Component 3 of the Consulting Services Program supports the development of skills and expertise of advisors working with the agricultural and agri-food sector by financing up to 80% of eligible expenses, for a maximum of $300,000 per project. The assistance targets projects such as conducting studies, creating support tools, disseminating information on cutting-edge technologies, or mentoring the successors of advisors.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-reimbursable contribution covering up to 80% of eligible expenses, not exceeding $300,000 per project.
Disbursement of financial assistance in a maximum of five payments, based on the achievement of project milestones.

Activities funded

Conducting studies, analyses, or assessments in advisory service areas where current offerings are lacking.
Developing and updating tools for guidance, information, or analysis to support advisory services for agricultural and agri-food sectors.
Sharing information on advanced technologies and scientific advancements with advisors in these sectors.
Organizing activities that support the next generation of advisors, such as co-development initiatives, mentorship, or communities of practice to ensure ongoing service provision.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Information campaign on precision ag technologies for advisors

$ 268,000

Assessment study of advisory needs in urban greenhouse agriculture

$ 208,000

Establishing a community of practice for dairy sector advisors

$ 240,000

Mentorship program for new animal nutrition advisors using experts

$ 236,000

Updating soil health analysis tools for agri-food advisors

$ 150,000

Developing digital benchmarking tool for crop yield advisors

Eligibility

The applicant must have an active establishment located in Quebec and belong to one of the following categories: research center, registered service provider with the Coordination Consulting Services, educational institution, technology transfer establishment, nonprofit organization dedicated to knowledge transfer for the agricultural and agri-food sectors, watershed organization, Agriconseils network, Coordination Consulting Services, or a company specialized in geomatics, precision agriculture, or other relevant cutting-edge fields.
The project must aim to carry out studies, analyses, or assessments in an intervention area of component 1 where the consulting services offer is deficient, or the development and updating of guidance, information, and analysis tools to support the supply to advisors, or the dissemination of information on cutting-edge technologies and scientific advancements to advisors, or support activities for the succession of advisors (such as co-development, mentoring, or communities of practice).

Who is eligible?

Active research centers in Quebec.
Providers registered with the Consulting Services Coordination.
Educational institutions located in Quebec.
Non-profit organizations dedicated to knowledge transfer for the agricultural and agri-food sector.
Companies specialized in geomatics, precision agriculture, or any other area of expertise that can contribute to the development of consulting services related to the agricultural and agri-food sector.

Who is not eligible

Ministries, budgetary bodies, and crown corporations referred to in appendices 1 and 3 of the Financial Administration Act, as well as companies controlled by a government or a crown corporation, and municipal entities.
Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
Businesses or applicants not complying with the requirements of the Charter of the French Language.
Applications from organizations registered in the Register of ineligible businesses for public contracts (RENA) or having subcontractors registered in that register.
Businesses or applicants in a state of bankruptcy, insolvency, or having defaulted on their obligations after notice, under previous financial assistance programs.

Eligible expenses

Remuneration of the applicant's staff and professional fees for external expertise related to the project.
Travel and accommodation expenses in accordance with government rates.
Rental of rooms, land, buildings, or equipment.
Rental or purchase of equipment necessary for the completion of the project.
Communication, advertising, and information dissemination expenses.
50% of the fees charged by consultants for the use of a tool during the year following its development or update.
Administrative costs, up to a maximum of 15% of the total eligible expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies and organizations with an active establishment located in Quebec.

Selection criteria

Contribution to the specific objective of the component and alignment with the call for projects.
Quality of the approach, methodology, and implementation timeline.
Experience and expertise of the implementation team.
Expected outcomes and results regarding the consulting services offered.
Feasibility, realism, and cost of the project, as well as the quality of the financial setup and the communication and dissemination strategy.

How to apply

Verify eligibility

Ensure your organization is eligible according to the list of admissible applicants
Review the requirements regarding non-admissible applicants
Confirm your organization's compliance with the criteria

Prepare application documents

Prepare the required financial assistance application form and financial plan
Gather all supporting documents according to your organization's profile
Ensure you have language compliance attestation if applicable
Download the necessary templates from the Ministry's website

Submit application

Submit the complete application and supporting documents to the Ministry before the deadline
Wait for the Ministry to send an acknowledgment of receipt

Await eligibility confirmation

Monitor communications for confirmation of eligibility
Be aware that receipt or confirmation does not guarantee funding

Sign agreement if approved

If selected, receive a formal decision letter from the Ministry
Sign the financial assistance agreement prepared by the Ministry

Additional information

There are currently no open calls for projects for this component.
The documents required to submit an application are available on the Ministry's website, in the "Programs" section.
The acknowledgment of receipt or the confirmation of eligibility does not constitute a guarantee of funding.
The Ministry informs applicants of the final decision by letter or email.

Contacts

1-866-680-1858

QC, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise?

Conducting studies, analyses, or assessments in advisory service areas where current offerings are lacking. Developing and updating tools for guidance, information, or analysis to support advisory services for agricultural and agri-food sectors. Sharing information on advanced technologies and scientific advancements with advisors in these sectors. Organizing activities that support the next generation of advisors, such as co-development initiatives, mentorship, or communities of practice to ensure ongoing service provision.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise?

Who is eligible for the Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise program?

To be eligible for the Advisory Services Program — Component 3 – Support for the development of advisors’ skills and expertise program, you must: The company must be specialized in geomatics, precision agriculture, or another cutting-edge field contributing to the growth of agricultural consulting services. The establishment must be operational and located in Quebec. The company and the project must comply with the requirements of the Charter of the French Language and must not be listed in the Register of Enterprises Not Eligible for Public Contracts (RENA).