SODEC — Support for innovative initiatives
QC, Canada
Support for Quebec cultural innovation projects
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateDecember 16, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 30, 2025
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
grant_single_labels|preview
The Programme d’Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes by SODEC provides financial assistance for strategic innovation projects in technological, digital, or business process innovation, with a maximum funding of $150,000 per project or up to $500,000 for collaborative projects. Eligible activities include planning, research and development, production, and implementation of new or significantly improved products, processes, or services that benefit Quebec's cultural enterprises.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant provides funding under structured modalities to ensure effective project execution and proper resource allocation. The financial support is conditional upon specific funding limits and compliance with reporting requirements.
- The grant is awarded as a subsidy covering up to 50% of the eligible project expenses, with a maximum of $150,000 per project.
- For collaborative projects, the funding can reach up to $500,000, also covering up to 50% of eligible costs.
- The applicant must contribute at least 25% of the total project budget, with a minimum of 10% being a financial investment.
- Government funding support, including provincial and federal tax credits, cannot exceed 75% of the total project budget.
- An initial disbursement of 70% is made upon project approval, with the remaining 30% released after project completion and submission of a final report.
- The disbursements are subject to fund availability and necessary legislative approvals.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports innovative projects that involve significant advancements in technological, digital, or business process innovation. These projects must align with cultural content production, distribution, and commercialization and distinguish themselves as unique initiatives beyond typical business operations.
- Development of a new product, process, or service, or significant improvement of an existing one.
- Projects that offer a decisive advantage to the company or sector involved.
- Projects involving technological or business risks or uncertainties.
- Initiatives requiring research and development efforts.
- Planning activities such as intellectual property protection, detailed market, technical, and financial studies.
- Research and development including development, design, prototyping, and testing phases.
- Project production and implementation.
- Project deployment and commercialization.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 110,000
Creating an AI-driven recommendation engine for a Montreal-based music streaming service
$ 80,000
Developing an interactive e-learning platform for cultural content creators
$ 100,000
Developing an innovative VR platform for digital art galleries
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The company must be legally constituted, either as a for-profit or a non-profit organization, and operate primarily in the SODEC's sectors of activity.
- The company must have its headquarters and main establishment in Quebec and show that the effective control of the company is majority-owned by individuals whose tax residence is in Quebec.
- Sole proprietorships are not eligible, except in the field of crafts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant applies to legally constituted enterprises primarily operating within the cultural sectors managed by SODEC, with their head office and main establishment in Quebec and effectively controlled by Quebec residents.
- Enterprises, whether for-profit or non-profit, that are primarily involved in the sectors of activity overseen by SODEC.
- Businesses with their head office and main establishment located in Quebec, demonstrating effective control by individuals having their fiscal residence in Quebec.
- Excludes individual businesses except those in the field of crafts.
- Businesses engaging in collaborative innovation projects may meet additional specific admissibility requirements as outlined in Annex 1.
- Projects must demonstrate significant advancement in the production, dissemination, promotion, or commercialization of Quebec cultural content or in business intelligence or operational business models.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain types of companies based on their status or main activity. The eligibility restrictions ensure that support is directed to strategic and innovative sectors within Quebec's cultural ecosystem.
- Individual businesses, except those in the field of crafts.
- Companies without their main establishment in Quebec.
- Businesses not majority-controlled by Quebec residents for tax purposes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Fees for specialized services.
- Production and implementation expenses.
- Direct labor costs allocated to the project.
- Material and equipment expenses specific to the project.
- Costs related to the procurement of specialized, relevant, and necessary information for the project.
- Prototyping expenses.
- Any other pertinent and necessary expenses for the project realization.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies primarily situated in Quebec, aiming to support its cultural sector. The eligible geographical area ensures projects contribute positively to Quebec's economic and technological landscape.
- Businesses with their headquarters and main establishment in Quebec, Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives of fostering innovation and business capacity in Quebec's cultural sector.
- The innovative nature of the project, including the significant advantage of the product, process, or service in terms of business development, commercial potential, targeted markets, or sector.
- The degree of ownership of copyrights and intellectual property by the applicant company.
- The relevance of the project in relation to the company's business model or the business model of a group in a collaborative project.
- The capability of the applicant company to successfully implement and sustain the project, considering its history, achievements, financial capacity, and management experience.
- The quality of partners involved in the project.
- The quality and realism of the project implementation plan and the service offer from consultants.
- The level of risk associated with the project.
- The budget, funding structure, and the support from partners.
- The benefits for the company, consortium, or sector, and the potential for socioeconomic impact.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Programme d’Aide aux Initiatives Innovantes:
- Step 1: Initial Contact
- Contact a program official to confirm the eligibility of your enterprise and project by emailing innovation@sodec.gouv.qc.ca.
- Step 2: Document Preparation
- Prepare specific documents for submission, marked with an asterisk as mandatory.
- Ensure all documents are ready for electronic submission.
- Step 3: Use the SOD@ccès Portal
- Access the SOD@ccès portal. The program number is 30-40-00.
- Complete the necessary forms within the portal, including company profile and project details.
- Ensure all personal and project information is correctly entered.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Upload all required documents including Formulaire SOD@ccès, Declaration of the enterprise, Plan of realization, Budget grid, Supplier quotations, and Financial statements.
- For collaborative projects, include corporate structure, organizational chart, and shareholder certifications.
- Submit the completed application via the SOD@ccès portal before the deadline as indicated on the SODEC website.
- Step 5: Post-Submission
- Wait for a confirmation response from SODEC verifying the receipt of your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program emphasizes the importance of respecting ethical codes, highlighting that projects should not contravene governmental policies related to issues like violence, sexism, or discrimination.
- Beneficiaries must be prepared to submit documentation and information for SODEC's periodic evaluations and studies, as required for five years following financial aid receipt, though the data will be kept confidential and aggregated before publishing.
- SODEC encourages sustainable development practices and green business models among its clientele.
- The program allows cumulative funding from other public sources as long as it does not exceed 75% of the total project budget, including provincial and federal tax credits, mandating at least 25% contribution from the applicant, with a minimum of 10% being a financial investment.
- The program structure includes two payment installments: 70% upon approval and 30% after final reporting and acceptance of outcomes, although changes in payment terms might occur depending on project complexity.
- In case of collaborative projects involving foreign companies, economic and technological benefits must substantially favor Quebec, and foreign companies are ineligible to receive funds directly from the program.
grant_single_labels|contact
innovation@sodec.gouv.qc.ca
