Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS)

The Strategic Sector and Niche Excellence Development Support Program (PADS) is designed to mobilize and coordinate companies and economic partners to enhance the competitiveness of key sectors in Québec through financial assistance. This grant supports collaborative projects aimed at fostering regional economic development by leveraging local strengths and strategic sectors.

The Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) or Strategic Sector and Niche of Excellence Development Support Program, is an initiative developed by the ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI) in Québec. This invaluable program aims to foster regional economic development by supporting projects that align with the strategic goals and priorities of key sectors and niches of excellence within the economy.

The ACCORD (Concerted Action for Regional Development Cooperation) initiative's central slogan, "Agir ENSEMBLE pour être compétitif" (Act TOGETHER to be competitive), encapsulates the core philosophy of collaboration and coordination to enhance sectoral competitiveness on both national and international stages. The PADS program operationalizes this philosophy by offering funding to projects that demonstrate a clear alignment with strategic departmental goals and can provide tangible benefits to multiple partners within a sector.

To qualify for the PADS program, projects must meet the following general eligibility criteria: - Include a minimum of three (3) entities. - Demonstrate a structuring project with clear benefits for all partners. - Align with the strategic goals of a recognized Niche of Excellence, such as Civil and Commercial RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems). Eligible applicants or partners may include legally incorporated non-profit organizations (NPOs), cooperatives, CEGEPs, college technology transfer centres, university institutions in Québec, legally incorporated for-profit companies, and municipalities or regional county municipalities (RCMs).

Projects eligible for PADS funding encompass a wide range of activities aimed at bolstering the competitiveness and development of strategic sectors. Some key types of eligible projects include: - Studies: Technological, commercial, or competitive positioning analyses of a sector. - Mobilization Activities: Organization of forums, symposiums, and awareness campaigns. Development of informational and management materials or tools. - Training Development: Creation of training content and establishment of networks. - Promotion: Branding strategy design and implementation, promotional activities, organization of trade shows or buyer-supplier networking events. - Research Projects: Sector-specific research conducted on behalf of a group of companies, provided it is not eligible under other research support programs facilitated by the MEI or other government departments.

Financial assistance from the PADS program is offered as a non-repayable contribution with a specified assistance rate based on the type of organization: - Up to 50% of eligible expenses for organizations. - Up to 40% of eligible expenses for for-profit companies. The cumulative government assistance rate is capped at: - 70% for organizations. - 50% for companies. The PADS program also specifies that every project must demonstrate a financial or in-kind contribution from participating private companies. For instance, when the grant covers 40% of the project, the remaining 60% must include a minimum 15% cash down payment and a 45% in-kind contribution towards eligible expenses.

Eligible expenses include all costs directly associated with the implementation of the project, such as: - 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 administrative follow-up costs (under specified conditions). - Space or premises rental costs (if different from the organization's primary business location). - Project coordination or management costs (capped at 5% of the project's eligible expenses). Conversely, the following expenses are deemed ineligible for PADS funding: - Pre-submission expenses, including those for which contractual commitments have been made. - Capital and depreciation expenditures. - Sponsorships. - Routine operating costs. - Repayment of loans or capital replacement. - Sales taxes.

Applications for PADS funding are rigorously evaluated based on several critical criteria: - Alignment with the Ministry's focus areas and priorities. - Alignment with the Niche's strategic goals. - Multiplier effect for further investments. - Quality of the project in terms of credibility, visibility, impacts, added value, and synergies between partners. - Structural importance of the project for the targeted companies. - Realistic timeline and project costs. - Funding structure and partnership support. - Comprehensive marketing strategy. - Expected results that align with predefined objectives.

Projects receiving PADS funding are expected to yield significant results, such as: - Alignment with Ministry strategies and priorities. - Support for business startups or developmental activities. - Job creation or preservation. - Enhancement of company presence within the Niche. - Improved export opportunities and market share increases. - Contributions to the overall development and exposure of the Niche. - Amplified sector services. - Multiplier effects for other investments.

When considering the PADS funding program for research and development projects, it is essential to note that PADS serves as a program of last resort. This means that it cannot replace funding available from other MEI programs or those from other ministries or agencies. Additionally, for a project to be considered for PADS funding, it must be recommended by the Niche committee overseeing the specific strategic sector. For more information or to seek guidance on the application process, interested parties are encouraged to contact the program’s administration: - Address: 570, Chemin de l’Aéroport, Alma (QC), Canada, G8B 5V2 - Phone: 418 669-5104 - Email: info@cedalma.com - Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM This comprehensive guide aims to equip potential applicants with a thorough understanding of the PADS program, its objectives, eligibility criteria, potential funding opportunities, and the application evaluation process. By fostering collaborative and strategically aligned projects, the PADS program stands as a cornerstone of regional economic development, aiming to generate broad-based benefits and enhanced competitiveness for Québec's key sectors.