Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)

Who is eligible?

• Regionally-based non-profit organizations (NPOs) legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian law
• Applied research centers dedicated to promising economic sectors
• For-profit businesses legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian law with an establishment in Quebec
• Collective enterprises (cooperatives and NPOs) within the meaning of the Social Economy Act
• Local and regional municipalities, municipal or intermunicipal organizations operating in the region
• Band councils of Indigenous communities
• Collegial or university-level educational institutions

Who is not eligible

• Companies operating primarily in retail or wholesale trade sectors.
• Businesses whose main activity falls under personal services, professional and financial services, real estate, or accommodation (except for tourism accommodation).
• Projects related to restaurant services.
• Organizations and projects involved in the development or operation of municipal infrastructure or public services, including health and education.
• Projects of a commercial and competitive nature, such as retail, wholesale, or standard accommodation and restaurant services, as well as projects involving the hosting of recurring events (e.g., festivals, conferences, or colloquia).

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits of employees directly assigned to the project.
• Purchase of materials, equipment, and consumables necessary for project implementation.
• Direct operating expenses such as office supplies, communication costs, promotional materials, training costs, and travel expenses (when directly related to the project and in accordance with government standards).
• Professional fees and consulting costs essential for project delivery.
• Costs of market analyses, feasibility studies, and certification-related analyses directly linked to the project.
• Direct costs associated with the acquisition or testing of technologies or intellectual property (such as licenses or usage rights) for innovative projects.
• Moving expenses for qualified personnel (subject to maximum subsidy and eligibility conditions).

Eligible geographic areas

• Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region, Quebec

• Clarity and completeness of the project description and timeline.
• Demonstration of organizational capacity to successfully carry out and complete the project.
• Detailed breakdown of project costs and financing, including other sources of funding.
• Expected economic and socio-economic impacts for the region and for Québec (such as job creation or maintenance, economic spinoffs, and sector development).
• Feasibility and relevance of the project, including alignment with regional priorities and contribution to the diversification of the region's economy.

• Step 1: Complete the Application Form
  • Fill out the official financial aid application form provided by the Ministry.
  • Ensure all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.
• Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
  • Provide a clear project description and implementation timeline.
  • Specify the project location, address, electoral district (in Quebec), MRC, and main project contact information within the organization.
  • Include a detailed breakdown of project costs and financing, listing all other anticipated sources of funding.
  • Demonstrate the capacity and qualifications of the organization and team to carry out the project successfully.
  • Attach the organization’s annual report and latest financial statements, if applicable.
  • Supply letters of commitment from partners, if relevant.
  • For businesses, provide a certificate of francization and employment equity program, where applicable.
• Step 3: Submit the Application
  • Send the fully completed application and all required supporting documents to the Ministry of Economy and Innovation as per the most recent instructions (usually by mail or via a specific submission platform, as detailed in official program communications).
• Step 4: Application Review and Assessment
  • The application will be evaluated to ensure alignment with program norms and available budget.
  • Projects under stream 2 or 6 are reviewed by a selection committee composed of regional and economic representatives.
  • The selection committee examines relevance, economic impact, project feasibility, and financial structure.
• Step 5: Approval and Funding Agreement
  • Recommended projects are submitted for final approval by an authorized program manager.
  • Upon approval, a financial aid agreement specifying payment conditions and obligations is signed by both parties.
• Step 6: Fund Disbursement
  • An initial advance payment (up to 25% for businesses, up to 50% for non-profits) may be provided after the agreement is signed.
  • Subsequent payments are made according to the agreement and may require submission of supporting documents.
  • The final payment is released after project completion and must be at least 10% of the total grant received.
• Step 7: Reporting and Accountability
  • Maintain accurate records and accounts related to grant spending.
  • Submit a detailed activity and financial report, including proof of eligible expenses and outcomes, within three months post-project.
  • If the grant exceeds $100,000, include an audit by an independent auditor.

• A detailed activity and financial report must be submitted within three months after the end of the project.
• Financial records related to the grant must be kept for at least three years following the final payment.
• An advance of up to 25% (for businesses) or 50% (for NPOs) of the awarded funding may be provided, with subsequent payments subject to supporting documentation.
• If the total grant exceeds $100,000, a financial report audited by an independent auditor is required.