Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS)
QC, Canada
The PADS program strengthens Québec's economic ecosystem by fostering collaboration and boosting competitiveness through financial support for strategic sectors.
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
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
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- UAS Centre of Excellence
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grant_card_status|open
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The Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) aims to mobilize and coordinate efforts among companies and economic partners to boost competitiveness in key sectors both nationally and internationally. Eligible activities include studies on technological or commercial positioning, organization of forums or symposiums, development of training content, and promotional activities such as implementing a branding strategy or organizing trade shows in Québec. The program offers financial assistance up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a cap of $500,000 annually.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant seems to focus on companies located within a specific region associated with development initiatives in Québec. The eligible geographical area is primarily concentrated in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean Region, as indicated by the information provided.
- Businesses located within the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean Region in Québec.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is specified by detailed criteria that must be met by the applicant companies.
- A minimum of three (3) entities must collaborate on the project.
- The project should be a structuring initiative with clear benefits for all involved partners.
- The project must align with the strategic goals of the Niche of Excellence in Civil and Commercial RPAS.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) program targets organizations that contribute to strategic sector growth through eligible projects that align with governmental and Niche priorities.
- Project alignment with the Ministry's focus areas and priorities.
- Alignment with the Niche's focus areas.
- Multiplier effect potential for other investments.
- Quality of the project, including credibility, visibility, and anticipated impacts.
- Added value and synergies between project partners.
- Structural importance of the project for targeted companies.
- Realistic timeline for project completion.
- Realistic assessment of project costs.
- Strong funding structure and partnership support.
- Effective marketing strategy.
- Expected results contributing to program objectives such as job creation, business development, niche presence strengthening, and export opportunities.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible projects under this grant focus on enhancing the collaboration and competitive positioning of companies in strategic sectors. They include studies, mobilization activities, promotional actions, and research projects aimed at industry development and partnerships.
- Conducting studies on technological, commercial, or competitive positioning within a sector.
- Organizing forums or symposiums and engaging in awareness activities.
- Developing informational and management materials or tools.
- Creating training content.
- Establishing and developing networks.
- Designing and implementing branding strategies for a sector.
- Carrying out promotional activities in Québec, such as organizing trade shows or buyer-supplier networking events.
- Conducting research projects for groups of companies in the same or related sectors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for this grant are those directly related to the project's implementation.
- Professional fees.
- Material and communication costs.
- Travel and living expenses, in accordance with current government standards.
- A portion of the project manager's salary and costs related to the project's administrative follow-up, under certain conditions.
- Costs of renting space or premises other than those of the organization's place of business.
- Project coordination, i.e., management costs (administrative follow-up of the project) not exceeding 5% of the project's eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the Ministry's and Niche's focus areas and the grant’s objectives.
- Project alignment with Ministry's focus areas and priorities.
- Project alignment with Niche's focus areas.
- Multiplier effect for other investments.
- The quality of the project, including credibility, visibility, impacts, added value, and synergies between partners.
- Structural importance of the project for targeted companies.
- Realistic timeline and project costs.
- Funding structure and partnership support.
- Marketing strategy.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Understand Program Requirements
- Review the eligibility criteria to confirm the project's alignment with the program's objectives.
- Verify that your organization and project type are eligible for funding.
- Step 2: Develop Project Proposal
- Prepare a detailed project proposal including objectives, expected outcomes, and alignment with Niche's focus areas.
- Identify and collaborate with a minimum of two other entities as partners for the project.
- Ensure the project demonstrates clear benefits for all partners and aligns with strategic goals of the Niche.
- Step 3: Prepare Budget and Supporting Documents
- Draft a comprehensive budget detailing all eligible expenses and proposed funding structure.
- Compile supporting documents such as letters of intent from partners, project timelines, and management plans.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Prepare your application packet according to submission guidelines.
- Submit the application to the relevant authorities including Niche committee endorsement if required.
- Step 5: Application Review and Confirmation
- Await confirmation from the funding body regarding the receipt of your application.
- Respond promptly to any further inquiries or request for additional information.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant offers financial support for up to 50% of eligible expenses (40% for companies) and typically caps at $500,000 annually or $1,500,000 over three years.
- The project must involve at least three entities.
- Eligible organizations include NPOs, cooperatives, educational institutions, municipalities, and legally incorporated for-profit companies operating in Québec.
- The project should align with the strategic goals of the Niche of Excellence in Civil and Commercial RPAS.
- Financial contribution from private companies is required for eligible projects.
- Expenses incurred before submitting the file are ineligible for reimbursement.
- The maximum rate of government assistance is 70% for organizations and 50% for companies.
- The program requires a realistic timeline, project costs, and a clear funding structure.
- The expected results must align with Ministry's focus areas and strategies.
grant_single_labels|contact
info@cedalma.com
418 669-5104
Apply to this program
Strategic Development Support for Excellence
The Strategic Sector and Niche of Excellence Development Support Program (PADS) provides crucial financial assistance to drive the growth of strategic sectors in alignment with governmental economic strategies. By fostering collaboration among businesses and economic partners, this grant aims to enhance the competitive standing of key industries both nationally and internationally.
Unpacking the PADS Grant: Essential Details and Implications
The Strategic Sector and Niche of Excellence Development Support Program, commonly referred to as PADS, is an initiative designed to harness and amplify the cooperative efforts of businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government bodies towards the development of strategic sectors. Aligned with the ACCORD initiative, PADS is a financial lever that facilitates these entities' ability to execute projects that bolster regional and provincial economic prowess. As a non-repayable grant program provided by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI), PADS supports the execution of projects that realize significant synergies among stakeholders, thereby enhancing their collective competitive advantage.
Specifically, PADS targets projects that demonstrate a clear alignment with the strategic priorities set by the Ministry and the Niche of Excellence, which focus on sectors such as Civil and Commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems (RPAS). It seeks to fund projects that have the potential to create multi-dimensional benefits—not just for the individual participants but for the broader economic ecosystem. By doing so, PADS plays a vital role in facilitating the formation and strengthening of networks and alliances among companies, thereby fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic development.
Through financial contributions that can support up to 50% of eligible project expenses—or 40% for corporate entities—the PADS program makes a significant impact on the feasibility and scope of proposed initiatives. This funding structure ensures that projects have adequate resources while encouraging promoters to secure complementary financial inputs, thereby maximizing both the scope and impact of each initiative. The projects undertaken must not only be innovative and strategically aligned but should also be capable of directly benefitting multiple stakeholders, which is central to the program’s mission of boosting regional economic strength through strategic cooperation.
PADS primarily funds a range of project types, including studies to improve technological or market positing, events that catalyze stakeholder mobilization, and promotional activities that enhance sectoral visibility. By doing so, it ensures that beneficiaries can address pressing sectoral challenges, mobilize efficiently, and establish robust promotional frameworks to bolster sectoral presence.However, it is crucial to note that while PADS provides significant funding support, the program is tailored as a "funding of last resort," particularly when alternative departmental or agency funding avenues are not available for research and development projects.
Participating entities are expected to contribute a financial stake in their projects, ensuring invested interest and partnership collaboration towards project success. The grant's eligibility and evaluation criteria ensure a rigorous selection process, prioritizing applications that demonstrate alignment with departmental strategies, possess a credible roadmap for implementation, and exhibit potential for high leveraging of additional investment.In conclusion, PADS serves as a cornerstone for driving strategic sector development across Quebec by encouraging and facilitating collaborative efforts. By supporting projects with measurable impacts on economic competitiveness and sustainability, the program helps foster a dynamic economic environment where businesses and their partners can thrive, innovate, and expand their market reach both regionally and internationally.
