How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $150000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)?

Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) is funded by Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

What are Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)'s eligibility criterias?

Legally constituted for-profit business under Quebec or Canadian law Must have an establishment in Quebec

Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports economic development and innovation in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region

Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 90% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : April 1, 2019
Closing date : March 31, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Grant Providers

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Status

Archived

Overview of the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) program

The Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) of Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine provides up to $150,000 in funding per project to diversify the regional economy by supporting business creation, growth, innovation, and the development of economic, recreational, and innovative infrastructure projects. Eligible activities include business start-up and expansion, professional hiring, feasibility studies, coordination of structuring projects, and advancement of innovative or recreational initiatives.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance may cover between 20% and 70% of eligible expenses, depending on the project type and organization.
Maximum funding amounts range from $25,000 per year (per hire) for professional salary support to $150,000 per project for economic, innovative, or investment initiatives; operating support for regional organizations is capped at $100,000 per year.
Governmental aid (grants, tax credits, loans, guarantees, equity) cannot generally exceed a cumulative rate from 50% to 90% of project costs, depending on the project and organization type.
Recipients must contribute at least 10% of the project cost.
Advance payments may reach up to 25% of the approved aid for companies, or up to 50% for non-profits.

Eligible projects & activities

Supporting the creation and growth of businesses within the region.
Carrying out investment projects such as business startups, expansions, and modernization.
Hiring qualified professionals to increase productivity, diversify markets, or implement innovation projects.
Developing, improving, or maintaining local recreational tourism infrastructure.
Deploying innovative projects with economic, social, technological, tourism, environmental, or cultural impacts.

Eligibility criteria of the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) program

The applicant must be a legally constituted entity under the laws of Quebec or Canada with an establishment in Quebec (eligible entities include for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, collective enterprises, municipalities, and Indigenous band councils, depending on the component).
The project must align with the specific objectives and admissible activities of the relevant funding component (such as business creation or expansion, professional hiring, innovation, or infrastructure development).
The applicant must provide all required documentation, including a clear project description, project timeline, cost breakdown, financing plan, organizational capacity, and, if applicable, recent financial statements and partner letters of commitment.
The applicant must demonstrate an adequate financial contribution to the project, typically representing at least 10% of the total cost.

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

Eligibility criteria of the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) program

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.

How to apply to the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) program

Confirm eligibility

Identify if your organization and project meet the eligibility criteria for the selected grant stream
Review the specific conditions and requirements for your category (e.g., non-profit, business, municipality)

Prepare application documents

Gather required information and documentation (project description, timeline, costs, financing breakdown, team capacity)
Prepare copies of the annual report, latest financial statements, and partner commitment letters if applicable
Include specific documents for businesses, such as the francization certificate or employment equity program if applicable

Fill out the application form

Complete the official financial aid application form provided by the Ministry
Ensure all required sections are filled and attach supporting documentation

Submit the application

Submit the completed application form and all required documents to the Ministry
Confirm receipt or acknowledgment from the Ministry as appropriate

Await results and follow up

Follow up as needed if the Ministry requests clarifications or additional documents
Wait for application review and analysis according to program criteria and budget availability

Sign the agreement if approved

If approved, sign the financial assistance agreement prepared by the Ministry
Respect conditions of payment and reporting defined in the agreement

Manage funds and submit reports

If applicable, receive progress payments up to the maximum advance allowed
Submit activity and financial reports as specified in the agreement, including a final report within three months after project completion
If subsidy exceeds $100,000, provide an audited financial report

Additional information

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.

Apply to this program