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Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports economic development and innovation in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2019
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Eligible candidates
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
Location
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Activities funded
- 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
- 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
Selection criteria
- 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
1
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)
2
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
3
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
4
Submit the application
- Submit the completed application form and all required documents to the Ministry
- Confirm receipt or acknowledgment from the Ministry as appropriate
5
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
6
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
7
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.
