Regional partnership and digital transformation agreement for tourism 2022-2025 – Festivals and events

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant include tourism businesses, such as for-profit (OBL), non-profit (OBNL), and cooperative organizations, as well as municipalities, recognized Indigenous communities and nations, and groupings of these client types. The businesses must be legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian law and operate in Quebec. Certain government entities, non-compliant businesses, and those excluded under public contract regulations are not eligible. Tourism accommodation businesses must abide by relevant laws and hold a registration number. Nature and adventure tourism businesses are required to adhere to or commit to the standards of the Qualité-Sécurité d’Aventure Écotourisme Québec program.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain types of companies and industries based on their status or compliance with specific regulations. The restrictions are intended to ensure that only eligible entities that align with the program's goals can apply.

• Crown corporations and ministries and agencies of the Quebec and Canadian governments.
• Companies registered in the registry of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
• Companies not complying with the francization process of the Office québécois de la langue française.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the management and promotion of festivals and events within the tourism sector.

• The costs of administration.
• The costs of operating the event.
• The costs of programming the event.
• The costs of promotion, marketing, and communication for the event.
• The fees for managing the site and the installations.
• The costs of products intended for resale.
• The travel expenses, general expenses, salaries, and benefits of the promoter's human resources in connection with the event.
• The sponsorship of goods and services when they are audited (limited to 50% of the total admissible costs).
• The net taxes (excluding the portion that is reimbursed) related to the admissible costs.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies and organizations located in a specific geographical region in Canada. Eligibility is confined to those operating within the province of Quebec.

• Businesses and entities operating in Quebec, Canada.

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

• Adéquation with the objectives of the EPRTNT.
• Structuring character (attraction power, project scope, outcomes, collaboration with partners, job creation, season extension, etc.).
• Innovative character.
• Quality in terms of concept, products, and services.
• Financial structure and setup.
• Relevance (significant tourist clientele and its diversification, market, competition, quality of the offer, marketing strategy, networking, etc.).
• Feasibility (timeline, marketing strategy, quality of the business plan or study brief, promoter's expertise).
• Consideration of sustainable development principles.
• Relevance of the project in connection with the strategic itinerary of the destination.

• Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
• Complete the financial aid application form in Excel format.
• Compile the event's upcoming program or draft version.
• Gather the most recent event report, if available.
• Prepare the latest financial statements including revenue and expenses related to the event.
• Create a projected revenue-expense statement for the upcoming event.
• Ensure a board resolution authorizing the application is ready, along with any supporting documentation.
• Secure any confirmations from financial partners, if available.
• For nature and adventure tourism businesses, prepare documentation proving compliance or intent to comply with the Aventure Écotourisme Québec Quality-Security program standards.
• If applicable, obtain indigenous certification to determine aid rate.
• Step 2: Submit Application
• Email the completed application form and supporting documents to drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.
• Step 3: Contact for Information
• If further information is needed, contact David Rowsome at 418-543-3536 ext. 228 or via email at drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.

Here is additional relevant information for this grant:

• The project must have minimum eligible costs of at least 60,000 $ to qualify for funding.
• The maximum financial assistance available through the program is 15,000 $.
• Entities must provide financial statements, including revenue-expense reports for the upcoming event.
• Specific financial contributions from the promoter or partners cannot come from government-assessed sources.
• The promoter's financial contribution, including sponsor support, cannot involve asset transfers or contributions in goods and services.
• All applicant entities must comply with Quebec's French language requirements under the newly sanctioned law.
• A comprehensive approach to sustainable development, eco-friendly solutions, and social responsibility will positively influence the application's appraisal.
• For assistance, entities can contact David Rowsome, an offer development consultant, via phone or email.