Assistance program for setting up offices in Old Saint-Jean

This grant provides significant financial support mechanisms designed to incentivize the establishment of businesses in Old Saint-Jean, promoting economic revitalization. Details on the specific modalities accompany the financial offering.

• Non-repayable financial aid up to CAD 30,000 per commercial unit.
• The funding is allocated over a permanent establishment period lasting up to three years.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the location, business operations, and nature of the business activities.

• The company must occupy a commercial space of at least 500 square feet in the Vieux-Saint-Jean area.
• The company must operate within the eligible activities which include medical clinics, professional and technical services, communication services, and community services.
• It must lease a commercial space that has been vacant for over 90 days.
• The business needs to sign a new commercial lease with a minimum duration of 36 months, become the owner of a commercial property, or expand its current space by at least 50% of the existing area.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant is specifically designed for certain types of commercial activities and specific locations within Vieux-Saint-Jean. Companies that do not fit the defined criteria are not eligible for the financial assistance offered by this program.

• Companies that do not operate within the specified activities of medical clinics, professional services, communication, or community services.
• Businesses that occupy commercial spaces below the minimum requirement of 500 square feet.
• Companies that cannot commit to signing a new lease of at least 36 months, purchasing a commercial property, or expanding their current space by at least 50%.
• Firms that intend to lease commercial spaces located on the ground floor within the designated non-eligible perimeter.
• Businesses aiming to occupy spaces that have not been vacant for more than 90 days.

Eligible expenses

This grant is designed to support the establishment of office-related businesses in the Vieux-Saint-Jean area, encouraging economic revitalization. The eligible activities encompass a variety of professional services, health-related practices, and community services.

• Medical clinics, health professionals, or practitioners.
• Professional, technical, or business services.
• Communication-related services.
• Community services.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is tailored for companies intending to establish offices within Old Saint-Jean to foster economic revitalization in that area. Eligible geographical areas are strictly defined to align with the program's objectives.

• Companies occupying commercial spaces in Old Saint-Jean.
• Excludes ground-floor commercial suites within the perimeter of Quai, Richelieu, and Champlain streets, between Saint-Paul and Saint-Georges streets, including Place du Marché.

The evaluation and selection criteria for the grant program are focused on ensuring that the applicants meet specific requirements related to the type of business, the location, and the conditions of the lease or property ownership.

• Occupy an eligible commercial space within the Vieux-Saint-Jean territory.
• Operate a business within the specified activities: medical clinics, professional services, communications, or community services.
• The commercial space must be a minimum of 500 square feet.
• The space must have been vacant for more than 90 days.
• A new commercial lease must be signed for a minimum duration of 36 months, or the business must purchase a commercial property or expand their current space by at least 50% of its existing size.

The Program aims to support the revival of office spaces in Vieux-Saint-Jean by providing non-reimbursable financial assistance to eligible businesses.

• The grant provides up to $30,000 per commercial space.
• The program is active from 2021 to 2024.
• Eligible commercial spaces must be vacant for more than 90 days before applying.
• Businesses must sign a minimum 36-month lease or expand their current space by at least 50% to qualify.
• The grant covers medical clinics, professional and business services, communication services, and community services.
• Certain areas within the Vieux-Saint-Jean are excluded from eligibility, specifically ground-floor locations within a defined perimeter.
• Application requirements include a pre-qualification form and a vacancy attestation.