Closed
Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)
Supports economic development and innovation in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2019
- Closing date : March 31, 2025
Location
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce 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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2025.
Who is eligible for the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) program?
To be eligible for the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) program, you must:
Legally constituted for-profit business under Quebec or Canadian law
Must have an establishment in Quebec
What expenses are eligible under Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)?
You can contact Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE).
Where is the Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) available?
The Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR) program is available Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec.