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RCM Vallée-Du-Richelieu — Fonds d'appui à l'entrepreneuriat collectif (FAEC)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports social enterprise development through technical and financial assistance
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Overview
The Fonds d'appui à l'entrepreneuriat collectif (FAEC) provides financial and technical support, in the form of grants, to foster the development and consolidation of social economy enterprises in the Vallée-du-Richelieu region. This program supports innovative projects related to starting new social enterprises, launching eligible initiatives within existing organizations, and strengthening existing collective enterprises; the maximum grant amount is subject to annual budgetary approval by the MRC.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Increasing community impact
- Strengthening governance
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- La Vallée-du-Richelieu
- Montérégie
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Launch of a new social economy enterprise within the territory.
- Implementation of an innovative collective entrepreneurship project within an existing eligible organization.
- Consolidation or strengthening of social economy enterprises operating in the region.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a collective enterprise, such as a non-profit or cooperative, or a group promoting collective entrepreneurship.
- The project must be focused on launching a new social economy enterprise, implementing an eligible project within an existing eligible company, or strengthening an existing enterprise.
- The enterprise or project must be located within the territory of the MRC de La Vallée-du-Richelieu (MRCVR).
- The project must demonstrate an innovative character and address recognized or prioritized local needs.
Who is eligible?
- New or existing social economy enterprises (collective entrepreneurship)
- Eligible non-profit organizations
- Promoter groups proposing innovative collective entrepreneurship projects
Who is not eligible
- Companies that are not part of the social economy or are not collective enterprises.
- Organizations not undertaking innovative projects responding to recognized and prioritized local needs.
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition of equipment, technologies, land, or buildings directly related to the project.
- Construction, expansion, renovation, or fit-out of premises and land.
- Purchase of machinery and vehicles necessary for the project.
- Additional working capital directly and reasonably required for project execution, for up to two years.
- Professional fees related to feasibility studies, external audits, impact studies, and preliminary activities essential to the project.
- Professional fees strictly and directly involved in the implementation of the project, such as technology, equipment, or machinery integration, as well as acquisition, construction, renovation, or arrangement of land and premises.
Eligible geographic areas
- Beloeil
- Carignan
- Chambly
- McMasterville
- Mont-Saint-Hilaire
- Otterburn Park
- Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu
- Saint-Basile-le-Grand
- Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu
- Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste
- Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu
- Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil
Selection criteria
- Link with the axes and intervention priorities as well as with the existing plans and policies at the MRC of Vallée-du-Richelieu.
- Feasibility and realism of the proposed project.
- Importance of the socioeconomic benefits, particularly in terms of job creation and consolidation.
- Capacity of the promoter to carry out the project.
- Quality of the mission and social utility, governance, territorial and sectoral anchoring, market stability and operations, human resources, sustainable development, and financial viability of the project.
How to apply
1
Assess project eligibility
- Identify if your project or organization fits within the objectives of the FAEC
- Verify that your activity is an innovative collective entrepreneurship initiative
2
Request preliminary support
- Contact the program team for guidance and support
- Benefit from specialized assistance in project planning, business plan preparation, and funding search
3
Prepare application documents
- Prepare the necessary documentation including your business plan and relevant supporting documents
- Ensure your project aligns with the priorities recognized by the region
4
Complete and submit application
- Complete the FAEC application form
- Attach all required documentation as specified by the program guidelines
5
Application review and evaluation
- The program team reviews your submission and accompanying documentation
- The project is evaluated for its innovative aspects and relevance to the collective needs
6
Receive funding decision
- You receive notification of the program's decision
- If accepted, the financial and technical support process begins for your project
Additional information
- The annual budget for the program is determined each year by the MRCVR Council.
- Recipients benefit from both financial assistance and technical support provided by the MRCVR team.
- Accompaniment is available to help applicants develop their project, business plan, and search for financing.
- Priority is given to innovative projects that respond to recognized community needs.
