REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity — CED (QC) — Not-for-profit

This funding program provides varying financial support according to the type of recipient, aiming to boost innovation and productivity at different stages of business development. The funding modalities are structured to maximize impact and minimize financial burden on not-for-profit organizations compared to private enterprises.

• For private enterprises (PMEs), financial assistance can extend up to 50% of the eligible project costs, which is repayable without interest, with repayments commencing two years after project completion.
• For not-for-profit organizations (OBNLs), the assistance is non-repayable and can cover up to 90% of the eligible costs, but only up to 50% for capital projects.
• Eligible costs must be directly related to the project, deemed reasonable by DEC, and essential for its realization, with some restrictions potentially applicable.
• Non-eligible costs include refinancing existing debt, acquiring any asset exceeding fair market value, depreciation expenses, goodwill-related expenses, and land acquisition.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the type of organization applying and the nature of the proposed project.

• The applicant must be a Small or Medium Enterprise (PME), a Cooperative, a Business Group, a Non-Profit Organization (OBNL), a Business Support Organization, or an Indigenous organization.
• Retail businesses, food services, transportation services, residential construction, daycare services, salons, nightclubs, bars, and cabarets are not eligible.

Who is eligible?

This grant potentially offers financial support for projects from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, business groups, non-profit organizations (NPOs), business support organizations, and Indigenous organizations. These entities must be involved in sectors that include manufacturing, food processing, information and communication technologies (ICTs) and multimedia, or life sciences, although other sectors may also be eligible."

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their main activities. The aim is to focus resources on sectors promoting innovation, productivity, and growth.

• Retail businesses, such as clothing stores and grocery stores.
• Food service establishments, including restaurants and cafés.
• Transportation services.
• Residential construction companies.
• Daycare services.
• Hair salons and beauty salons.
• Nightclubs, bars, and cabarets.

Eligible expenses

The eligible expenses for this grant are those directly related to the project's execution, deemed reasonable by DEC, and essential for its completion.

• Costs directly linked to the project's essential activities.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant includes special conditions for entities located in economically vulnerable regional county municipalities (MRC) and the East of Montreal. This targets areas identified for regional economic improvement within Quebec, Canada.

• Economically vulnerable regional county municipalities (MRC) in Quebec.
• The East of Montreal, Quebec.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria, but specific point scores have not been explicitly given in the context provided.

• Expected results of the project.
• Viability of the business or non-profit organization.
• Technical and financial management capacity.
• Contribution of partners in financial resources or professional services.
• Degree of risk associated with the project.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The grant is part of the CERI program, which may have wider implications or opportunities for collaboration within the program framework.
• Grants for SMEs are interest-free, implying cost savings compared to traditional financing.