Regional partnership and digital transformation agreement for tourism 2022-2025 – Studies and consulting services
Saguenay, QC, Canada
Digital transformation grants for sustainable tourism development
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Grant and Funding
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- Accommodation and food services
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- Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
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The Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme 2022-2025 aims to support tourism businesses in Quebec with responsible and sustainable development through financial assistance for studies, diagnostics, and advisory services. The maximum non-repayable funding available under this grant is $25,000.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports projects that enhance the tourism sector through responsible and sustainable practices and innovative improvements. Eligible projects should focus on skill enhancement, digital needs, service improvement, and the development of responsible business policies.
- Contracting consultants for enterprise diagnostics and individual company support.
- Services aimed at improving workforce competencies.
- Projects addressing customer service enhancement.
- Solutions for digital needs within the company.
- Development of new tourism projects or activities.
- Initiatives for developing and implementing sustainable and responsible business practices.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and operations in the tourism sector.
- The applicant must be a tourism business, which can be a for-profit organization, a non-profit organization, or a cooperative.
- Municipal entities, recognized Indigenous communities and nations, and their tourism organizations and businesses are eligible.
- Regional tourism associations with support from financial partners other than EPRTNT may apply.
- Any grouping of the aforementioned eligible clienteles is admissible.
- The entity must be legally constituted under the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada and conduct business in Quebec.
- Businesses operating tourist accommodation establishments must comply with applicable laws and possess a registration number.
- Nature and adventure tourism businesses must comply with the safety standards of the Aventure Écotourisme Québec Quality-Safety program or commit to a compliance process.
- Applicants must have fulfilled any prior commitments to partners from previous grants if applicable.
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: Includes for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives.- Municipal Entities: Such as municipalities, cities, towns, villages, parishes, townships, united townships, northern villages, unorganized territories, regional county municipalities (RCMs), metropolitan communities, inter-municipal boards, and corporations or organizations where a municipal corporation appoints the majority of members or contributes more than half of the funding, including groups of such municipalities, corporations, or organizations.- Indigenous Communities and Nations: Recognized by the National Assembly, including Indigenous tourism organizations and businesses.- Regional Tourism Associations: With support from financial partners other than EPRTNT.- Groups of Eligible Parties: Comprising any combination of the above eligible groups.To qualify, the businesses must be legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian law and operate in Quebec. Applicants must have fulfilled any obligations from previous grants, comply with laws for accommodation businesses, and respect the Adventure Ecotourism Quebec standards if applicable. Exclusions apply to state corporations, ministries, non-compliant businesses, and certain others outlined in the document.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to channel resources towards sectors that meet the grant's objectives and comply with legal and regulatory standards.
- State-owned corporations and government ministries and agencies of Quebec and Canada.
- Companies listed in the non-eligible enterprises register for public contracts.
- Companies not compliant with the francization process of the Office québécois de la langue française.
- Projects involving guesthouses and hotel condominiums (condotels).
- Projects related to bike paths, snowmobile trails, golf courses, and dock refurbishment.
- Projects within the restaurant and retail sectors.
- Projects concerning tourism reception and signage.
- Projects in the gambling sector and those linked to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
- Projects that are primarily focused on upgrading, maintaining, or replacing existing infrastructure or equipment.
- Projects that have already been completed or are underway when submitting the application.
- Projects benefiting from non-repayable financial aid from the PARIT or PADAT programs.
- Business plans, marketing plans, local and regional development plans, and studies or surveys for other financial aid applications or ministry requirements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of consultancy and study projects aimed at enhancing tourism businesses.
- Professional fees for specialized firms or consultants to conduct specific studies related to the development of the tourism offer in a territory.
- Professional fees for specialized firms or consultants to provide targeted assistance for improving the quality of services and products.
- Net taxes associated with direct costs, excluding the portion that can be reimbursed.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically targeted for tourism businesses operating within the region of Quebec, as it involves collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The eligible geographical areas are defined by business operations within Quebec.
- Companies making business in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the EPRTNT's objectives.
- Alignment with the objectives of the EPRTNT.
- Structuring effect (such as potential to attract, project reach, impacts, collaboration with other partners, job creation, and season extension).
- Innovative nature of the project.
- Quality of the concept, products, and services offered.
- Financial structure and project financing setup.
- Relevance to the target clientele, diversity of clientele, market considerations, competitive landscape, quality of the offer, marketing strategy, and networking.
- Project feasibility (including timelines, marketing strategy, quality of the business plan or study design, and promoter's expertise).
- Consideration of sustainable development principles.
- Relevance of the project in relation to the destination's strategic itinerary.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada and operates within Quebec.
- Verify compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for operating a tourism establishment, if applicable.
- Confirm your organization is not excluded (e.g., a government corporation or non-compliant with francization processes).
- Step 2: Prepare the Application
- Download and complete the EPRTNT financial assistance application form in the specified format.
- Draft a contract outline specifying the problem, objectives, methodology, timeline, and deliverables if applicable.
- Obtain two professional service offers for the proposed study or consultancy project.
- Gather necessary supporting documents such as board resolutions, partner confirmations, and any applicable certifications.
- Step 3: Submit the Application
- Send the completed form and all required documents via email to drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.
- Step 4: Contact for Information
- For additional assistance, contact David Rowsome at 418-543-3536 ext. 228 or via drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.
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The following are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The financial help is non-repayable.
- For OBLs, a minimum promoter's contribution of 50% is required.
- For OBNLs and cooperatives, a minimum promoter's contribution of 20% is required.
- For Indigenous communities, organizations or nations, a minimum promoter's contribution of 10% is required.
- Projects in Îles-de-la-Madeleine also require a minimum promoter's contribution of 10%.
- A mandate must be executed by a specialized firm or recognized organization following a tender process.
- Two bids are required if a consultant contract is being awarded through this grant program.
- The Quebec Official Language Act must be respected by all businesses operating in Quebec.
- Projects can incorporate sustainability measures to enhance social, economic, and environmental impacts.
- The grant does not cover costs that have existing non-repayable aid from other specific programs, like PARIT or PADAT.
grant_single_labels|contact
drowsome@tourismesaglac.net
4185433536
Apply to this program
Supporting Sustainable and Innovative Tourism in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
The "Entente de Partenariat Régional et de Transformation Numérique en Tourisme 2022-2025" (EPRTNT) aims to foster economic development in the tourism sector of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. By providing non-repayable financial support to eligible entities, this grant seeks to enhance the region's tourism offerings and ensure their responsible and lasting impact.
Detailed Overview of the EPRTNT Grant and Its Objectives
The EPRTNT grant, established through a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism and Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, seeks to address modern challenges in the tourism industry by emphasizing digital transformation and sustainability. This initiative is crafted to stimulate local economies by developing unique and appealing tourism offerings, which are not only innovative but also aligned with environmentally respectful solutions. By targeting tourism businesses, municipal entities, and recognized Indigenous communities, the program ensures broad participation across diverse societal facets.
The strategic objectives of this grant are twofold: to drive tourism innovation and to promote responsible practice across businesses within the region. Development efforts supported by this grant aim to incorporate environmental respect and social responsibility principles, thereby leading the transition towards more sustainable tourism models. Eligible projects include studies and consulting services focused on enhancing business practices, workforce competencies, customer service, and digital needs, as well as the development of new initiatives and responsible policies.
The financial assistance offered by the EPRTNT is characterized by a contribution limit of $25,000, based on the size and nature of the applying entity. This flexibility ensures that a variety of organizations, including for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and Indigenous entities, can access support by demonstrating a minimum financial need of $3,000. Moreover, the grant underscores the importance of aligning project goals with sustainable practices, thereby encouraging applications that integrate eco-friendly initiatives.
Successful applicants must demonstrate the project's relevance in achieving the grant's objectives and showcase a well-structured financial and operational plan. Key selection criteria include the project's potential impact, innovation quotient, and alignment with the strategic tourism trajectory of the destination. Projects are encouraged to include technological advancements and partnerships that enhance the tourism sector while fostering economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
In a landscape where digital proficiency and sustainable practices are increasingly pivotal, the EPRTNT grant offers a timely opportunity for businesses and organizations in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region to expand their offerings, improve their competitive edge, and contribute to a more resilient tourism economy. The grant program not only addresses immediate developmental needs but also sets the groundwork for the long-term prosperity of the region by supporting projects that align with the larger objectives of transformation and responsible tourism.
Eligible applicants are required to submit a comprehensive proposal, including a detailed financial plan and two service offers from professional firms or consultants. The application process demands clear demonstration of the project's feasibility and its adherence to sustainable and innovative principles. As the tourism industry continues to evolve, opportunities such as the EPRTNT grant play a crucial role in enabling businesses to adapt, thrive, and lead in implementing transformative solutions that will benefit their communities and the overall sector.