Support for biofood exports - individual projects
QC, Canada
SEB supports Quebec agri-food market expansion outside Quebec
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 31, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
- Export Group
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The SEB program, funded by MAPAQ, offers financial assistance of up to $100,000 for regular projects and $250,000 for large exporter projects to support Quebec-based agri-food businesses in increasing sales outside Quebec through marketing and market development activities. Eligible activities include expenses for trade shows, marketing, business development fees, and travel outside Quebec.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant encourages Quebec-based agri-food businesses to expand their market reach and enhance sales outside Quebec. The eligible projects include strategic marketing efforts and activities that facilitate market entry and development beyond local borders.
- Registration of products in the GS1 Product Registry.
- Salary expenses for hiring a market development specialist.
- Implementation of marketing initiatives targeting markets outside Quebec.
- Expenses related to business development activities, including consulting fees.
- Participation in trade shows to promote products to new markets.
- Travel and accommodations for business operations outside Quebec.
- Costs associated with hosting potential clients in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific company requirements and criteria related to the proposed export projects.
- The company must be registered with the Quebec Business Registry.
- It must have an establishment operating in Quebec.
- The company should be one of the following: a food processor, an agricultural operation, in the fisheries or commercial aquaculture sector, or a company that subcontracts its food processing, meeting specific subcontracting requirements.
- For projects targeting Canada (outside Quebec):
- The company must have a minimum annual revenue of $1 million.
- It must hold a license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the Safe Food for Canadian Regulations (SFCR).
- The company must have been marketing its products on foreign markets for two years or sell regularly in at least one other Canadian province or territory.
- For international projects (outside Canada):
- The company must have a minimum annual revenue of $2 million.
- It must hold a license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the SFCR.
- The company should have been marketing its products internationally for three years, or demonstrate at least one year of regular international sales.
- The company must hold a Canada Revenue Agency import-export program account.
- Companies that have never exported are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant targets Quebec-based agri-food businesses wishing to develop marketing and market expansion projects outside of Quebec. Eligible companies have to meet detailed requirements specific to revenue, certifications, and export experience.
- The company must be registered with the Quebec Business Registry and operate in Quebec.
- The applicant must be a food processor, agricultural operation, involved in fisheries or commercial aquaculture, or subcontracting food processing in Quebec.
- For projects targeting Canada (excluding Quebec), the company must have a minimum revenue of $1 million, a Canadian Food Inspection Agency license, and a track record of marketing products outside Quebec.
- For international projects, a minimum revenue of $2 million is required, along with international marketing experience and a Canadian Food Inspection Agency license.
- Subcontracting companies must ensure food processing primarily occurs in Quebec and declare a relevant economic activity with the Quebec Business Registry.
- Eligible projects must involve Quebec-processed food products, either by the applicant or subcontractors, with eligible expenses minimums as specified.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their current status and main activities, focusing funding on active exporters with an established market presence.
- Companies that have never exported.
- Pre-commercialization projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for the grant include various activities that support market entry and development outside Quebec.
- GS1 Product Registry.
- Salary of a market development specialist.
- Marketing expenses.
- Business development fees.
- Trade show expenses.
- Travel and stays outside Quebec.
- Hosting potential clients in Quebec.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is applicable to companies that aim to expand beyond Quebec to markets within Canada and internationally. Specific eligible geographical areas have not been explicitly defined within the context given.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the SEB grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives and the applicant's ability to execute the project effectively.
- Project relevance and quality: Structured approach and level of company preparation.
- Alignment between the activities and the company’s objectives.
- Demonstration of realistic potential benefits in Quebec.
- The company’s ability to carry out the project.
- Demonstration that the project supports the SEB objective.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Pre-qualification
- Download and complete the pre-qualification form.
- Step 2: Submission of Complete Financial Assistance Application
- Upon successful pre-qualification, receive an email with the application forms required for financial assistance submission.
- Prepare and submit a complete financial assistance application including a recent export marketing plan and a project cost form with supporting documents for selected activities.
- Ensure submission within 4 weeks of receiving the email.
- Step 3: Analysis of the Application
- The application will be assessed based on project relevance, quality, alignment with SEB objectives, and the company's ability to execute the project.
- Step 4: Payment of Financial Assistance
- Receive a contribution agreement detailing the granted amount and terms.
- Submit supporting documents as per the established procedures for payment processing.
grant_single_labels|contact
seb@groupexport.ca
Apply to this program
Enhancing Export Opportunities for Quebec's Agri-Food Sector
The SEB program provides vital financial assistance to eligible Quebec-based agri-food businesses aiming to expand their market horizons beyond Quebec. Although the program is currently closed, interested applicants are encouraged to stay updated on future openings for strategic export project opportunities.
Extending Your Agri-Food Business Reach Beyond Quebec
The Soutien aux exportations bioalimentaires (SEB) program, administered by the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ), represents a significant financial opportunity for Quebec-based agri-food businesses seeking to grow their presence in markets outside of Quebec. With its primary objective centered on enhancing individual marketing and market development projects, SEB assists eligible exporters in entering new markets and fortifying existing ones. By meeting eligibility criteria such as being registered with the Quebec Business Registry and demonstrating a substantial revenue stream, companies positioned within the food processing, agricultural, or fisheries sectors can leverage this program to support their expanding market strategies.
Despite the program's current closure, understanding its structure and benefits is crucial for businesses that aim to capitalize on future openings. The SEB program emphasizes the necessity of solidifying market strategies and methodologies aimed at increasing sales and market diversification. Businesses working on creating or diversifying their market presence are given financial support that can cover an array of activities including market development, trade show participation, and international business trips.
The financial structure of SEB is designed to cater to both regular projects with a focus on a 12-month timeline and large exporter projects spanning over 24 months. Each project type demands a different scale of financial commitment and is reflected through the program's support mechanisms – a 50% coverage of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $100,000 for regular, and up to $250,000 for large exporter projects. Notably, projects focusing on certified organic foods are eligible for an additional 10% bonus on their eligible expenses, highlighting MAPAQ's commitment to sustainable agri-food practices.
Program participants are expected to demonstrate the strategic relevance and potential outcomes of their projects, which includes aligning their activities with company objectives and proving the realistic benefits for Quebec's economy. Though new exporters are not eligible, companies with a history of consistent sales in foreign or inter-provincial markets can showcase their prowess in managing international sales and meeting essential export criteria such as revenue thresholds and regulatory licenses.
SEB also facilitates network building and knowledge sharing, preparing companies for international market intricacies through industry insights gained from travel, trade collaborations, and hosting potential international partners. These experiential elements are meant to enhance the overall readiness of Quebec-based companies, focusing on long-term expansions in global markets.
As prospective entrepreneurs or established exporters prepare for the next cycle of the SEB program, they are advised to keep abreast of forthcoming submission guidelines and requirements. Staying informed ensures a timely response to the program's reopening, enabling businesses to strategically plan and position themselves to benefit fully from the financial support offered, thus reinforcing Quebec's agri-food sector's competitive edge globally.
