SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development
QC, Canada
The SODEC Entrepreneurial Development Program supports Quebec's cultural enterprises to enhance performance, competitiveness, and expertise acquisition.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
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grant_card_status|open
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The Entrepreneurial Development Assistance Program – SODEC aims to enhance the performance and competitiveness of Quebec cultural enterprises through professional entrepreneurial support. Eligible activities include personalized entrepreneurial guidance, feasibility studies, market analysis, business planning, and strategic development in areas such as technology adoption, commercialization, and financial management. The program offers up to $75,000 in funding per project to cover up to 75% of eligible expenses, particularly for entrepreneurial succession, business transfer, or turnaround projects.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies legally constituted and based in Quebec, Canada. The eligibility is focused on ensuring that the company’s principal establishment and decision-making center is in Quebec.
- Companies with their main office located in Quebec, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$63,750
Quebec City
Implementing a new inventory management system for an independent bookstore
$75,000
Montreal
Developing a digital marketing strategy for an independent publishing house
$52,500
Ottawa
Creating a succession plan for a family-owned theatre company
$71,250
Toronto
Developing a strategic business plan for a film production company
$45,000
Gatineau
Creating a feasibility study for the expansion of a local art studio
$60,000
Vancouver
Feasibility study and business plan for an art gallery expansion
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant’s profile and business operations.
- The company must be a legally constituted for-profit or non-profit entity, primarily operating within SODEC’s sectors of activity.
- The company's headquarters and main establishment must be located in Quebec, with the effective control of the company held predominantly by individuals whose tax residence is in Quebec.
- The company must have been in operation for at least one year or have appropriate professional experience unless it is a new enterprise formed through the transfer of existing cultural enterprises.
- Individual businesses are not eligible, except in the field of crafts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible for this grant are legally constituted profit or non-profit companies operating primarily in the cultural sector, with their headquarters and main establishment in Quebec, and effectively controlled by individuals with their fiscal residence in Quebec.
- Cultural companies at any stage: start-up, diversification, entrepreneurial succession, growth, technological shift, restructuring, or transfer.
- Companies with at least one year of operation or appropriate professional experience.
- Newly formed companies only in cases of transfer of existing cultural enterprises.
- Candidates must be facing specific challenges such as territorial situation, business positioning, development, adaptation, financial management, strategic implementation, internal functioning, or situations of transfer or entrepreneurial succession.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The PROGRAMME D’AIDE AU DÉVELOPPEMENT ENTREPRENEURIAL has specific eligibility criteria that inherently restrict certain applicants, focusing support on strategic cultural enterprises.
- Individual enterprises, except in the field of handicrafts, are not eligible.
- Enterprises that do not have their main establishment and decision-making center in Quebec.
- Companies that have previously submitted the same project to another SODEC financial assistance program.
- Enterprises that have not been legally constituted for at least one year, unless involved in a transfer of an existing cultural enterprise.
- Projects involving regular business activities or previously supported training activities.
- Companies that do not operate primarily in the domains of activity defined by SODEC.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant supports personalized entrepreneurial accompaniment projects tailored to the real needs of applicant companies. These initiatives represent significant advances by strategically enhancing business functions and supporting crucial development phases.
- Development of business models and plans.
- Feasibility studies and market research.
- Commercialization and export strategies.
- Technological or digital solutions.
- Intellectual property protection strategies.
- Management capacity development strategies.
- Entrepreneurial succession or business transfer strategies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant allows for certain expenditures that are essential and necessary for executing the entrepreneurial development project.
- Fees for advisors and experts.
- Costs related to the purchase of specialized information that is relevant and necessary for the project's execution.
- All other expenses that are pertinent and necessary for the completion of the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant are based on the relevance, feasibility, and impact of the project proposals according to the specific criteria provided by SODEC.
- Pertinence of the entrepreneurial support project and learning, considering the identified needs, the phase of the business, the company’s regular activities, and the expertise of the advisors.
- Feasibility of the project, including realism in the budget and financial structure, the capacity of the business to manage the project, and plan to implement the acquired skills.
- Significance of the impact, focusing on the economic effects of the project on the business’s development and the cultural content in progress or development, along with the anticipated results in the short and medium term.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Access SOD@ccès Portal
- Go to the SOD@ccès portal to begin the application process.
- Use the calendar of submission dates available on the program's webpage.
- Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form provided on the portal with detailed information about the project.
- Include a comprehensive description of the project, financial framework, and project plan.
- Step 3: Prepare Additional Documents
- Attach an offer of service or a detailed commitment letter from the professional advisors, including fees.
- Provide confirmations of funding from other public or private partners, if applicable.
- Submit any additional documents required to open or update the master file.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Ensure all required documents and information are submitted via the SOD@ccès portal.
- Keep a copy of all submissions for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This program requires that applicant companies operate within the cultural sector and encourages sustainable business practices. It also involves periodic evaluations to adapt its strategies to the needs of cultural enterprises.
- Projects in violation of laws, regulations, or government policies, particularly regarding violence, sexism, pornography, or discrimination, are not accepted.
- All financial aid is conditional upon the signature of a financial assistance agreement and adherence to its terms.
- Beneficiaries must provide necessary records, documents, or other information for program evaluations and studies for five years following the financial assistance.
- SODEC promotes the adoption of environmentally responsible business practices among its clients.
Apply to this program
Supporting Cultural Enterprises in Quebec
This grant program is designed to enhance the development and performance of cultural businesses within Quebec, aiming at aiding entrepreneurs at various stages of their business lifecycle. It provides support for acquiring expertise, enhancing competitiveness both locally and internationally, and improving the capabilities of workers in the cultural industry.
In-Depth Exploration of the Programme d’Aide au Développement Entrepreneurial
The Programme d’Aide au Développement Entrepreneurial, established by SODEC, serves as a vital resource for cultural enterprises in Quebec. This initiative is crafted to offer substantial support to businesses ranging from startups to established enterprises that are focusing on critical phases in their development such as diversification, succession, technological adaptation, and growth strategies. The program sets a robust foundation for cultural companies to thrive by targeting improvements in their performance, competitiveness in both national and international markets, and by facilitating the enhancement of industry-specific skills among their workforce.
This grant is intricately designed, taking into account the diverse requirements and challenges that cultural businesses face. Eligible entities are those legally constituted, with significant operations within Quebec, ensuring the economic benefits remain within the province. This approach not only fortifies the cultural industry but also ensures the cultural narratives and values intrinsic to Quebec are preserved and propagated.
Central to this program is its focus on fostering new expertise and capabilities within businesses. It supports a range of strategic functions, encouraging activities such as business model development, market studies, technological solutions, and wealth management strategies, which are all directed at propelling the company towards a decisive phase in its evolution. Projects supported under this program are meticulously evaluated based on their alignment with the strategic objectives of enhancing business capacity and their long-term impact on the cultural landscape.
Financially, the program offers structured aid up to a maximum of 75,000 CAD per project. This aid serves not only as monetary support but as a partnership towards sustainable growth and innovation. It earmarks funds for consulting fees, acquisition of pertinent information, and other tactical expenses essential for project success. Notably, the grant emphasizes the importance of strategic planning with its phased disbursement approach, ensuring businesses are progressing effectively through initial and advanced phases of development before receiving full funding.
The evaluation criteria for this grant are comprehensive, focusing on the relevance and feasibility of each proposed project. It meticulously considers the identified needs, the realistic budgeting and management plans, and the project’s potential economic and cultural impact. This rigorous selection process ensures that the most promising and impactful projects receive support, aligning with SODEC’s goal of fostering a dynamic cultural economy.
Through its adaptive and structured framework, this program also reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and strategic flexibility. Businesses are encouraged to remain agile, adapting to new challenges and opportunities, which is crucial in the rapidly shifting cultural sector. Furthermore, the program aligns with sustainable practices encouraging eco-friendly business models, thereby amplifying its impact beyond economic measures to social and environmental domains.
This program not only addresses the immediate needs for support within the cultural sector but also paves the way for durable and profound impacts on both businesses and the broader cultural community. By fostering a culture of innovation and strategic growth, SODEC’s Programme d’Aide au Développement Entrepreneurial stands as a cornerstone initiative, nurturing a thriving cultural industry in Quebec.
