Virage techno - shops, restaurants and accommodation downtown
Laval, QC, Canada
Help businesses in downtown Laval to develop their competitiveness through innovative projects
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- grant_single|maxCount
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
- Laval Economique
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grant_card_status|open
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Laval Économique offers a subsidy program for retail, restaurant, and hospitality businesses in downtown Laval to support their digital transformation. The program covers up to 50% of digital and technological equipment costs, up to $37,500. Eligible businesses must have been operational for at least two years and meet specific NAICS codes. Supported projects include automation, AI, and digital systems to enhance competitive edge. A documented strategic plan is required for application, and commitments should not be made prior to approval.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several projects or activities eligible for this grant.
- Automation
- Robotics
- Virtual Reality
- Augmented Reality
- Artificial Intelligence
- NFC (Near Field Communication)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Smart Kiosks
- Specialized Software
- Information Systems
- Electronic Inventory Control
- Digital Checkout Systems
- Automated Checkout Systems
- Cashless Shopping Solutions
- Interactive Screens
- Digital Signage
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
- Access Control Systems
- Home Automation (RFID)
- Security Systems
- Computer Vision
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$18,750
Laval
Implement a virtual reality experience upgrade at a local museum in Laval.
$18,750
Laval
Install automated checkout systems in a local grocery store in Laval.
$18,750
Laval
Develop an AI-driven CRM system for a local hotel in Laval.
$12,500
Laval
Upgrade the digital signage system at a local restaurant in Laval.
$18,750
Laval
Deploy IoT-based inventory control for a retail store in Laval.
$11,250
Laval
Implement NFC payment solutions at a café in Laval.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, businesses must meet specific criteria that ensure they are in the targeted sectors and location, and have a well-documented plan for their digital transformation.
- Be a business in the retail, restaurant, or accommodation sector, listed under NAICS codes 41, 44, 45, 53, 54, 561, 721, 811, 812, 814, 7225
- Have been conducting business activities for at least two years
- Be located within the downtown perimeter of Laval and make the investment in a Laval establishment
- Demonstrate that the project is based on a diagnostic and action plan from a documented strategic planning
- Present a digital transformation project
- Expenditures and contractual commitments shouldn't be confirmed before submitting the financial aid application and receiving an acknowledgment of receipt from the program manager
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are specific types of companies eligible for this grant. These companies must belong to specific sectors as defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.
- Retail trade (codes 41, 44, 45)
- Real estate and rental and leasing (code 53)
- Professional, scientific, and technical services (code 54)
- Administrative and support services (code 561)
- Accommodation (code 721)
- Repair and maintenance (code 811)
- Personal and laundry services (codes 812, 814)
- Food services and drinking places (code 7225)
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Companies that are not eligible for this grant include those not operating in the retail, restaurant, or accommodation sectors, specifically those not classified under the specified NAICS codes. Additionally, businesses that have not been operating for at least two years or are not located in the designated downtown area of Laval are also ineligible.
- Companies outside the retail, restaurant, or accommodation sectors
- Businesses not classified under NAICS codes 41, 44, 45, 53, 54, 561, 721, 811, 812, 814, 7225
- Businesses that have not been operating for at least two years
- Companies not located in the downtown area of Laval
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, eligible expenses for this grant include acquisition of equipment and associated components, among other related costs.
- Acquisition of equipment and components (excluding materials, inventories, and other supplies)
- Direct costs related to equipment implementation (transport and leasehold improvements)
- Costs for acquisition and implementation of software
- Professional fees related to the project
- Direct labor costs associated with the project, limited to the hourly rate
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are located within the perimeter of downtown Laval. The criteria specify that investments must be made in an establishment situated in downtown Laval.
- Boul. Chomedey
- Boul. Saint-Martin O.
- Boul. de la Concorde O.
- Autoroute A-440
- Boul. Chomedey
- Autoroute A-15
- Boul. Le Corbusier
- Boul. Notre-Dame
grant_single_labels|criteria
The grant for digital transformation in Laval's downtown area has detailed evaluation and selection criteria for eligible enterprises. These criteria help the committee assess applications to determine the beneficiaries of financial aid.
- Company must belong to industries listed under NAICS codes 41, 44, 45, 53, 54, 561, 721, 811, 812, 814, and 7225.
- Company must have been conducting business for at least two years.
- Company must be located in the downtown Laval area and make the investment in a Laval establishment.
- The project must be supported by a strategic documented planning that includes a diagnostic and action plan.
- Project must aim at digital transformation and enhancing the company's digital presence.
- Expenses and contractual commitments should not be made before the financial aid request submission and acknowledgment receipt by the program manager.
- Complete files will be reviewed by a committee that selects beneficiaries based on program terms and conditions.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure eligibility
- Verify that your business is in the sector of commerce, restaurant, or lodging.
- Ensure your business is located in the downtown perimeter of Laval.
- Confirm that your business has been operating for at least 2 years.
- Step 2: Conduct a diagnostic and strategic planning
- Carry out a diagnostic of your current situation.
- Develop a plan of action based on documented strategic planning.
- Step 3: Develop a digital transition project
- Create a comprehensive project proposal focusing on digital transformation.
- Step 4: Prepare documentation
- Complete the application form.
- Prepare financial statements for the last two years.
- Include the diagnostic report.
- Attach the implementation plan.
- Step 5: Submit application
- Submit the completed application along with all required documents to Laval économique.
- Wait for an acknowledgment of receipt from the program administrator.
- Step 6: Evaluation
- After submission, your application will be reviewed by the committee.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant aims to assist businesses in the retail, restaurant, and lodging sectors in Laval's downtown area to enhance their digital transformation efforts. The program covers up to 50% of the equipment acquisition costs, with specific eligibility criteria and notable exclusions.
- Excludes realization of a website as part of the digital presence
- Targets businesses with an active commercial presence for at least two years
- Requires completion of a strategic planning process with documented diagnostic and action plan
- Excludes costs related to materials, inventory, and other supplies
- Offers non-repayable financial assistance
- Eligibility includes specific business sectors identified by NAICS codes
- Additional financial bonuses available for projects effectively utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT)
grant_single_labels|contact
y.cupidon@laval.ca
4388375623
Apply to this program
About the Grant
The "Virage techno – commerces, restaurants et hébergements au centre-ville" grant offered by Laval économique supports businesses in the commerce, restaurant, and accommodation sectors in Laval's downtown area in their digital transformation by providing up to 50% of the cost for acquiring modern equipment, with a maximum of $37,500. The program aims to enhance these businesses' digital presence and help them compete with major online retailers by funding various technology projects.
A Comprehensive Guide to the "Virage techno – commerces, restaurants et hébergements au centre-ville" Grant
With the rapid evolution of the digital landscape, businesses, especially in commerce, restaurant, and accommodation sectors, face mounting pressure to adopt cutting-edge technologies to stay competitive. Recognizing this critical need, Laval économique has introduced the "Virage techno – commerces, restaurants et hébergements au centre-ville" grant. This grant not only offers substantial financial support but also ensures that businesses receive the necessary expertise to achieve meaningful digital transformation. This detailed guide will walk you through every aspect of the grant, ensuring you understand its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits it offers.
Objectives of the Grant
The primary objective of the "Virage techno – commerces, restaurants et hébergements au centre-ville" grant is to aid businesses in the aforementioned sectors to optimize their digital transition. By offering financial backing and expert guidance, the grant aims to:
- Provide businesses with easy access to resources needed to compete with the giants of online commerce.
- Encourage organizations to enhance their digital presence (excluding website creation).
- Support the acquisition of specialized equipment and accessories based on a detailed diagnosis and strategic action plan.
Eligible Projects
To qualify for this grant, projects must be technology-driven and aimed at improving the operational efficiency or customer experience. Examples of eligible technological projects include:
- Automation and robotization
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Artificial intelligence
- Near-field communication (NFC)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Smart terminals and digital kiosks
- Specialized software and IT systems
- Electronic stock control and automated checkouts
- Interactive screens and digital displays
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Access control and home automation (domotics) using RFID
- Advanced security systems and computer vision
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a business in the sector of commerce, restaurants, or accommodations, classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes 41, 44, 45, 53, 54, 561, 721, 811, 812, 814, 7225.
- Conduct commercial activities for at least two years.
- Be located within the downtown perimeter of Laval.
- Present a project with a documented diagnostic and strategic action plan.
- Submit a digital transition project.
- Ensure that no expenses or contractual commitments have been made prior to submitting the grant request and receiving an acknowledgment of receipt from the program manager.
Three Phases of the Grant Process
The grant program is structured in three phases aimed at ensuring a comprehensive approach to digital transformation:
Phase I — Diagnostic
In this phase, businesses work with experts to conduct a thorough diagnostic of their current technological status and identify areas for digital enhancement. This step is crucial in laying the groundwork for a successful digital transformation strategy.
Phase II — Elaboration of a Plan of Implementation
Based on the findings of the diagnostic, a detailed implementation plan is formulated. This plan outlines the specific technologies and equipment needed, the steps for integration, and the projected outcomes. The plan serves as a roadmap for the project's execution.
Phase III — Project Realization
In the final phase, businesses start executing their digital transformation projects. This is where they can apply for financial assistance by submitting a completed application form along with the required documents, including financial statements for the last two fiscal years, the diagnostic report, and the implementation plan.
Financial Assistance Details
The grant offers non-repayable financial assistance, covering:
- 50% of the equipment acquisition cost, up to a maximum of $30,000 per business.
- 15% of the acquisition cost for related fees (e.g., transportation, software acquisition, and professional fees), capped at a total of $37,500 including related fees.
- An additional 25% of equipment acquisition costs, up to a maximum of $7,500 for projects incorporating significant Internet of Things (IoT) components.
Eligible Expenses
Expenses eligible for coverage under the grant include:
- Costs of acquiring equipment and related components (excluding materials, inventories, and other supplies).
- Direct costs related to equipment installation (e.g., transportation and leasehold improvements).
- Software acquisition and implementation costs.
- Professional fees associated with the project.
- Direct labor costs related to the project, limited to the hourly rate.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps to ensure thorough evaluation and selection. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Pre-Application Preparation: Gather necessary documents, including financial statements for the past two years, diagnostic report, and implementation plan.
- Form Submission: Complete the application form and submit it along with the required documents to Laval économique.
- Review and Evaluation: The grant committee reviews submitted applications to validate the information and ensure alignment with the program's objectives and conditions.
- Selection of Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries are selected based on the grant's criteria and the project's potential impact.
Program Contact
If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can reach out to Youri Cupidon, the Commissioner for Technological Transformation at Laval économique:
Phone: 438 837-5623
Email: y.cupidon@laval.ca
Conclusion
The "Virage techno – commerces, restaurants et hébergements au centre-ville" grant is a significant opportunity for businesses in Laval's downtown area to undertake a transformative digital journey. By providing substantial financial support and expert guidance, the program helps businesses enhance their digital presence and operational efficiency, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital world. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a robust digital project in mind, this grant could be the catalyst for your business's next big leap into the future.