How much funding can be received?

The Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme 2022-2025 provides non-repayable funding up to $75,000 to support the development of innovative and sustainable tourism offerings in Quebec. Eligible activities include construction, adaptation, or expansion projects that enhance the quality and attractiveness of accommodations and extend the operational season for businesses.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant aims to enhance the tourism sector by developing and improving accommodation options and extending operational periods in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. Eligible projects focus on creating a distinctive and sustainable tourism offer.

Structuring a particular territory to boost its tourism appeal.
Addressing the shortage of accommodation units in the area.
Enhancing the quality standards within the accommodation sector.
Extending the operational period and opening times of businesses.
Introducing new services that cater to the needs of tourists.
Adding services to campsites, without the renovation or addition of land plots.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of entity and compliance with relevant regulations.

The applicant must be a legally constituted tourism business, non-profit organization, cooperative, municipal entity, recognized Indigenous community or nation, or a grouping of these entities.
The business must be governed by the laws of Quebec or Canada and must operate in Quebec.
Tourism accommodation businesses must comply with existing laws and regulations and possess a registration number.
Eligible organizations must have fulfilled their commitments related to any previous grants awarded by the partners.
Nature and adventure tourism enterprises must comply with or commit to adhere to the standards of the Qualité-Sécurité d’Aventure Écotourisme Québec program.
The applicant must not be a state-owned enterprise, a government ministry or department of Quebec or Canada, a business listed in the register of businesses ineligible for public contracts, or a business non-compliant with the francisation process of the Office québécois de la langue française.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is targeted at a variety of tourism-related entities within the Quebec region, aiming to support sustainable and innovative growth within the tourism sector. Eligible applicants must be legally established in Quebec and operating within the province.

Tourism businesses, including both for-profit and non-profit organizations and cooperatives.
Municipal entities, covering a wide range of municipal and regional structures.
Recognized Indigenous communities and nations, along with Indigenous tourism organizations and businesses.
Groupings of eligible clients, which can include combinations of the above entities.

Additionally, tourism accommodation businesses must comply with relevant laws and hold valid registration numbers, and those in the nature and adventure tourism sector must adhere to specific safety and quality standards or be working towards compliance. Exclusions include government bodies, certain ineligible businesses, and those not in compliance with language regulations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain types of projects and industries due to specific restrictions and criteria. These exclusions ensure that the financial assistance aligns with the strategic objectives of promoting sustainable tourism development.

State-owned enterprises and government departments of Quebec and Canada.
Companies listed on the registry of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
Companies not compliant with the francization process of the Office québécois de la langue française.
Projects related to tourist lodges, hotel condominiums, bicycle paths, snowmobile trails, golf courses, and wharf renovations.
Projects in the sectors of restaurants and retail businesses.
Projects related to tourism signage.
Projects focused on training content development.
Projects in gambling or those related to sales and consumption of alcohol.
Projects with a majority of costs related to upgrading, maintenance, or replacement of existing infrastructures or equipment.
Projects already completed or underway at the time the application is submitted.
Projects receiving non-repayable financial assistance from certain other tourism recovery programs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the realization and enhancement of tourism projects.

Construction, reconstruction, expansion, adaptation, or conversion of infrastructure or equipment.
Deployment of a new tourism experience.
Professional fees for recognized professionals, including design, engineering, and project management.
Development, enhancement, and valorization of lands and trails.
Purchase and installation of specialized equipment and furnishings.
Acquisition of boats or rolling stock to enhance customer experience.
Acquisition of land, easements, rights of way, and related expenses, if required for the project realization.
Surveying costs of the construction site.
Quality control costs on the construction site.
Net taxes related to direct costs (excluding refundable parts).
Costs associated with integrating artwork into a building or site following Quebec's Policy on the Integration of Arts to Architecture.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is designated for tourism companies legally established and operating within the geographical areas under the jurisdiction of the Quebec and Canadian governments. The focus is on businesses that adhere to regional economic stimulation and sustainable tourism development.

Companies operating and legally constituted under Quebec provincial law.
Businesses conducting activities within Quebec territory.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The selection of projects for this grant is determined based on their alignment with targeted outcomes and their potential impact.

Alignment with the objectives of the Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme (EPRTNT).
Structuring impact, including the project's attraction potential, scope, benefits, collaboration with other partners, employment creation, and season extension.
Innovative character of the project.
Quality in terms of concept, products, and services.
Financial structure and planning.
Relevance to the target tourist clientele and market diversification, considering market conditions, competition, quality of offer, marketing strategy, and networking.
Feasibility of the project, including scheduling, marketing strategy, and the quality of the business plan or study specifications, as well as the promoter's expertise.
Incorporation of sustainable development principles.
Relevance of the project in relation to the strategic itinerary of the destination.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Prepare Documentation
Complete the financial assistance request form for EPRTNT Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
Gather a comprehensive business plan for the project, including a list of necessary authorizations and permits.
Prepare financial statements for the two most recent years, or project-specific revenue and expenditures document for municipalities and indigenous communities.
Draft projected financial statements for the next three years following project completion.
Get a board resolution mandating the application signer.
Obtain an email from the Ministry of Culture and Communications regarding the project's adherence to the Arts Integration Policy.
Secure confirmation from financial partners, if available.
For nature and adventure tourism companies, show adherence or commitment to the Qualité-Sécurité d’Aventure Écotourisme Québec standards.
If applicable, provide Indigenous recognition certification for eligible organizations.
For self-construction projects, provide the manager’s RBQ license copy.
Step 2: Submit Application
Email the completed financial assistance application and required documents to drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.
Step 3: Inquire for Clarifications
Contact David Rowsome, Development Advisor, for further information by phone at 418 543-3536 ext. 228 or via email at drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Below are some additional relevant details for applicants of this grant:

The financial assistance provided is non-repayable.
All enterprises operating tourist accommodations must comply with current laws and regulations and hold a registration number.
Projects must include sustainable development measures to reduce negative environmental impacts while creating social and economic benefits.
A public tender is required for awarding construction contracts if the aid is $100,000 or more.
Projects must incorporate elements in accordance with the Policy on the Integration of Arts into Architecture and Environment for most public building or site projects costing $150,000 or more.
For autonomous construction projects, the manager must have an RBQ license.
The French language compliance is mandated by the Law on the Official and Common Language of Quebec.
A filled and signed application form must be provided in Excel format.

grant_single_labels|contact

drowsome@tourismesaglac.net

4185433536

Apply to this program

Enhancing Digital Transformation in Tourism

The Entente de Partenariat Régional et de Transformation Numérique en Tourisme 2022-2025 provides financial aid and support to innovative tourism enterprises in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, focusing on sustainable and responsible development. This initiative aims to revitalize the local economy by promoting distinctive tourist offerings and encouraging eco-responsible business practices.

In-Depth Insight into the EPRTNT Grant

The Entente de Partenariat Régional et de Transformation Numérique en Tourisme (EPRTNT) program targets boosting economic vibrancy and stimulating sustainable growth within the tourism sector of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. It is driven by the joint efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, geared towards supporting tourism businesses that contribute to a robust, innovative, and eco-friendly tourism ecosystem. By fostering a competitive edge among local enterprises, the grant intends to enhance the tourism appeal of the region, drawing more visitors and thus generating more revenue.

Designed specifically for entities such as profit-driven and non-profit tourism organizations, cooperatives, and recognized Indigenous communities, the grant seeks projects that meet or exceed set criteria. These criteria encapsulate innovation in concept, product, and service offerings, as well as inclusivity of sustainable development principles. Accordingly, projects should steer clear from short-term fixes and instead aim at delivering substantial, long-lasting economic benefits, while significantly reducing environmental footprints.

With a focus on responsible tourism development, the EPRTNT grant encourages applicants to adopt practices that highlight social responsibility and environmental sustainability. The selection process examines the transformational potential of the proposed projects, ensuring alignment with the overarching goals of regional and infrastructural development, cultural enrichment, and the amplification of local business opportunities.

Importantly, the financial support offered is a non-repayable contribution, ensuring that resources can be funneled directly into project development without the burden of repayment. This strategic gesture aids tourism entities in elevating their standards, extending operational periods, and diversifying their offerings in ways that might otherwise remain financially challenging.

Crucially, the program promotes collaborative efforts among different types of clients, ensuring a well-rounded development approach. By encouraging engagement between corporate entities, municipal groups, and Indigenous organizations, the grant nurtures a cooperative spirit, which helps in sharing best practices and resources, ultimately fortifying the tourism fabric of the region. It's a concerted initiative that not only provides financial aid but also underlines an ethos of cooperative growth and development, deeply rooted in local culture and communal values.

The eligibility for this grant strikes a balanced approach to resource allocation with an aspiring push towards regional amplification strategies. As critical enablers of tourism dynamism, the projects under this grant scheme must be astutely planned with coherent strategies and realistic timelines, ensuring feasibility and high impact results. This methodology aligns with a broader economy-stimulation intent by advancing luxury and grassroots tourism development simultaneously.

Therefore, this grant plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and demonstrates an innovative approach to public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable economic development. It ensures that the region remains at the forefront in transforming local tourism into a dynamic, responsible, and sustainable industry, thus embodying a strategic framework for long-term growth and prosperity.