SODEC — Support for innovative initiatives
QC, Canada
The "SODEC Innovative Initiatives Support Program" empowers Quebec cultural enterprises by stimulating technological, digital, and business process innovations to enhance their national and international competitiveness.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- 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)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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The SODEC's Aid for Innovative Initiatives Program aims to support strategically significant projects involving technological, digital, or business process innovation. Eligible activities include development phases such as intellectual property protection, detailed market studies, research and development, project production, and implementation. These projects should promote the competitiveness of Quebec's cultural enterprises, stimulate innovation, and enhance business intelligence.
grant_single_labels|projects
Eligible projects for this grant include technological, digital, or business process innovations that signify a significant evolution in the production, diffusion, promotion, or commercialization of Quebec cultural content, as well as business intelligence or operating models. These projects are distinct from the company's regular operations, although they may impact them.
- Planning: protection of intellectual property, detailed market studies, technical and financial studies
- Research and development: development, design, prototyping, testing
- Production and implementation of the project
- Deployment and commercialization
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Vancouver
Developing an innovative VR platform for digital art galleries in Vancouver.
$110,000
Montreal
Creating an AI-driven recommendation engine for a Montreal-based music streaming service.
$75,000
Toronto
Establishing a blockchain-based intellectual property protection system for creators in Toronto.
$65,000
Ottawa
Building an advanced data analytics tool for film production companies in Ottawa.
$100,000
Calgary
Implementation of a mobile app for real-time performance analytics for theaters in Calgary.
$80,000
Halifax
Developing an interactive e-learning platform for cultural content creators in Halifax.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the SODEC Innovative Initiatives Assistance Program, enterprises must meet specific general and project-related criteria.
- Be a legally constituted enterprise, either for-profit or non-profit (OBNL), mainly active in SODEC's activity areas.
- Have its head office and main establishment in Quebec, with effective control of the enterprise majority-held by individuals with Quebec tax residency.
- Individual enterprises are only eligible if they are in the field of craft trades.
- The project must focus on developing a new product, process, or service, or significantly improving an existing one.
- The project must present a decisive advantage for the enterprise or the activity sector.
- The project should involve technological or business risk or uncertainty for the enterprise.
- Efforts in research and development must be demonstrated.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible companies for this grant must be legally constituted, profit or non-profit organizations primarily operating in the activity domains of SODEC with their main office and principal place of business in Quebec, and must also be majority controlled by persons with their tax residence in Quebec.
- Be a legally constituted company
- Operate primarily in the domains of SODEC
- Have their main office and principal establishment in Quebec
- Majority controlled by individuals with tax residence in Quebec
- Individual businesses are only eligible in the field of crafts
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Yes, certain types of companies are not eligible for this grant.
- Individual enterprises (except in the field of crafts)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Below is the list of eligible expenses for the implementation of the project:
- Professional fees for specialized services
- Production and implementation expenses
- Direct labor costs for the project
- Project-specific material and equipment expenses
- Costs related to the purchase of specialized information necessary for the project
- Prototyping expenses
- Any other relevant and necessary expenses for the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Quebec, Canada. The company's headquarters and main establishment must be located in Quebec, with effective control of the company held by persons residing fiscally in Quebec.
- Quebec, Canada
- Headquarters and main establishment in Quebec
- Effective control by persons with fiscal residence in Quebec
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the grant prioritize projects that demonstrate relevance and feasibility. Specifically, the following criteria are applied:
- The innovative nature of the project, including the product's, process's, or service's determining advantage in relation to the enterprise's development, commercial potential, targeted markets, or industry sector.
- Majority ownership of the project’s copyrights and any associated intellectual property by the eligible enterprise.
- The project's relevance to the business model of the enterprise or enterprise grouping.
- The requesting enterprise's capability to successfully execute and sustain the project, taking into account its history, achievements, financial capability, and managerial experience.
- The quality of the partners participating in the project.
- The quality and realism of the project implementation plan, including the quality of the service offerings from consultants.
- The degree of risk associated with the project.
- The budgetary and financial structure, including support from project partners.
- The potential outcomes for the enterprise, enterprise grouping, or industry sector, as well as the project's socio-economic impact potential.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Communicate with Program Responsible
- Content: Validate the eligibility of your enterprise and project.
- Implications: Ensure that your project meets the program's criteria before proceeding with the application.
- Step 2: Deposit Financial Aid Requests
- Content: Submit your financial aid request through the secure SOD@ccès portal using program number 30-40-00.
- Implications: Ensure submission is done through the proper channel to be considered for funding.
- Step 3: Refer to the Guide
- Content: Follow the guide for the presentation and closure of the application request.
- Implications: Proper documentation and adherence to guidelines increase the chances of a successful application.
- Step 4: Check Date of Submission
- Content: Verify the project submission calendar for the current fiscal year on SODEC’s website.
- Implications: Ensure timely submission according to the specified deadlines.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The SODEC periodically evaluates the program and conducts various studies to adapt its intervention strategy to the needs of cultural enterprises. Projects that violate laws and regulations or oppose government policies are not accepted.
- Companies that have received financial aid must provide necessary records and documents within five years of participation.
- The SODEC maintains confidentiality of collected information, only publishing aggregated data.
- Projects promoting violence, sexism, pornography, or discrimination are not accepted.
- SODEC encourages green and responsible business practices.
grant_single_labels|contact
innovation@sodec.gouv.qc.ca
Apply to this program
Summary of the Programme d'Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes
The Programme d'Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes, administered by SODEC, supports Quebec-based cultural enterprises through financial aid for innovative technological, digital, or business process projects. This program aims to enhance competitiveness, encourage innovation, and foster partnerships to meet current consumption habits and leverage new creation and distribution tools.
Detailed Explanation of the Programme d'Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes
The Programme d'Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes is a significant initiative managed by SODEC (Société de développement des entreprises culturelles) that aims to support the growth and transformation of Quebec's cultural enterprises. This program primarily targets technological, digital, and business process innovations, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the competitive edge of these enterprises both locally and internationally. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what this program entails and how eligible enterprises can benefit from it.
Objectives of the Program
The Programme d'Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes has several key objectives designed to drive growth and adaptability within Quebec's cultural sector:
- Enhance Competitiveness: By providing financial support, the program aims to make Quebec's cultural enterprises more competitive in both national and international markets.
- Stimulate Innovation: Encourages enterprises to invest in research, development, and experimentation, thus promoting a culture of continuous innovation.
- Foster New Business Models: The program supports projects that explore new ways to capitalize on intellectual property, diversify content formats, and improve business intelligence.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for financial aid under this program, enterprises must meet specific general and project-related conditions:
General Conditions
- The enterprise must be legally constituted, either as a for-profit entity or a non-profit organization operating primarily in SODEC's designated sectors.
- The enterprise's main office and management must be located in Quebec, and the effective control must be held mainly by Quebec residents.
- Individual enterprises are generally not eligible, except those in the field of crafts.
Specific Project Conditions
- The project should involve significant technological, digital, or business process innovation related to the production, distribution, marketing, or intelligence of Quebec cultural content.
- The project must lead to new products, processes, or services, or significantly enhance existing ones.
- The project should present a unique advantage for the enterprise or the sector and involve a degree of technological or business risk.
- Efforts in research and development must be evident.
Financial Participation
The program offers substantial financial support, but certain conditions apply:
- Eligible expenses include fees for specialized services, production costs, direct labor costs, material and equipment expenditure, and prototyping costs.
- The aid provided can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum of $150,000 per project. For collaborative projects, the aid can reach up to $500,000.
- Applicants must cover at least 25% of the project’s budget, including a minimum of 10% from their own financial investment.
Application Process
To apply for the Programme d'Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes, follow these steps:
- Consult with a program officer by emailing innovation@sodec.gouv.qc.ca to ensure your project and enterprise meet the eligibility requirements.
- Submit your application through the secure portal, SOD@ccès, using the program number 30-40-00.
The deadline for applications and the submission schedule are available on the SODEC website.
Evaluation Criteria
Submitted projects are evaluated based on several criteria:
- Innovative Nature: Projects must offer a decisive advantage for the enterprise, the commercial potential, and the targeted markets.
- Intellectual Property Rights: The applying enterprise should hold the majority of the project’s intellectual property rights.
- Project Relevance: The project's alignment with the enterprise’s business model and strategic objectives is crucial.
- Capacity for Success: The enterprise's history, financial health, and managerial experience are assessed to gauge its ability to successfully implement and sustain the project.
- Quality of Implementation Plan: The project's implementation plan, including the realism and quality of the consultant’s offer, is thoroughly evaluated.
- Risk Level: The inherent risks associated with the project and their management strategies are also considered.
- Budget and Financial Structure: A thorough review of the project’s budget, funding structure, and the support from financial partners.
- Economic Impact: The potential socio-economic benefits for the enterprise, industry, or sector.
Disbursement of Funds
Financial aid is disbursed in stages to ensure proper project execution:
- Initial Disbursement: 70% of the aid is released upon the announcement of support.
- Final Disbursement: The remaining 30% is provided upon completion of the project activities and submission of a final report detailing the project’s outcomes.
Note that SODEC reserves the right to alter disbursement terms for more complex projects and all payments are contingent on fund availability and appropriate approvals by the National Assembly.
Additional Provisions
- Program Evaluation: Benefiting enterprises must provide necessary records for up to five years for program evaluations and studies conducted by SODEC.
- Ethical Guidelines: Projects that violate laws, regulations, or governmental policies—especially those concerning violence, sexism, pornography, or discrimination—are ineligible.
- Sustainable Development: SODEC encourages enterprises to adopt environmentally sustainable and responsible business practices.
By understanding and adhering to these guidelines and requirements, Quebec-based cultural enterprises can leverage the Programme d'Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes to drive innovation, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
