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Support program for positioning Quebec alcohol in the SAQ network
QC, Canada
Rebate for QC alcohol producers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
- Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a reimbursement between 4% and 18% of net SAQ sales on artisan alcoholic beverages you produce, to a maximum of $450 000 per year.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Support Program for Positioning Quebec Alcohol in the SAQ Network provides strategic financial assistance to promote the growth of Quebec's alcoholic beverage industry. The program is designed with specific financing modalities across its various components to foster economic development and enhance market presence.
- The grant includes a maximum subsidy of 450,000 CAD per financial year for eligible projects related to sales increases within the SAQ network, with specific rates of aid based on product categories, ranging from 3% to 18% of net sales.
- Additional financial incentives are provided for aging products, such as a supplementary 2 CAD per bottle for spirits aged three or more years.
- For appellation-related projects, there is an additional subsidy of 2 CAD per 750 ml of certified products sold through SAQ, with a cap of 200,000 CAD annually per enterprise.
- For associations, financial assistance can reach up to 70% of eligible project costs, with a cap of 200,000 CAD per organization per year, or up to 250,000 CAD for projects promoting Québec appellations or terms, with specific conditions based on project type.
- Financial aid for artisanal wine producers includes up to 50% of the pre-tax sales price for eligible products sold through grocery and convenience networks, subject to budget availability and reporting requirements.
- Quarterly payment disbursements are based on sales data provided by the SAQ and completed funding applications.
- The program prohibits financing overlap with other Ministry programs but allows for stacking with different government-assisted initiatives.
grant_single_labels|projects
The grant supports projects and activities that aim to enhance the marketing capabilities and market presence of Quebec's alcohol producers, promote the certification of products with reserved appellations or valuable terms, and assist associations in their roles of supporting industry development and marketing.
- Initiatives to enhance competencies in marketing for Quebec alcohol producers, including training and development of strategic marketing plans.
- Activities supporting the promotion and development of reserved appellations or valuable terms, increasing certified products in Quebec.
- Programs to assist Quebec alcohol producers in their marketing efforts, including promotional events and activities.
- Collaborative projects with restaurants or tourism associations focusing on the Quebec alcohol producer sector.
- Projects with significant and structuring impacts for the development of Quebec's alcohol producer sector, validated by associations and non-profit organizations.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 31,500
Develop a strategic marketing plan for artisanal whiskey
$ 27,000
Organize workshops to improve marketing skills for cider makers
$ 45,000
Launch a promotional campaign for Quebec's organic wines
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and their business operations.
- The applicant must be an individual enterprise or a for-profit business legally constituted under the laws of Quebec or Canada, or a collective enterprise under the Social Economy Act.
- The business must be registered in Quebec, have an establishment there, and actively operate within the province.
- The applicant must hold a artisanal production or distiller's permit issued by the Régie des alcools des courses et des jeux (RACJ) when the worldwide sales volume was equal to or less than 6000 hl in the previous year.
- Applicants must have made sales in the SAQ distribution network during the SAQ's financial year ending the last Saturday of March.
- For distillers, compliance with the sales regulations on manufacturing premises each quarter is mandatory, and they must maintain an up-to-date record with the SAQ.
- The applicant must not be listed on the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts, or have defaulted on obligations related to previous financial aid from a Quebec ministry or government body in the past two years.
- Eligible businesses should not be state enterprises or companies controlled directly or indirectly by a government, municipal body, or majorly owned by a state enterprise.
- The primary business domain must not involve the production or distribution of arms, fossil fuel industries (unless for carbon transition activities), gambling, violent or combative sports, sexual exploitation, or production/sale of tobacco or drugs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the "Support program for positioning Quebec alcohol in the SAQ network" include legally constituted for-profit businesses and individual enterprises in Quebec, as well as collective enterprises under the Quebec Social Economy Act. To qualify, these businesses must be registered and actively operating in Quebec. Specifically, they should hold an artisan production or distiller's permit issued by the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission when global sales volume was 6000 hectolitres or less in the previous RACJ registry year. Additionally, these businesses should have conducted sales in the SAQ network during its fiscal year ending on the last Saturday of March. Distiller permit holders must comply with sales regulations and have current status with SAQ. Importantly, eligibility doesn't ensure funding, and there are restrictions on certain types of businesses, such as those involved in prohibited industries or listed on public contract ineligibility registries.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure the funds are allocated to businesses that align with provincial economic and ethical objectives.
- Companies registered on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
- Entities that have failed to comply with financial obligations related to previous government funding.
- State-owned enterprises or those controlled by municipal, provincial, or federal governments.
- Businesses primarily engaged in the production or distribution of weapons.
- Companies involved in fossil fuel industries like oil and thermal coal, except those transitioning to low-carbon activities.
- Businesses operating in gambling or betting industries, such as casinos or bingo halls.
- Organizations involved in violent gaming, combative sports, or similar activities.
- Businesses engaged in the sex industry, including erotic bars and escort agencies.
- Companies focused on tobacco or drug-related products and services.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses related to the support and development of eligible projects and initiatives.
- Professional fees for external consultants.
- Internal labor costs.
- Travel expenses for training activities in compliance with current government standards.
- Rental fees for venues used for organizing trade fairs.
- Internet referral costs.
- Communication and promotional expenses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is specifically available to companies with establishments in Quebec, as the program is managed by the Quebec government, ensuring regional economic growth and alignment with the province's agroeconomic goals.
- Companies that are immatriculated and have an establishment in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria designed to ensure the effective development of the Quebec alcoholic beverage sector.
- Capacity of the promoting organization, including representativeness in the relevant field and the ability to manage and implement the project.
- Quality and relevance of the projects, including alignment with the strategic planning of the organization, and the structuring impact on the sector.
- Innovation and novelty of the project.
- Potential impact and benefits in terms of sector importance and multiplier effect on the industry.
- Compliance with government priorities and complementary nature to other activities of the association or non-profit.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Support Program for Positioning Quebec Alcohol in the SAQ Network:
- Step 1: Assess Eligibility
- Ensure your business is legally constituted in Quebec or Canada and is actively operating in Quebec.
- Verify that your business has the appropriate permits from the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ).
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
- Gather necessary documents such as business registration, permits, and financial statements.
- Prepare evidence of previous sales in the relevant distribution network (e.g., SAQ).
- Compile any additional documents required, such as certificates for appellations or terms valorisants, if applicable.
- Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the form with details about your business and the specific assistance sought under the program.
- Include supporting documents, ensuring that they align with program objectives.
- Step 4: Submission of Application
- Submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy.
- Ensure that the submission is done before the deadline and in the format prescribed by the fund provider.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Receipt
- Receive confirmation from the Ministry acknowledging receipt of your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The maximum amount of combined financial support from volets 1 and 2 is $1.95 million from April 2024 to March 2027.
- For volets 1 and 2, eligible sales are those conducted within the SAQ network.
- The SAQ provides necessary sales data to the Minister to determine the grant allocation for eligible sales.
- The grant cannot be combined with other funding from the Ministry but may be combined with other governmental supports.
- Submissions and decisions regarding funding are overseen by the Minister, who ensures compliance with relevant administrative and financial regulations.
- Businesses must comply with language requirements, including possible francization certifications if applicable.
- For associative projects under volet 3, courses and consultancy fees are eligible for funding.
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