Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund

Who is eligible?

Businesses or entrepreneurs involved in the development of aluminium products within the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region are eligible to apply for this grant. This includes projects focused on new or existing aluminium products, requiring specific industry studies and analyses, or aimed at product upcycling and sustainability.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers a range of expenses aimed at supporting the development and transformation of aluminum products.

• Design and prototyping of aluminum products.
• Conversion to aluminum and simulation processes.
• Extrusion and production-related activities.
• Market studies and marketing needs specific to aluminum transformation projects.
• Planning of equipment purchases related to the project.
• Preparation for commercialization and business meetings.
• Obtaining necessary accreditations.
• Valorization and recycling of aluminum by-products.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region. The fund specifically supports entrepreneurs within this geographical area to foster local economic development in the aluminum industry.

• Companies based in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.

Projects submitted for this grant are evaluated by the advisory committee based on specific eligibility criteria.

• Development of products in aluminum within the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean territory.
• Involvement in prototyping, simulation, conversion to aluminum, or new extrusion.
• Necessity for studies and specific analyses related to the aluminum transformation industry, including marketing, equipment planning, market studies, business meetings, accreditation, and commercialization preparation.
• Projects focused on the valorization of by-products from aluminum, recycling processes, sustainable development, or circular economy.

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

• Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
• Review the eligibility criteria ensuring your project aligns with the requirements, such as developing aluminum products in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.
• Step 2: Develop Project Proposal
• Prepare a detailed proposal including project goals related to aluminum product development or transformation.
• Include specific components such as design, prototyping, or sustainable practices if applicable.
• Outline any necessary studies or analyses pertinent to the aluminum industry.
• Plan the project budget and ensure the request does not exceed 50% of the total or $25,000 CAD.
• Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
• Compile necessary documents such as market studies, equipment planning documents, marketing needs assessments, and commercialization strategies if relevant.
• Step 4: Submit Application
• Contact the Société de la Vallée de l’Aluminium (SVA) for submission details, including where and how to send your application.
• Submit the complete application package with proposal and supporting documents by the required method (email, portal, or mail as specified).
• Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
• Wait for confirmation of receipt from the SVA.
• Follow up if you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe.

This grant is aimed at supporting projects related to the development and transformation of aluminum products within the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region, and it offers non-repayable funding up to $25,000, covering half the project's total cost.

• Projects must be related to aluminum product development, including new or existing product design, prototyping, simulations, or new extrusions.
• Funding can be used for market studies, marketing needs, equipment planning, commercial preparations, business meetings, accreditations, etc.
• Support also extends to projects focusing on the valorization of aluminum by-products, recycling processes, sustainable development, and circular economy initiatives.
• Projects are assessed by an advisory committee based on set eligibility criteria.