How much funding can be received?

The Programme Innovation Bois by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts aims to encourage private sector investments in innovative projects for the transformation of lower quality wood and in the forest equipment manufacturing industry, offering a maximum funding of up to $2,500,000 per project. Eligible activities include the implementation of innovative processes, technologies, and equipment in transformation facilities, the setting up of pilot and demonstration plants, and conducting feasibility and market studies.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Wood Innovation Program 2023-2026 provides structured financial support aimed at fostering innovation in the forestry industry and promoting the use of lower-grade wood. The financial modalities ensure a comprehensive support mechanism tailored to meet the varied needs of eligible projects.

Subsidies cover up to 75% of eligible study and investment project expenses, with varying maximum amounts depending on the project category and innovation or use of lower-quality wood.
Projects require a minimum of 25% private funding for eligibility, with specific conditions relating to the composition of private funds.
The program provides incremental funding based on project progress, with up to 75% of the grant available during the project execution, and the remainder after successful verification of project completion.
The total government funding, including from all public sources, cannot exceed 75% of the project's total eligible costs.
There are predefined limits on the number of projects that can be accepted per fiscal year for different categories and sub-categories, ensuring fair distribution of funds.
Financial assistance is calculated on a "first-come, first-served" basis, emphasizing timely proposal submission.
In case of unsatisfactory reporting or discrepancies, the grant amount may be adjusted or clawed back.

grant_single_labels|projects

This program is designed to support innovative projects that advance the transformation of forest products and promote the use of lower-quality wood. Eligible projects focus on investment, innovation, and industrial transformation.

Projects involving innovative investments in the forest products industry.
Studies that drive innovation within industries using or manufacturing forest products or equipment.
Development of new products, processes, or implementation of innovative technologies and systems in the forest products sector.
Industrial projects converting volumes of lower-quality wood from Quebec forests.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 765,000

Conducting feasibility studies on innovative wood products

$ 1,125,000

Developing advanced wood transformation technologies

$ 1,620,000

Creating a pilot plant for low-quality wood processing

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and the nature of the project.

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit business or a consortium of businesses operating in the forestry equipment manufacturing industry, or a research, teaching, or knowledge transfer center.
The applicant must operate in the forest products industry or use products from this industry, or operate within the forest equipment manufacturing industry.
The applicant must have a place of business in Quebec and conduct project activities there.
The applicant must submit all required documents as part of the application.
The applicant must have the financial and technical capacity to successfully complete the project.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant is open to various entities involved in the forest products industry and related sectors, focusing on innovation and the utilization of low-quality wood. Eligible applicants must satisfy certain organizational and operational criteria.

Enterprises or groups of for-profit enterprises legally constituted and operating within the forest equipment manufacturing industry or forest product industry.
Research, teaching, or knowledge transfer centers working in the relevant fields.
Applicants must conduct project-related activities in Quebec.
Entities must demonstrate the financial and technical capacity to complete the proposed projects.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 outlines specific types of entities that are not eligible to participate in the grant. This ensures that only suitable candidates aligned with the program’s goals are considered.

Ministries or budgetary organizations.
Entities listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts, including their subcontractors registered in RENA.
Entities that have failed to fulfill obligations linked to previous financial aid from the Quebec government.
Entities not meeting the high standards of integrity expected from recipients of public funds.
Insolvent entities, those in bankruptcy, or those benefiting from laws related to bankruptcy or insolvency.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant includes various allowable expenses directly attributable to the project, which are incurred no earlier than the date the request is deemed eligible by the Minister.

The direct costs of materials.
The acquisition, lease, and installation costs of equipment directly related to the project.
Equipment used to process substances other than wood and its derivatives, subsidized in proportion to the use of wood.
Costs for the purchase and development of project-critical software.
Costs for material sampling and quality control related to the development of a manufacturing process.
Application and procurement fees for patents or intellectual property protection (only for category B).
Costs associated with the acquisition of technological transfer assets (reports, studies) or rights (licenses).
Expenses for work conducted outside Quebec, if unavoidable and crucial to project success; these costs should represent a reasonable portion of the project's total cost and be agreed upon in advance with the MRNF.
Consultancy and study-related costs.
Subcontracting expenses.
Regular salary expenses, including social benefits and mandatory contributions, up to a rate set by the MRNF.
Consulting fees up to a rate specified by the MRNF.
Fees for documentation (scientific articles, reports, or specialized works) (only for category B).
Fees for certification and homologation, fully or partially (only for category B).
Prototype and system production costs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies with an establishment located within the province of Quebec, as they are required to carry out project activities in this region.

Establishments located within the province of Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 are based on ensuring their alignment with the program's objectives and criteria detailed in the submission.

The project is aligned with the objectives of either Volet 1: Innovation or Volet 2: Bois de qualité inférieure.
The applicant's eligibility by being part of eligible clientele as per section 4.1.
The project’s admissibility according to the criteria outlined in section 4.4.
The inclusion and clear participation of a private enterprise in the project's financial structure.
The admissibility of the expenses planned under the project.
The conforming structure of the financial plan as presented in the application.
The submission of all required documents as outlined in the guidelines.
The demonstrated technical capacity of the applicant and their team to successfully implement the project.
The economic viability of the project proposal.
The logical and clear project coherence with outlined objectives and plans.
The realism and appropriateness of the project timeline and steps according to recognized development stages for products or processes.
The project’s apparent alignment with current government policies, strategies, and the program’s objectives.
For projects under Volet 1, the clear innovative nature of the project.
For projects under Volet 2, the project’s capacity to enhance the transformation of lower-quality wood.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 grant:

Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
Visit the official website of the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts.
Download the latest application form for the Programme Innovation Bois.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
Gather and prepare necessary documents, including audited financial statements from the last three years.
Secure resolutions from the board, if applicable, authorizing the application submission.
Prepare detailed expense reports using the provided Excel template.
Collect detailed supplier or specialist quotations.
For feasibility studies, demonstrate the intention to execute the project in Quebec.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in the application form in French, providing clear and accurate details.
Ensure all sections including project description, budget, and objectives are thoroughly completed.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit the completed application form along with all required documentation to the MRNF, following their submission protocol.
Applications must be complete; incomplete applications will be returned.
Submit any additional information upon request from the MRNF within three months.
Step 5: Await Confirmation
Receive a confirmation email from MRNF with the assigned application number if the submission is complete.
Keep this confirmation for your records and for future reference.
Step 6: Participate in Evaluation
The Selection Committee may request further information to clarify aspects of your application.
Provide requested information promptly to avoid application rejection.
Step 7: Meeting with MRNF (if required)
Attend any information meeting requested by the MRNF to elaborate on the project proposal.
Step 8: Final Decision and Notification
Receive notification from MRNF about the application status.
If approved, sign a grant agreement to formalize fund allocation and conditions.

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.

Apply to this program

Unlocking Opportunities with the Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026

The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 is designed to stimulate innovation and the transformation of lower-quality wood in Québec's forest products sector. Managed by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts, this grant aims to foster innovative projects and support industries engaging in the effective use of forest resources.

Comprehensive Overview of the Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026

The Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026, set by the ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts, is a pivotal funding initiative, propelling innovation in Quebec’s forestry sector, notably in the industrial transformation of wood products. This comprehensive program, now in its fifth iteration, underscores Quebec's commitment to enhancing the value of its forest resources and catalyzing economic growth within the sector. It is allocated to support projects under two primary avenues: innovation within existing forest products and the effective use of lower-quality wood, streamlining processes that leverage both existing and new technologies.

Under Volet 1, the program heavily invests in innovative pursuits that redefine conventional forest industry practices, encouraging ventures that integrate cutting-edge technology, novel processes, equipment, systems, and product innovation. By targeting the heart of industrial practice, the program aims to enhance the viability and competitiveness of Quebec's forestry sector on a global scale. The program recognizes innovation as any project demonstrating significant improvements or introducing entirely new processes, products, or systems to the industry, essentially reshaping operational norms and boosting productivity.

Volet 2 tailors support towards transforming low-grade woods, traditionally deemed suboptimal for commercial processes, into valuable resources. This facet of the program opens avenues for businesses to expand their market reach, efficiently utilize resources, and enhance sustainability practices by focusing on the conversion of low-grade woods into viable industrial products. It’s a strategic move to ensure full utilization of available resources, promoting economic and environmental benefits within the forestry ecosystem.

Eligible participants include profit-oriented entities and collaborations within the forest equipment manufacturing sector, academic research, and knowledge-transfer centers. This inclusivity ensures a broad spectrum of ideas and expertise, fostering collaborations that drive real-world, impactful results. To maintain fair access and robust project delivery, each prospective beneficiary must meet specific financial, technical, and strategic eligibility requirements, thus ensuring only the most feasible projects receive support.

The program also mandates rigorous project monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure accountability and alignment with its strategic goals. Project proposals must include detailed plans and potential socio-economic benefits, like enhanced production capacity, improved productivity, or higher product quality, setting a benchmark for objective appraisals. Successfully navigating these criteria ensures that selected projects carry the potential to make lasting impacts, sustaining Quebec's forestry sector through innovation and improved resource management.

Furthermore, the program is structured to adapt to emergent technological advancements and market shifts, providing the beneficiaries the resilience needed to face external challenges while still advancing their core objectives. This dynamic funding mechanism, coupled with the strategic analysis of project milestones and outcomes, reinforces the program's role as a catalyst for transformation within the forestry sector, aligning economic growth with sustainable resource management strategies.

Ultimately, the Programme Innovation Bois 2023-2026 stands as a testament to the government's commitment to driving economic, technological, and environmental advancement within Quebec, ensuring a robust, competitive, and sustainable forestry industry.