Wood Innovation Program 2023-2026
QC, Canada
Stimulates private investments in innovative wood processing and inferior quality wood transformation in Quebec’s forest products and equipment manufacturing industries.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Gouvernement du Québec
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026, initiated by the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, supports private-sector investments in innovative wood transformation projects and in the utilization of low-quality wood. Eligible activities include the implementation of advanced technologies and equipment for wood processing and various feasibility and market studies aimed at enhancing the value-added potential and innovation of the forest products industry.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are eligible projects and activities for this grant. The eligible projects must be either innovative or involve the transformation of lower-grade wood.
- Implementation in wood transformation plants of innovative processes, technologies, equipment, systems, or products
- Commissioning of pilot or demonstration wood transformation plants
- Deployment of innovative processes, technologies, equipment, or systems in the forest equipment manufacturing industry
- Conducting prefeasibility studies
- Conducting feasibility studies
- Conducting market studies
- Developing business plans
- Carrying out studies, tests, and process determinations
- Applied research for the development of innovative products, processes, equipment, technologies, and systems for the forest products industry or any other industry using forest products
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$125,000
Edmonton
Market study to expand the market for cross-laminated timber (CLT) products
$100,000
Calgary
Feasibility study for converting forest residues into biochar
$750,000
Vancouver
Pilot plant for transforming sawdust into biodegradable packaging materials
$400,000
Ottawa
Applied research for developing advanced veneer production technologies
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant are outlined as follows:
- Be a legally constituted for-profit enterprise or a group of such enterprises, or operate in the field of forestry equipment manufacturing or be a research, teaching, or knowledge transfer center.
- Operate in the field of forest products industry or use products from this industry, or operate in the field of forestry equipment manufacturing.
- Have an establishment in Quebec and carry out the project activities there.
- Have submitted all required documents.
- Have the financial and technical capacity to complete the project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible companies for this grant are primarily those engaged in the forest products industry, forest equipment manufacturing, or using forest products. They must be legally established entities operating in Quebec and can include research, educational, or knowledge transfer centres.
- Companies or groups of profit-seeking companies legally established
- Companies operating in the field of forest equipment manufacturing
- Research, educational, or knowledge transfer centres
- Companies operating in the forest products industry or using its products
- Companies with an establishment in Quebec
- Companies able to demonstrate financial and technical capacity to complete the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The grant explicitly mentions that certain types of companies are not eligible for this grant. These companies are listed below:
- Ministries or budgetary organizations.
- Entities registered in the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA), including their subcontractors.
- Companies that have failed to meet their obligations after being duly notified in relation to previous financial assistance from a Quebec government ministry or organization.
- Companies currently insolvent, bankrupt, undergoing bankruptcy proposals, or benefiting from any law related to bankruptcy or insolvency.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. The expenses must be directly tied to the project and include a range of costs from materials to professional fees, excluding any incurred before the request is deemed acceptable by the minister.
- Direct material costs
- Equipment and rental costs
- Software purchase and development costs
- Sampling and quality control costs
- Patent and intellectual property costs
- Technology transfer costs
- External work costs for essential project components not available in Quebec
- Study and consultancy fees
- Subcontracting costs
- Salaries including benefits
- Professional fees within specified limits
- Documentation costs (e.g., scientific articles)
- Certification and homologation fees
- Prototype and system production costs
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Quebec, Canada. Companies must have an establishment in Quebec and conduct their project activities there.
- The company must have an establishment in Quebec.
- The project activities must be conducted in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The committee evaluates projects based on admissibility, project's technical and financial blueprint, and alignment with program objectives.
- The applicant is part of the eligible clientele
- The project is admissible as per section 4.4 and the request must be signed by an authorized person
- The applicant clearly demonstrates the involvement of a private enterprise in the financial setup of the project
- The anticipated expenses are admissible
- The funding structure is compliant
- The required documents are provided
- The applicant and their team demonstrate technical capability to execute the project
- The project is economically viable
- The project is coherent
- The timeline and steps of execution are realistic and aligned with recognized development phases for products, processes, etc.
- The project aligns with government policies and strategies as well as the Program’s objectives
- The project allows for the maintenance or increase in the utilization of lower quality wood (for Volet 2) or has a marked innovative character (for Volet 1)
- Additional criteria for feasibility studies: The applicant must show the project's financial capability necessary for completing the investment associated with the feasibility study.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
- Confirm that your entity is eligible by being an enterprise or a group of enterprises, a research, teaching, or knowledge transfer center. Make sure to meet specific domain requirements and possess a financial and technical capacity.
- Verify that you're not part of the ineligible clientele which includes government ministries or bodies, entities on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics, entities in default of past obligations, those failing to meet integrity expectations, or insolvent entities.
- Step 2: Project Preparation
- Determine if your project fits within Volet 1 (Innovation) or Volet 2 (Bois de qualité inférieure).
- Ensure your project aligns with defined project categories: Investment projects or Studies.
- Make sure the project is conducted in Quebec and includes private enterprise participation in financing.
- Step 3: Document Preparation
- Gather necessary documentation including the detailed project description, budget, schedule, and objectives.
- Complete the MRNF application form, ensuring all required sections are filled and signed.
- Prepare additional documents based on whether the project falls under investment or study categories.
- Step 4: Submission of Application
- Submit the completed application form and all required documents to the MRNF.
- Ensure that the application is submitted in French and adheres to all specified requirements in the guide.
- Step 5: Preliminary Analysis
- The MRNF conducts a preliminary review to verify eligibility and completeness of the application.
- Incomplete or ineligible applications will be returned to the applicant with a notification.
- Step 6: Project Evaluation
- An evaluation committee reviews the project based on technical feasibility, financial structure, compliance with program aims, and potential economic impact.
- If necessary, the MRNF may request further information or clarification during this stage.
- Step 7: Recommendation
- Following the evaluation, the committee may recommend the approval or rejection of the project.
- Relevant legal documents such as letters of refusal or acceptance, and subsidy agreements are prepared.
- Step 8: Decision and Agreement Signing
- Upon positive evaluation, a subsidy agreement is signed between the applicant and the minister, confirming the grant and outlining the conditions.
- In case of rejection, a formal notification is sent to the applicant.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 supports innovative projects and the transformation of lower quality wood in the Quebec forestry industry. The grant covers both investment projects and studies with specific eligibility requirements and financial regulations.
- Eligibility includes for-profit entities, research centers, and educational institutions operating in the forestry products or equipment industry.
- Non-admissible clientele includes government ministries, organizations on the RENA list, and insolvent entities.
- Admissible projects must align with innovation or lower quality wood transformation and be completed within five years.
- Projects must consist of either investment projects or various studies such as feasibility studies and market analyses.
- Detailed submission requirements include financial statements, resolutions, and a thorough project plan.
- The grant provides a maximum funding percentage depending on the project type, with a ceiling amount per category.
- The total government financial aid should not exceed 75% of the project’s admissible expenses.
- Additional conditions include minimum private funding contributions and specific reporting obligations for accountability.
grant_single_labels|contact
PIB@mffp.gouv.qc.ca
Apply to this program
Overview of the Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026
The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 aims to promote innovation and the transformation of inferior quality wood within Quebec's forest product industry. With two primary focuses - fostering innovation and processing lower-quality wood - this program is designed to enhance the competitive edge of Quebec's forest sector through substantial support and funding.
Detailed Guide to the Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026
The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026, launched by Quebec's Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at bolstering the forest industry through innovation and the effective use of inferior quality wood (BQI). This program underscores Quebec's commitment to sustainable forestry, encouraging private sector investments and the development of high-value-added products.
Objectives of the Programme
The program aims to:
- Stimulate private investments in innovative projects within the forest product industry or any other industry utilizing forest products.
- Encourage the utilization and transformation of lower-quality wood from Quebec's forests.
- Support the development of new products, processes, and technologies that can add significant value to the forest industry.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this program, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Be a legally constituted for-profit entity or a consortium of such entities operating within the forest equipment manufacturing industry, or be a research, educational, or knowledge transfer center.
- Operate within the forest products industry or utilize products from this industry or be part of the forest equipment manufacturing industry.
- Have an establishment in Quebec and carry out project-related activities within the province.
- Submit all required documents and demonstrate the financial and technical capability to complete the project.
Non-Eligible Applicants
The following are not eligible for the program:
- Government ministries or budgetary organizations.
- Entities listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA), including subcontractors listed on RENA.
- Applicants who have failed to meet obligations under previous financial assistance from any Quebec government entity.
- Applicants who are insolvent, bankrupt, or in benefit of an insolvency or bankruptcy law.
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects must:
- Fall into one of two categories:
- Innovation: Projects involving innovative processes, technologies, equipment, systems, or products.
- Bois de qualité inférieure (BQI): Projects focused on transforming lower-quality wood from Quebec's forests.
- Have a maximum duration of 5 years, with a possible 6-month extension in exceptional circumstances.
- Be conducted within Quebec and involve participation from a private enterprise in the financial setup.
Admissible Expense Categories
Eligible expenses include:
- Direct material costs and equipment rental or acquisition costs related to the project.
- Software purchases and development essential to the project.
- Sampling and quality control expenses related to the development of manufacturing processes.
- Patent or intellectual property protection fees.
- Costs associated with technology transfer reports or licenses.
- Studies and consultation fees, as well as subcontracting expenses.
- Regular salary expenses, including benefits and mandatory contributions, to a maximum rate set by the Ministry.
- Production costs for prototypes and systems.
Non-Admissible Expenses
The following expenses are not eligible:
- Payments to entities listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
- Travel and training expenses.
- Office equipment and building-related costs.
- Project financing costs, taxes (TPS and TVQ), and interest on loans.
- Professional fees for accountants, notaries, and lawyers, except those for patent applications.
- Land purchase and development costs, and related fees.
- Losses of profit, production, or other losses tied to project activities.
- Demolition and related costs.
- Environmental product declarations and marketing costs.
- Non-project specific security equipment costs.
Funding Details
The grant amounts and percentage of eligible expenses covered vary depending on the project category:
- Innovation Projects (Volet 1): Up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a maximum grant of $2,500,000.
- BQI Projects (Volet 2): Up to 25% of eligible expenses, with a maximum grant of $1,000,000.
- Studies: Up to 75% of eligible expenses, with various maximum grant amounts depending on the study type.
Criteria for Grant Allocation
The program emphasizes an equitable and thorough evaluation process, ensuring each submitted application undergoes meticulous assessment by a committee comprising experts from the Ministry and relevant sectors. The committee evaluates projects based on the following:
- Alignment with eligibility criteria and program objectives.
- Technical and financial feasibility and the applicant's ability to execute the project.
- Project coherence and economical viability.
- Potential for increased productivity and quality enhancements.
- Innovative aspects for Volet 1 or effective use of lower-quality wood for Volet 2.
Application Process
The application process is systematically structured to ensure transparency and efficiency. Here’s an outline:
- Submission: Applicants must submit a detailed application form, ensuring all required documents are attached.
- Initial Screening: The Ministry conducts a preliminary review to verify completeness and eligibility.
- Evaluation: Eligible applications are thoroughly evaluated by a selection committee. Additional information might be requested during this phase.
- Decision: Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Ministry delivers the final decision.
- Agreement: Successful applicants enter into a formal agreement with the Ministry, outlining the terms and conditions of the grant.
Accountability and Reporting
Applicants are required to provide regular updates and a final report detailing the project’s outcomes. This ensures transparency and allows the Ministry to measure the program's impact. Specific metrics include increased production capacities, productivity enhancements, and product quality improvements.
Conclusion
The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 fosters a dynamic and sustainable forest sector in Quebec by supporting innovative projects and the efficient use of lower-quality wood. By providing substantial financial assistance, the program aims to drive technological advancements and enhance the competitiveness of Quebec's forest industry.
