
Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Saguenay, QC
Support for aluminum project development in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $25,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The Fonds Rio Tinto pour la Vallée de l’aluminium® provides non-repayable funding up to $25,000 to support the development and transformation of aluminum products in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region. Eligible activities include product design, prototyping, market studies, and initiatives in sustainable development and recycling.
Financing terms and conditions
The Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund offers structured financing support aimed at fostering the development of aluminium-related projects in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region. The modalities ensure that projects receive significant backing to facilitate successful implementation.
- Non-repayable contribution to eligible projects.
- Financing covers 50% of the total project costs.
- Funding cap set at a maximum of $25,000 per project.
Activities funded
The Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund supports projects focused on the development and transformation of aluminium products in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region. Eligible activities include design, prototyping, and sustainability efforts within the aluminium industry.
- Development of new or existing aluminium products, including design, prototyping, and extrusion.
- Projects requiring specific studies and analyses related to the aluminium transformation industry.
- Marketing support, market studies, and commercialization preparation for aluminium products.
- Valorization of aluminium by-products, recycling processes, and projects focused on sustainability or circular economy.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 18,000
Conduct a market study for aluminum furniture components
$ 20,000
Develop a prototype for a new aluminum bicycle frame
$ 23,000
Implement a recycling process for aluminum waste in car parts
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is based on specific criteria related to the development of aluminum products and projects in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.
- The project must involve the development of aluminum products within the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.
- The development project may include activities such as design, conversion to aluminum, prototyping, simulation, or new extrusion.
- The project may necessitate specific studies and analyses related to the aluminum processing industry, including marketing needs, market studies, equipment purchase planning, commercialization preparation, business meetings, and accreditations.
- The project may focus on the valorization of aluminum by-products, recycling processes, sustainable development, or circular economy initiatives.
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.
Selection criteria
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.
How to apply
1
Eligibility verification
Make sure that your project meets the main eligibility criteria related to aluminum product development in the Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean region.
2
Preparation of the project proposal
- Write a project proposal detailing the objectives, methods, and expected impact.
- Include elements such as design, prototyping, and, if applicable, aspects of recycling or sustainable development.
3
Collection of required documents
- Prepare the financial documents demonstrating the total project budget and the amount requested.
- Gather supporting documents such as market studies or marketing plans.
4
Submission of the request
- Contact the Aluminium Valley Company for specific instructions on the submission process.
- Submit the application through the appropriate channel, as determined by the SVA.
5
Follow-up after submission
- Receive a confirmation of receipt of your request.
- Be prepared to provide any additional information if requested by the advisory committee.
Additional information
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund?
Who is eligible for the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund?
Where is the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund available?
Are startups eligible for the Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund program?

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