RCM Vallée-Du-Richelieu — Programme Innovation (PI)

• Completed application form
• Recent financial statements
• Project-related quotes
• Operation certificate
• Bank financing confirmation letter, if needed

Who is eligible?

• Private small and medium-sized enterprises with a head office and activities in MRC Vallée-du-Richelieu
• Social economy enterprises with a head office and activities in MRC Vallée-du-Richelieu

Who is not eligible

• Companies that have already benefited from the PI grant within the current year.
• Businesses that do not have their head office and commercial activities located within the MRC de la Vallée-du-Richelieu.

Eligible expenses

• Acquisition of technologies, land, buildings, equipment, machinery, and vehicles directly related to the project.
• Construction, expansion, renovation, and development of land and business premises linked to the project.
• Additional working capital requirements, beyond regular operating expenses, needed to complete the project for a period of up to two years.
• Professional fees for activities prior to project implementation, such as feasibility analyses, external audits, or impact studies.
• Professional fees directly linked to the realization of the project, including implementation of technologies, equipment, machinery, and development of land and premises.

Eligible geographic areas

• Businesses with their head office located within the territory of the MRC de La Vallée-du-Richelieu (MRCVR), Quebec.

• Feasibility of the proposed project.
• Capacity of the promoter to carry out the project.
• Anticipated benefits of the project for the company.
• Leverage effect of the financial contribution provided by the MRCVR.
• Expected impacts on the improvement of products and/or services, as well as on humans, local sourcing, and/or the environment.

• Step 1: Preparation of the application file
  • Fill out the application form available on the MRC de la Vallée-du-Richelieu website in the services/business-support section.
  • Attach the following documents:
    • General and supplementary information requested in the form.
    • Detailed description of the project.
    • Description of the project's financial structure and implementation timeline.
    • Letter(s) of confirmation of bank financing, if necessary.
    • The company's most recent financial statements.
    • The quotes related to the project.
    • Operation certification.
• Step 2: Submission of the application
  • Email the complete application file to aeq@mrcvr.ca within the deadlines set according to the project call period.
• Step 3: Analysis of the application
  • The application is analyzed by the Financial Aid Committee (CAF) which recommends the projects to the Council of the MRCVR.
• Step 4: Communication of the decision
  • The selected companies are contacted after the decision of the Council of the MRCVR.
  • A public announcement of the selected projects is made via a press release on the MRCVR website and social media.
• Step 5: Signing of the memorandum of understanding
  • Sign a memorandum of understanding specifying the conditions for disbursement of financial aid as well as mutual obligations.
• Step 6: Accountability and final disbursement
  • Complete the accountability form provided by the MRCVR at the end of the project.
  • Submit this form within a maximum of 30 days following the completion of the project, or no later than November 30, 2025, to receive the final disbursement.

• Applications are reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee (CAF).
• The CAF recommends selected projects to the MRCVR Council.
• Applicants are contacted after the Council’s decision.
• Approved projects require a memorandum of understanding.
• Selected projects are announced publicly on the MRCVR website and social media.

• The MRCVR logo must appear on the printed and digital visuals of supported projects, in accordance with the graphic standards guide.
• The MRCVR may refuse the payment of the grant if the project does not meet the evaluation criteria or diverges from the initially authorized project.
• Financial aid is granted in two payments, with the second conditional upon the accountability report and proof of project completion.
• A total budget envelope of $60,000 is provided for this program.