SODEC — Support for book and publishing companies - Component 1
QC, Canada
The program ensures enhanced market competitiveness and boosts sales revenues for Quebec-based book and publishing companies
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 15, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateMay 23, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
- Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The grant provides a maximum funding amount of $200,000 per year to support Quebec publishers in ensuring the production, marketing, distribution, and promotion of Quebecois books. Eligible activities include investments in the promotion and commercialization of books by Quebecois authors and participation in book fairs.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within Quebec, Canada. The eligible locations are aligned with supporting regional development and specialized publishing efforts.
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue
- Bas-Saint-Laurent
- Côte-Nord
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- Nord-du-Québec
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$195,000
Create an interactive online platform to promote Quebecois literature to young audiences in Laval.
$180,000
Develop a digital marketing strategy for Quebecois authors to increase book sales in Montreal.
$160,000
Launch a book fair tour across Quebec to showcase emerging Quebecois authors and illustrators.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the profile and activities of publishing companies.
- The company must be a legally constituted Quebec-based company (corporation, non-profit organization, cooperative, partnership) operating in the book industry for at least two years; sole proprietorships are not eligible.
- The company must have achieved a minimum turnover of $50,000, including grants (with at least $30,000 in sales of books in paper and digital formats in the previous fiscal year); specialized publishers or those located in remote regions must have achieved a turnover of $30,000, with at least $18,000 in book sales.
- The company must be a professional publisher primarily involved in book publishing in Quebec, responsible for editorial choices, production, distribution, and commercial exploitation.
- The company must assume financial and commercial risks related to its book publishing activities.
- The company must have a distribution agreement.
- The company must comply with contractual commitments and demonstrate clearly in its financial statements that it pays royalties to authors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant program is designed to support eligible Quebec-based book publishers and bookstores in their efforts to enhance the production, marketing, distribution, and promotion of Quebecois books throughout the region.
- Book publishers and booksellers that are accredited or eligible for accreditation by the Ministry of Culture and Communications as per the guidelines defined by the Law on the development of Quebec enterprises in the book sector and associated regulations.
- Publishers must have received a technical eligibility notice from the Ministry.
- Publishers must be up to date with royalty payments to authors based on their contracts.
- Publishers need to be legally constituted as a Quebec company (corporation, non-profit organization, cooperative, limited partnership) and active in the book domain for at least two years; sole proprietorships are not eligible.
- Publishers are required to demonstrate certain sales figures from the previous financial year, including a minimum revenue of $50,000, with $30,000 from book sales in paper and digital formats.
- For specialized publishers or those in remote regions, the minimum revenue is reduced to $30,000, with $18,000 from book sales in paper and digital formats.
- Eligible publishers are defined as professional entities whose primary activity in Quebec is book publishing, assuming full financial and commercial risks of their productions, and adhering to best practice standards for discoverability.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are designed to ensure that assistance is directed to eligible entities within the book and publishing sector.
- Individual enterprises or sole proprietorships, as only legally constituted companies such as corporations, non-profits, cooperatives, and general partnerships are eligible.
- Enterprises not engaged primarily in book publishing, excluding those involved in non-related activities.
- Companies without a legal constitution in Quebec or not active in the field of books for at least two years.
- Entities that have not achieved the minimum required annual revenue from book sales and related subsidies.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports activities that enhance the visibility and market presence of Quebecois books and authors. Eligible projects focus on promotional investments and participation in book fairs across various regions.
- Promotion and marketing activities aimed at increasing book sales in Quebec and beyond.
- Development and distribution of promotional materials such as catalogues, bookmarks, or online marketing tools.
- Participation in book fairs and similar promotional events to foster regional and national market presence.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to promotion and commercialization activities in the book publishing sector.
- Salaries for personnel involved in marketing, promotion, public relations, and advertising (internal salaries related to commercialization and promotion including data structuring and search engine optimization).
- External fees and costs for marketing, promotion, public relations, and advertising (including fees for external personnel, promotional tools and materials, purchase of advertising space both traditional and digital, and data structuring).
- Production costs of promotional tools (catalogs, bookmarks, promotional materials, stands, digital marketing tools).
- General expenses for promotional or mediation activities in Quebec (such as booth rentals, signage, personnel salaries, and travel and lodging for personnel).
- Royalties and fees for Quebec authors, illustrators, and translators (fees, transportation, lodging, and allowances).
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are focused on ensuring financial prudence and promoting effective marketing strategies of eligible books.
- Investment in promotion and commercialization: Assessed based on the proportion of book sales to total sales.
- Company performance index: Evaluated using performance in promoting books, effectiveness of promotion investments, and the volume of book sales.
- Financial health index: Analyzed through liquidity, profitability, and debt levels.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Access SOD@ccès portal for electronic submissions.
- Locate the program number 30-20-01 for "Aide à l’édition et à la promotion."
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Gather necessary financial documents and project details.
- Ensure all required documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Upload all required documentation to SOD@ccès portal.
- Fill out all necessary fields on the online application form.
- Review the application for completeness and accuracy before submission.
- Step 4: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of submission from SODEC.
- Keep the confirmation receipt for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
There is additional information worth knowing for the grant applicant.
- The SODEC reserves the right to form a committee to evaluate the eligibility of certain applicants.
- The applicant consents to SODEC or a chosen auditor examining financial records related to the project.
- The maximum grant amount per year is $200,000.
- Specific deductions apply to eligibility calculations, such as certain types of sales or non-eligible expenses.
- The financial assistance is also contingent on the availability of funds and the approval by the National Assembly.
- A pluriannual determination of aid is possible; typical disbursement might differ based on SODEC's assessment.
- All aid is distributed on completion of a financial aid agreement, except for participation in book fairs, which is post-event.
- Non-compliance with contractual obligations, like royalty payments, can result in disqualification.
Apply to this program
Enhancing the Literary Landscape in Québec with SODEC Grants
The "Programme d'aide aux entreprises du livre et de l'édition" is a comprehensive grant aimed at supporting the publication and promotion of Québec authors and literature. This initiative aims to strengthen the presence of local publishers and authors in national and regional markets.
Understanding the SODEC Grant for the Book and Publishing Industry
Introduction: The "Programme d'aide aux entreprises du livre et de l'édition" administered by SODEC is an essential funding avenue for publishers and bookstores within Québec's vibrant literary sector. Introduced with the objective of bolstering the viability and competitiveness of local book enterprises, this program is structured to address various facets of the book industry through dedicated support and financial assistance. The program fosters an integrative approach to enhancing the production, distribution, and promotion of Québec literature through carefully designed funding channels that encompass multiple needs of the industry.
Grant Breakdown: The program offers several components, specifically targeted at publishers and bookstores, each with its own eligibility criteria and aims. The publishers' section focuses on supporting the sustained publication of diverse works by Québec authors, enhancing marketing and promotional efforts, and increasing the visibility of those authors across provinces. Meanwhile, the assistance for bookstores encompasses support for promotional endeavors, technological advancements, regional disparity mitigation, and infrastructure improvements.
Financial Commitment: Financial support through this program is primarily disbursed in the form of grants. Notably, eligible publishers can receive up to $200,000 annually for promotion and marketing activities, depending on metrics related to sales and financial health. This robust financial commitment illustrates the program's dedication to bolstering key areas such as book promotion, discoverability, and market expansion. The added financial incentives for specialized publishers and those based in remote regions further ensure equitable support across diverse operational contexts.
Evaluation and Eligibility: To qualify for this program, a publisher must meet specific financial thresholds indicating active engagement in the literary market in Québec, while bookstores must align with similar criteria suited to their activities. Eligibility also hinges on compliance with Québec's regulatory frameworks for book enterprises, including requisite certifications and contractual obligations with authors. Additionally, the program mandates accountability through audits, ensuring that allocated funds are utilized appropriately and according to outlined objectives.
Strategic Impacts: By targeting key performance indicators and financial health, the grant ensures that funding is allocated to publishers who are effective in promoting and selling Québec literature. This strategic distribution fosters a cycle of reinvestment where successful promotional activities lead to better sales, which in return fortifies the publisher's ability to produce more varied and robust literary works.
Conclusion: Overall, the "Programme d'aide aux entreprises du livre et de l'édition" stands as a pivotal mechanism for nurturing Québec's literary landscape. It exemplifies an invested approach toward maintaining the relevance and accessibility of local literature, both within Québec and in the broader national marketplace. By supporting publishers and bookstores financially, the program contributes significantly to cultural preservation and the dissemination of Québecois literary contributions.
