Regions and Rurality Fund — convenience stores
QC, Canada
Supporting local businesses in small Quebec municipalities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 29, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_card_status|closingSoon
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant, under the "Commerces de proximité" component of the Fonds régions et ruralité, aims to support local businesses in Quebec communities by ensuring access to everyday essential products. It offers a maximum funding amount of $150,000 per commerce for activities aimed at the establishment, maintenance, or enhancement of such businesses in municipalities with fewer than 20,000 residents.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is open to projects executed in municipalities with populations under 20,000 located in Quebec, Canada. The eligible areas exclude municipalities listed in specific annexes identifying non-eligible regions.
- Municipalities in Quebec with fewer than 20,000 residents.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and operational location.
- The applicant must be an established for-profit enterprise or a social economy enterprise, such as a cooperative or non-profit organization, as defined under the Loi sur l’économie sociale (RLRQ, chapitre E 1.1.1).
- The enterprise must be established in Quebec and conduct its activities within the province.
- The proposed project should be located in a municipality in Quebec with a population of less than 20,000 residents, as per the population data decreed for 2024.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The eligible applicants for this grant include for-profit businesses and social economy enterprises (e.g., cooperatives, non-profit organizations) as defined in the Loi sur l'économie sociale (RLRQ, chapitre E 1.1.1), provided they are established and operate within Quebec.
- For-profit businesses established and operating in Quebec that fit the criteria of local commerce serving community needs.
- Social economy enterprises such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations located and operating in Quebec.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain companies and industries are excluded from applying for this grant based on their status or main activity. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the grant supports businesses that align with the program's economic and community objectives.
- Municipal organizations.
- Non-profit organizations other than social economy enterprises.
- Government ministries, budgetary organizations, and state-owned enterprises defined under specific legislative annexes.
- Private companies and cooperatives in the financial sector.
- Enterprises involved in cannabis production or commercialization.
- Companies listed on the Register of Non-Compliant Enterprises (RENA).
- Businesses in default of obligations related to previous financial aid from Quebec's government.
- Enterprises under protection from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible projects for this grant are those that aim to establish, maintain, or enhance the offerings of a local business. These projects ensure geographical access to essential goods for community needs.
- Projects that ensure geographical access to food supplies.
- Projects for the provision of construction materials, everyday consumer goods, or fuel.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for this grant are those directly tied to the execution of the project.
- Renflouement of working capital when part of starting up or reorganizing the business, with support from the MRC's economic development service.
- Costs associated with using or renting materials, equipment, buildings, or land.
- Costs involved in acquiring, designing, adapting, delivering, and installing materials or equipment.
- Costs related to constructing a new building.
- Costs for acquiring, improving, and adapting a local, a building, or land.
- Labor remuneration expenses directly related to activities for realizing the project, proportional to their allocation.
- Promotion and advertising expenses associated with the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the "Commerces de proximité" grant program in Quebec are based on several criteria that ensure the projects align with the primary objectives of supporting community vitality and sustainable development.
- The coherence of the project with respect to the objective of ensuring access to local shops and services within communities.
- The importance of the project for the development or maintenance of service offerings, aligned with the needs of the local community.
- The technical and financial feasibility, ensuring a quality financial setup and the capacity of the applicant to complete the project successfully.
- Consideration of competition, ensuring the project does not unduly compete with existing commercial offerings in the area.
- Adequacy with sustainable development principles, incorporating environmentally conscious practices.
- Viability and vitality, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the services.
- Security and territorial complementarity, promoting models that complement existing service offerings and secure access to essential goods.
- Community mobilization, involving local participation and partnership.
- Embedding in the community, promoting local purchasing and engagement.
- Innovation, introducing new solutions or improving service delivery and sustainability.
- Durability, integrating practices for sustainable development to minimize environmental impact.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Contact Economic Development Service
- Reach out to the economic development service of your MRC or the delegated organization.
- Obtain personalized support and guidance for your project proposal.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Collect necessary documents and information as outlined in Annex II of the guideline.
- Ensure a clear description of the project, its finances, objectives, and compliance with the selection criteria.
- Include letters of engagement or intention from partners, if applicable.
- Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form
- Access the online application form provided by the Ministry during the designated call for projects period.
- Complete all sections of the form, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Upload the completed form along with all supporting documents by the deadline.
- Ensure submission is made within the specified call for projects dates to be considered for funding.
- Step 5: Await Evaluation and Decision
- After submission, await communication from the Ministry regarding the evaluation outcome.
- If approved, follow up on administrative steps for grant agreement.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant process specifies that project proposals must demonstrate non-competitive alignment with existing businesses in the locality and can seek evaluations from regional directories of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Furthermore, project timelines and fiscal capabilities are critical considerations for funding eligibility.
- Project must not unduly compete with existing businesses in the locality.
- Regional directories of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing are involved in project evaluations.
- Project timelines and an outline of financial capabilities are necessary for eligibility.
- Funding application dates are predetermined and must be adhered to.
- Additional documents may be required to support the funding application, such as business plans or financial statements.
Apply to this program
Empowering Local Businesses Through Strategic Funding
This grant program is aimed at fostering the economic vitality of small communities by supporting local businesses engaged in essential services. It provides financial assistance to ensure these businesses can sustain and expand their operations, ultimately contributing to the stability and growth of their local economies.
Detailed Insights into the Commerces de Proximité Grant Initiative
The Commerces de Proximité grant is tailored towards invigorating the economic landscapes of municipalities with populations below 20,000 in Québec. Designed to sustain and enhance the availability of local goods and services critical for daily community needs, the grant underscores the importance of businesses that contribute to the social and economic fabric of these territories. Recognizing the pivotal role of commerce in community development, this initiative provides essential financial resources to facilitate the establishment, maintenance, or enhancement of local businesses that offer goods ranging from food to fuel.
Eligible recipients of this grant include both for-profit businesses and social economy enterprises like cooperatives, provided they maintain active operations within the specified territories. A critical aspect of the grant is its focus on business sustainability; thus, it prioritizes projects with definitive, non-seasonal components that can sustain long-term operational viability. This exclusion of seasonal ventures emphasizes the program’s commitment to enduring community engagement and support.
Funding allocations are meticulously calculated based on eligible expenses, with a maximum cap of CAD 150,000 but also a minimum requirement of CAD 10,000 to ensure substantial project funding. The grant requires a detailed financial plan showing clear utilization of funds towards qualifying expenses such as acquisition of essential equipment, facilities improvements, and direct project labor costs, excluding typical operational expenditures or debt servicing.
Moreover, the selection process involves a rigorous multistep evaluation. Initial assessments verify eligibility, followed by in-depth evaluation focusing on strategic alignment, community impact, and sustainability metrics—including competition analysis to guarantee projects complement rather than replace existing commercial offerings. This vetting process ensures only the most promising projects that reinforce local economic structures are endorsed.
The funding spans over a three-year period from the signing of the grant agreement, highlighting a commitment to prolonged support aimed at cementing these businesses' roles in their communities. The overarching aim is to catalyze local economic ecosystems by leveraging local partnerships—often facilitated through regional municipalities (MRCs)—which provide applicant businesses with tailored support.
In conclusion, the Commerces de Proximité grant is a crucial tool for revitalizing small-scale commerce in Quebec’s rural areas. By focusing on sustainable models, fostering innovation, and ensuring businesses align with broader community needs, this initiative seeks to create resilient economic sectors that drive regional development and improve the quality of life by ensuring vital service provision within closer reach of all citizens.
