verify the start-up's readiness and capacity to undertake the project.
The review process of applications is thorough, focusing on the potential for growth, the quality of collaboration between the start-up and the partner organization, and the financial and innovative scope of the project. This ensures that only the most promising projects receive support.
Accountability and transparency in project execution are crucial. Thus, start-ups are required to maintain comprehensive records of all project-related expenses and contributions from partner organizations. These records must be submitted at the project’s conclusion as part of the accountability process, demonstrating the proper utilization of funds and achievements of project goals.
The grant program is an invaluable opportunity for start-ups in Montréal seeking to transform their innovative concepts into viable business products. By leveraging the support and resources facilitated through this program, start-ups can significantly advance their business objectives while contributing positively to Montréal’s urban ecosystem.
