SODEC — Support for strategic projects
QC, Canada
The "Strategic Project Assistance Program" supports Quebec's cultural enterprises by funding exceptional, structuring projects to enhance competitiveness, discoverability, and collaborative strategies.
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|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Programme d'Aide aux Projets Stratégiques supports strategic and exceptional projects that enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Quebec's cultural enterprises. It focuses on initiatives that ensure the discoverability and promotion of Quebec cultural products, both nationally and on digital platforms. Eligible activities include project labor costs, production and implementation expenses, promotional efforts, material and equipment costs, and more, with the possibility of receiving up to 75% of allowable project costs, capped at $750,000.
grant_single_labels|projects
The grant supports short-term, strategic projects that enhance the competitiveness of Quebec cultural enterprises and generate significant industry impact. Eligible projects must demonstrate self-sustainability without future SODEC aid.
- Direct workforce costs
- Project-related professional fees
- Production and implementation costs, including prototype design and testing
- Project-specific material and equipment costs (maximum 50% of the aid)
- Project promotion expenses
- Purchase of specialized information relevant to the project
- Equipment and material transportation costs
- Technological adaptation fees
- Administrative expenses (maximum 10% of the aid)
- All other necessary project-related expenses
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$337,500
Vancouver
Creation of a bilingual e-commerce website for Quebec artisans
$600,000
Halifax
Opening of a cultural center for Quebec visual artists
$262,500
Quebec City
Creation of a mobile app for the promotion of Quebec literature
$375,000
Montreal
Development of a digital platform to promote independent Quebec music
$450,000
Ottawa
Launching a film festival showcasing Quebecois cinema
$525,000
Toronto
Development of an interactive exhibit on Quebec heritage
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible applicants for this grant must be cultural enterprises based in Quebec with the main establishment and decision-making center located in Quebec. These enterprises must also demonstrate majority control by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with Quebec tax residency and at least two years of operational experience or appropriate professional experience.
- Be a cultural enterprise based in Quebec.
- Main establishment and decision-making center must be in Quebec.
- Majority control by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with Quebec tax residency.
- In operation for at least two years or possess appropriate professional experience.
- Include for-profit enterprises, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, or consortia formed by Quebec cultural enterprises and sectoral associations of cultural enterprises.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, the grant is available for eligible types of companies. Eligible companies must be cultural enterprises based in Quebec, dedicated to the activities within the domains of SODEC, and meet specific criteria as outlined below.
- Be a Quebec-based cultural enterprise.
- Have its headquarters and main establishment within Quebec.
- Ensure that the effective control of the company is primarily held by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with tax residency in Quebec.
- Operational for at least two years or possess appropriate professional experience.
- Include for-profit enterprises, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, or consortia formed by Quebec-based enterprises and cultural sector associations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. They include costs directly related to the implementation of the project, such as labor, production expenses, and equipment.
- Costs direct of the labor assigned to the project
- Project-related fees
- Production and implementation expenses, including prototype design and testing
- Material and equipment expenses specific to the project (limited to 50% of the aid)
- Project promotion expenses
- Costs related to the acquisition of specialized information necessary for the project
- Transport of equipment and material expenses
- Technological adaptation expenses
- Administration expenses (limited to 10% of the aid)
- All other relevant and necessary expenses for project execution
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible geographic zones for this grant are solely within the province of Quebec, Canada. Companies must have their headquarters and primary establishment located in Quebec to qualify.
- Headquarters in Quebec
- Primary establishment in Quebec
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The applications are assessed by SODEC professionals and potentially external advisors, focusing on the project's pertinence, feasibility, and potential impact.
- The pertinence of the project in relation to the business model of the company
- The major impacts on Quebec’s cultural industries
- The quality and realism of the project's implementation plan
- The budget realism, financing structure, and support from partners
- The company's capability to successfully complete the project
- The financial health of the company
- The experience of the company and the competence of the engaged partners
- The quality of the application presentation
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Read the program and the application guide carefully to ensure eligibility and understand the requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation, including business model relevance, project significance, and budget structure.
- Step 3: Log in to the secure electronic submission portal SOD@ccès.
- Step 4: Select the program number 30-56-00 for the strategic projects assistance program.
- Step 5: Complete the application form with detailed information about the project, including financial structure and expected partners' support.
- Step 6: Submit the application through SOD@ccès at any time, as applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant supports strategic projects to enhance the competitiveness of Quebec cultural industries, with a focus on exceptional and structuring initiatives.
- Applicants must be Quebec-based cultural enterprises with a majority Canadian ownership.
- Projects must not have received funding from other SODEC financial aid programs.
- The grant covers up to 75% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $750,000.
- Applicants must assume at least 25% of the project budget, including a minimum of 10% as a financial investment.
- Eligible expenses include labor costs, professional fees, production and promotion costs, and technological adaptation costs.
- Evaluations are based on project relevance, potential major impacts, implementation quality, budget realism, and financial health of the enterprise.
- Applications can be submitted anytime via the SOD@ccès secure portal, under the program number 30-56-00.
- Payments are subject to fund availability and approval by the National Assembly.
Apply to this program
SODEC Strategic Project Support Program
The SODEC Strategic Project Support Program provides financial assistance to Quebec-based cultural enterprises, encouraging projects that enhance the competitiveness and visibility of Quebec's cultural industries. The program offers grants up to $750,000, covering 75% of eligible costs, for innovative and impactful projects that fall outside other funding programs.
SODEC Strategic Project Support Program: Comprehensive Guide
In today's fast-paced and competitive cultural landscape, Quebec's cultural enterprises often require substantial support to navigate and succeed. Recognizing this need, the Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) has designed the Strategic Project Support Program. This program specifically targets projects and initiatives that have the potential to significantly elevate the competitiveness of Quebec's cultural industries, ensuring their long-term sustainability and visibility. Below, we delve into the detailed aspects of this program, from eligibility criteria to the application process, and explain how Quebec's cultural enterprises can benefit from it.
Program Overview
The Strategic Project Support Program by SODEC is tailored to support strategic, one-time projects that cannot leverage other available sector-specific programs. Its core aim is to assist cultural enterprises in implementing projects that promise substantial and transformative impacts. The ultimate goal is to enhance these enterprises' operational capabilities, market reach, and overall profitability within the cultural sector.
Objectives of the Program
Through this initiative, SODEC aims to:
- Ensure cultural enterprises remain at the forefront of industry trends, maintaining both competitiveness and profitability.
- Enhance the discoverability and promotion of Quebec's cultural products, both domestically and on digital platforms.
- Encourage partnerships, risk-sharing, and collaborative strategies among enterprises.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, enterprises must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Quebec-based cultural enterprise operating primarily in SODEC's activity sectors. Eligible entities include for-profit businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, or consortiums of Quebec-based cultural enterprises and associations.
- Have their main office and principal establishment in Quebec. The enterprise must be majority-controlled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with tax residency in Quebec.
- Be operational for at least two years or possess relevant professional experience.
The project itself must be a one-time initiative, distinct from the enterprise's regular operations, and should demonstrate a clear potential for significant returns. Notably, projects funded through other SODEC financial aid programs are ineligible under this program.
Financial Participation and Aid
The program provides grants to support strategic projects within 12 months of application acceptance. The aid calculation is based on the budgeted project activities and can cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum grant amount of $750,000.
Key financial conditions include:
- The total government aid for the project must not exceed 75% of the overall project budget.
- The enterprise must cover at least 25% of the project budget, with a minimum of 10% as a financial investment.
Eligible and Non-eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses for project implementation include:
- Direct labor costs associated with the project.
- Project-related fees and honoraria.
- Production and implementation costs, including prototype design and testing.
- Material and equipment costs specific to the project (capped at 50% of the aid).
- Project promotion expenses.
- Costs for acquiring specialized information necessary for project completion.
- Equipment and material transportation costs.
- Technological adaptation expenses.
- Administrative expenses (capped at 10% of the aid).
- Other relevant and necessary costs for project completion.
Non-eligible expenses include:
- Costs incurred before the application submission date.
- Operating expenses for regular business activities.
- Daily allowances and representation fees.
- Recurring costs, such as annual subscription fees and software update fees.
Application Evaluation
Project applications are reviewed by SODEC professionals, with external expert input as needed. The evaluation is comparative, prioritizing projects based on their relevance and feasibility. Assessment criteria include:
- Project relevance to the enterprise's business model.
- Significant positive impacts on Quebec's cultural industries.
- Quality and realism of the project implementation plan.
- Budgetary realism, financing structure, and partner support.
- Enterprise's capacity for successful project execution.
- Financial health of the enterprise.
- Experience and competence of the enterprise and project partners.
- Quality of the application.
Application Process
Before submitting an application, enterprises should thoroughly review the program guidelines and submission guide. Applications must be submitted through SODEC's secure electronic submission portal, SOD@ccès, using the program number 30-56-00. Submission is open year-round, allowing enterprises to apply at their convenience.
Conclusion
The SODEC Strategic Project Support Program offers a unique opportunity for Quebec's cultural enterprises to secure significant financial assistance for strategic projects that can drive industry advancement and cultural visibility. By understanding the eligibility requirements, financial conditions, and application process, enterprises can better position themselves to leverage this program for sustained growth and impact in the cultural sector.
