How much funding can be received?

The grant is part of the "Signature innovation" program under the Région et Ruralité Fund, providing non-recurrent financing up to $218,798 per project for initiatives that enhance the MRC de Témiscouata's innovative leadership, particularly in the acériculture sector. Eligible activities include projects promoting innovation, production process improvements, and market expansion within the region.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant program supports projects that align with the development goals of the MRC de Témiscouata. The eligible projects focus on boosting local economic activities, particularly in the acériculture sector, and enhancing productivity through innovation and strategic development.

Support the enhancement of production processes through research and innovation.
Encourage advanced stages of production and new product development.
Support the export of maple products and related production equipment.
Facilitate the development of training programs tailored to the acériculture industry.
Improve communication and engagement with local enterprises and workers.
Provide training support for personnel and management in the maple industry.
Assist in the management and development of maple woodlands.
Promote community collaboration in agriculture and maple production.
Enhance technology access and productivity improvements.
Develop new market opportunities for Témiscouata businesses.
Improve the environmental footprint through energy transitions and waste reduction.
Support innovative product transformations and shared resource initiatives.
Address workforce shortages by promoting jobs and integrating maple industry roles into broader employment strategies.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the profile of the promoters and their alignment with the specified sectors and organizations.

The applicant must be a private or social economy enterprise, excluding enterprises in the financial sector.
The applicant can be a municipality, municipal organization, regional community organization, MRC, or a band council of an Indigenous community covering the Témiscouata territory.
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) and cooperatives are eligible, with the exception of financial cooperatives.
Organizations from the education, culture, tourism, environment, and heritage sectors that cover all or part of the Témiscouata territory are eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain types of companies and industries are not eligible for this grant due to specific restrictions on their status and main activity. These restrictions help ensure the funds support projects aligned with the grant's strategic objectives in the Témiscouata region.

Financial sector companies, including but not limited to banks and investment firms.
Cooperatives operating primarily as financial institutions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the execution and success of the project.

Salaries and wages of employees, interns, and other similar workers assigned to the project, including employer social charges and benefits. Only hours truly dedicated to the project are eligible.
Costs of professional fees.
Capital expenditures for assets such as land, buildings, equipment, machinery, vehicles, incorporation costs, and other similar expenses.
Acquisition of technologies, software or applications, patents, and other similar expenses.
Working capital needs calculated for the first year of operation.
The non-refundable portion of taxes.
Other costs inherent to the development and execution of projects.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies and organizations situated in the specified geographical area of Témiscouata, within the MRC (Municipal Regional County) jurisdiction. The eligibility is explicitly designed to boost development initiatives within this unique regional setting.

Témiscouata region under the Municipal Regional County (MRC) jurisdiction.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the "Signature innovation" grant focus on ensuring that proposed initiatives are aligned with the strategic priorities and development goals of the MRC de Témiscouata while demonstrating potential impact and innovation.

The project must align with the development priorities and plans of the MRC, including its land use plan and agricultural development plan.
Projects should ideally yield a concrete impact on the community.
Demonstration of positive effects on employment, regional economic activity, and revitalization of the territory in the short and medium term.
The quality of the project's implementation plan, which should show credible links between steps, activities, resources mobilized, and targets aimed for.
Level of innovation through new products (goods or services), improvement of manufacturing processes, new marketing strategies, or new organizational methods within the organization.
A strong governance structure, clearly establishing relationships between partners, decision-making processes, and demonstrating the experience and training of the project director and the project implementation team.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine Project Eligibility
Ensure the project aligns with one of the development axes outlined by the MRC de Témiscouata.
Confirm that the project is a concrete and innovative initiative within the defined duration and not recurring.
Step 2: Prepare Application
Gather necessary documents, including financial records, and plan for project execution.
Ensure that all expenditures comply with the eligible expenses list.
Document compliance with project promoter commitments.
Step 3: Submit Preliminary Project Proposal
Submit the project proposal to the MRC Témiscouata Service of Development.
Include details such as project objectives, timelines, and financial forecasts.
Step 4: Committee Evaluation
Await evaluation by the MRC investment committee, which evaluates projects monthly except in August.
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the committee.
Step 5: Finalize Project Agreement
If selected, work with the MRC to formalize the project agreement.
Ensure all conditions and financial support terms are clearly established.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum funding per project is not to exceed 218,798 $.
Non-profit and municipal promoters are eligible for up to 80% funding of eligible expenses; however, they must contribute 10% as their share of the project cost.
Private businesses can secure up to 50% financing for eligible project costs.
There are specific rules for construction work, especially if it's contracted to a third party, which mandates adherence to the Law on Contracts of Public Bodies for public calls for tenders.
The Fund offers non-reimbursable and non-recurring financial assistance.
Projects must demonstrate innovation, such as introducing new products, improving production processes, or developing new marketing methods.
Any promotional or public relations activities regarding the grant must credit the contribution of the Government of Quebec.

Apply to this program

Innovative Signature Project Funding in Témiscouata

The "Signature Innovation" funding initiative aims to foster innovative projects that highlight the unique identity and economic potential of Témiscouata, particularly focusing on the thriving maple syrup industry. The grant supports projects that align with the strategic objectives set by the MRC, promoting innovation and economic vitality in the region.

Detailed Insights into the "Signature Innovation" Grant

The "Signature Innovation" grant represents a significant investment in the future of the Témiscouata region, primarily through its support of projects in the maple syrup industry, known as acériculture. As a fundamental part of the region’s economic and cultural identity, acériculture has been identified as a key focus area under this funding scheme. This initiative is part of the third component of the Fonds Région et Ruralité, established by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH) in 2020, destined specifically for innovative projects that showcase and enhance the local identity of the MRCs involved.

This funding initiative is exceptionally positioned to empower the Témiscouata region by offering up to $1,093,990 spread over the period of 2020-2024, with an annual allocation of $218,798 from the MAMH, and supplemented by a 20% financial commitment from the MRC itself. These funds are designated to support projects that are not only innovative but also emblematic of the region, thereby encouraging a symbiotic relationship between economic growth and cultural conservation.

A "Signature Innovation" project is characterized by its potential to prominently position the MRC of Témiscouata as a leader in a particular domain. It supports innovative ideas that strengthen the area's economy while enhancing its distinct cultural attributes. Acériculture, a primary economic driver, is prioritized because it embodies the region's historical and cultural legacy which has contributed to its recognition far beyond its borders. Through this focus, the initiative seeks to create a multiplier effect within the local economy by stimulating employment, generating significant investment returns, and revitalizing the local communities.

The eligibility of projects under this grant emphasizes initiatives that will directly enhance the MRC's development objectives, particularly those which are innovative and can provide a clear economic benefit to the region. This includes improving production processes, leveraging new technology, and fostering new market development, as well as environmental sustainability practices, all of which are crucial for maintaining the competitive edge of Témiscouata's maple syrup industry.

Moreover, the grant enables the region to foster connections and collaborations across various sectors and with different stakeholders, enhancing the region's ability to innovate and remain economically resilient. By supporting projects that align with the MRC’s development plan, this collective effort not only ensures that the Témiscouata region continues to thrive economically but also secures its cultural and environmental heritage for future generations.

Finally, the strategic layering of public and private investments through this initiative aims to bolster broader economic goals, supporting a diverse range of projects from traditional sectors like maple syrup production to cutting-edge technological advancements and environmental conservation efforts. This holistic approach ensures that the "Signature Innovation" initiative is not only a catalyst for immediate economic activity but also a foundation for long-term prosperity in Témiscouata.