How much funding can be received?

The MRC Témiscamingue Tourism Attraction Fund provides up to $20,000 in no-interest loans to stimulate the launch of new tourism businesses and services in the region. Eligible activities include capital investments, technology acquisition, and initial working capital for adventure-nature, outdoor, guiding, lodging, and cultural tourism projects.

Financing terms and conditions

Minimum financial support of $5,000 per project.
Maximum financial support of $20,000 per project.
Mandatory private contribution between 15% and 25% of the project budget.
Maximum financial support period of 5 years.
No interest charged for the entire duration of the loan.

Eligible projects & activities

Launch of new tourism businesses or services in the Témiscamingue region.
Expansion of existing non-tourism businesses into the tourism sector with new service offerings.
Development of adventure or nature-based tourism projects, including outdoor recreation services.
Creation of cultural tourism initiatives that enhance the region's tourism offering.
Establishment of services supporting tourism such as guiding, equipment rental, or accommodation.

Eligibility criteria of the MRC Témiscamingue — Tourism Attraction Fund program

The applicant must be a legally constituted company, which may include a sole proprietorship, general partnership, corporation, social economy enterprise, or legally established cooperative.
The company must have its head office located within the tourism territory of the MRC de Témiscamingue.
The project must target a predominantly tourist clientele.
The applicant must submit a comprehensive business plan demonstrating financial viability.
The project must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in Quebec.

Who is eligible?

Existing legally constituted companies not yet active in tourism but planning to develop new tourism services
New legally constituted companies
Sole proprietorships
General partnerships
Corporations
Social economy enterprises
Legally constituted cooperatives

Who is not eligible

Businesses whose main activity is in the restaurant sector.
Companies without their head office located in the MRC de Témiscamingue tourism area.

Eligible expenses

Capital expenses for land, buildings, equipment, and machinery
Acquisition of technologies, software, or software packages
Working capital for business operations during the first year of start-up or new service launch

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses with their head office located in the MRC de Témiscamingue tourist area, Quebec.

Eligibility criteria of the MRC Témiscamingue — Tourism Attraction Fund program

Profitability: Projected revenues must cover expenses and generate a surplus.
Management Team: The team's knowledge, experience, training, and networks are evaluated.
Repayment Capacity: The company must demonstrate the ability to repay the principal on all loans.
Debt Ratio: Ideally, the company's debt ratio should be below 80%.
Value of Guarantees and Sureties.
Job Creation and Retention.

How to apply to the MRC Témiscamingue — Tourism Attraction Fund program

Verify eligibility criteria

Ensure your business is legally incorporated and not currently active in the tourism sector, or newly established
Business must have its head office in the Témiscamingue region
Target clientele must be mainly tourists

Prepare required documents

Prepare a complete business plan demonstrating financial viability
Ensure your project complies with applicable Québec laws and regulations

Complete and assemble application

Fill out the application form (contact Société de développement du Témiscamingue if needed)
Provide all supporting documents, including your business plan and details on project financing
Prepare for an opening fee of 1% of the loan amount or a minimum of $100

Submit application and await evaluation

Submit your application and documents to the Société de développement du Témiscamingue
Wait for evaluation based on criteria such as profitability, management team, repayment ability, debt ratio, value of guarantees, and job creation

Additional information

An opening fee applies, calculated as 1% of the loan amount, with a minimum of $100.
Loan guarantees may involve movable or immovable mortgages, which can be second rank if residual value exists on the assets.