How much funding can be received?

The Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme 2022-2025 aims to financially support and accompany tourism enterprises in Quebec's Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region to stimulate economic growth through the development of an innovative, attractive, and sustainable digital tourism offer. The program provides a maximum non-repayable financial assistance of $25,000 for eligible projects, focusing on implementing digital solutions like payment kiosks, virtual cards, reservation systems, and other business solutions to enhance virtual interactions and customer experience.

grant_single_labels|projects

The eligible activities for this grant focus on advancing digital capabilities and enhancing interaction with customers in the tourism sector. These projects aim to implement innovative digital solutions for business improvement and customer experience.

Implementation of digital applications such as payment terminals and virtual cards.
Deployment of reservation systems and digital reception kiosks.
Introduction of robots for delivery services.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the grant is defined by specific criteria related to the applicant's legal status, location, and previous commitments.

The applicant must be a legally constituted business or organization under Quebec or Canadian laws and must operate in Quebec.
Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, municipal entities, recognized Indigenous communities and nations, Indigenous tourism organizations, and combinations of these entities.
The applicant must have fulfilled previous commitments if they have received prior grants from the partners.
Businesses operating a tourist accommodation must comply with relevant laws and hold a registration number.
Nature and adventure tourism companies must comply with or commit to pursuing compliance with the Qualité-Sécurité d’Aventure Écotourisme Québec program standards.
Applicants not eligible include state-owned enterprises, departments or agencies of Quebec and Canadian governments, businesses on the registry of ineligible enterprises for public contracts, and enterprises not compliant with Quebec's language francization process.
No financial aid will be granted to a company if the project is similar to one already funded for a sectoral business group by the Minister.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the 'Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme 2022-2025' grant include:- Tourism businesses, which can be profit-oriented organizations (OBL), non-profit organizations (OBNL), or cooperatives.- Municipal entities such as municipalities, cities, villages, and metropolitan communities, among others, including any groupings of these entities.- Recognized Indigenous communities and nations by the National Assembly, as well as Indigenous tourism organizations and businesses.- Any combination or grouping of the above clienteles.To be eligible, the organization must be legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada and must conduct business operations within Quebec. Additionally, they must comply with any prior commitments to partners if they had previously received subsidies, and adhere to legal and regulatory requirements relevant to their type of business activity. This includes tourism accommodation operations needing proper registration and adventure tourism operations adhering to or initiating compliance with the Qualité-Sécurité d’Aventure Écotourisme Québec program standards.Exclusions apply to state-owned enterprises and government ministries, companies registered as ineligible for public contracts, and those not compliant with the francisation process by the Office québécois de la langue française. No financial aid will be granted if the Minister already funds a similar project within a sectoral enterprise group (like a sectoral tourism association).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to specific restrictions related to their status or main activity. These limitations ensure that the financial support is directed towards eligible entities that align with the program's digital transformation goals.

State-owned enterprises and government ministries or agencies of Quebec and Canada.
Companies listed on the registry of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
Companies not in compliance with the francization process of the Office québécois de la langue française.
Entities involved in projects like tourist accommodation, condotels, bicycle paths, snowmobile trails, golf courses, and dock repairs.
Projects in the sectors of restaurants and retail trade.
Organizations involved in gambling and those linked to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Projects already completed or underway at the time of application submission.
Businesses receiving non-repayable financial aid from specific programs like PARIT or PADAT.
Home-made reservation solutions projects.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is targeted at companies operating within the geographical area of Quebec. It specifically supports businesses located in the Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Businesses and organizations operating in Quebec.
Entities based within the Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and strategic goals.

Adherence to the objectives of the Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme (EPRTNT).
Structural impact, including the attraction potential, project scope, benefits, collaboration with other partners, job creation, and seasonal extension.
Innovativeness of the project.
Quality in terms of concept, products, and services offered.
Financial structure and project financial planning.
Relevance concerning significantly tourist clientele and market diversification, competition, quality of the offering, and marketing strategy.
Project feasibility, including timeline, marketing strategy, quality of the business plan or study briefs, and promoter's expertise.
Consideration of sustainable development principles.
Relevance of the project in connection with the strategic itinerary of the destination.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Ensure your organization is a type of business or entity eligible to apply.
Confirm compliance with all laws and regulations related to your tourism business.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Complete the EPRTNT financial assistance request form.
Prepare a comprehensive business plan for the project.
Gather financial statements for the past two years and interim financial statements if required.
Create forecast financial statements for the next three years post-project completion.
Obtain board resolution or equivalent authorizing the signatory for the application.
Secure confirmations from financial partners, if available.
If applicable, ensure documentation regarding Indigenous status or Qualité-Sécurité certification is complete.
Step 3: Application Submission
Send the completed request form and all required documents to: drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.
Step 4: Seek Assistance
Contact David Rowsome at 418-543-3536 ext 228 for any inquiries or further information.
Email inquiries can also be directed to drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The intervention financial assistance provided is non-repayable.
The project must present eligible costs of at least $5,000.
The maximum financial intervention amount is $25,000.
The minimum amount of promoter's contribution varies depending on the type of eligible clientele.
The applicant must provide financial statements for the past two years and projection for the next three years, except for start-ups, municipal entities, and Indigenous communities or nations.
If applicable, Indigenous certification must be provided to determine the aid rate.
Projects in the strategic itinerary of the destination are prioritized, and applicants are encouraged to review these documents.
Applicants can connect with their MRC's tourism resource for specific territorial strategies.
A resolution by the board of directors mandating the financial aid request signatory must be included in the application.

grant_single_labels|contact

drowsome@tourismesaglac.net

4185433536

Apply to this program

Transforming Tourism Through Digital Innovation

The Entente de Partenariat Régional et de Transformation Numérique en Tourisme 2022-2025 aims to propel the tourism industry forward by integrating digital solutions into business operations. This initiative supports sustainable growth and innovative projects within the tourism sector in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Detailed Insights into the EPRTNT and Its Strategic Goals

The EPRTNT grant program is a strategic initiative jointly funded by the Ministère du Tourisme (MTO) and Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, targeting the enhancement of the regional tourism landscape through digital transformation. This program seeks to uplift both the economic and cultural facets of tourism in the region by fostering innovative digital practices amongst local businesses. With a focus on responsible and sustainable growth, the EPRTNT grant supports companies eager to deploy digital solutions that enhance visitor interaction and experience.

The overarching aim of this funding opportunity is to stimulate regional economic growth by expanding and enriching the tourism offerings with innovative and attractive experiences. Eligible projects could include the deployment of payment kiosks, virtual cards, digital reservation systems, reception kiosks, and robotic delivery systems, all of which are intended to create a dynamic and engaging environment for tourists. By leveraging these technological advancements, businesses are expected to significantly enhance customer interaction, thereby boosting the appeal and accessibility of the region’s tourism activities.

Notably, the EPRTNT grant emphasizes projects that align with sustainable tourism principles. This includes adopting socially responsible business practices and integrating environmentally friendly solutions within operations. By doing so, the program not only addresses current market demands but also ensures the long-term viability and success of tourist activities in the region.

The innovative nature of the projects is a key selection criterion. Proposals are evaluated on their structural impact, novelty, and overall alignment with the program’s objectives. The initiative also encourages collaboration among different tourism stakeholders, fostering an integrated approach to regional development. The maximum financial contribution available through this program is $25,000, supporting projects with minimum eligible costs of $5,000.

Additionally, by investing in digital transformation, the EPRTNT aims to diversify tourism offerings, extending the reach and coverage of the region to a broader visitor base. This strategic move is expected to attract more tourists year-round, thereby decreasing seasonal flux and increasing the economic impact on local communities.

The program places a strong emphasis on sustainability, which plays a pivotal role in the selection and evaluation of projects. Businesses are encouraged to incorporate comprehensive sustainable development models that reduce environmental footprints while maintaining high service quality standards. This approach not only meets the rigorous demands of the modern traveler but also positions the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region as a leader in responsible tourism.

Overall, the EPRTNT provides a substantial opportunity for eligible entities to innovate and expand their tourism operations while committing to responsible and sustainable practices. By doing so, it not only enhances the regional economy but also supports a broader shift towards a more sustainable tourism industry across Quebec and Canada.