Wood Innovation Program — Component 2

Who is eligible?

• Legally constituted for-profit companies or groups of such companies operating in Quebec
• Research centers
• Teaching institutions
• Knowledge transfer centers
• Organizations working in the forest products industry or utilizing forest products
• Organizations in the forest equipment manufacturing industry

Who is not eligible

• Government ministries or budgetary organizations.
• Businesses listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA), including their registered subcontractors.
• Companies that have failed to meet obligations under previous financial assistance agreements after formal notice from a Quebec government ministry or agency.
• Organizations that do not meet high standards of integrity expected from recipients of public funds.
• Companies that are insolvent, bankrupt, or under bankruptcy protection proceedings.

Eligible expenses

• Direct costs of materials related to the project
• Purchase and installation fees for equipment directly linked to the project (including proportionate costs based on useful lifespan and wood usage ratio if applicable)
• Equipment rental costs directly tied to the project
• Acquisition and development fees for essential software
• Sampling and quality control expenses related to process development
• Patent or intellectual property protection fees
• Expenses for technological transfer reports, studies, or licenses
• Costs for work performed outside Quebec, if essential and with prior approval, within reasonable project limits
• Consulting and expert study fees
• Subcontracting expenses
• Salaries and mandatory social contributions for project-related personnel, up to the rate established by the Ministry
• Professional fees, within the Ministry's established limits
• Documentation fees (such as scientific articles, specialized reports, or technical books; for studies only)
• Certification and homologation fees (for studies only)
• Prototype and system production costs

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec

• Clear demonstration of private sector participation in the project's financial structure.
• Eligibility and admissibility of the project and applicant according to program requirements.
• Admissibility of projected expenses and compliance with funding structure.
• Applicant's technical and financial capacity to successfully complete the project.
• Economic viability and coherence of the project, including realistic timeline and alignment with program objectives (e.g., innovation or transformation of lower-grade wood).

• Step 1: Review the Applicant GuideDownload and read the Guide du requérant to understand the application process and eligibility requirements.
• Step 2: Prepare Required DocumentsObtain and complete the updated Application Form and the Project Eligible Expenses Table from the MRNF website (dated after May 13, 2025).
• Gather supporting documents such as audited financial statements for the last three years (with justification if unavailable), a board resolution authorizing the signatory, detailed bids from main suppliers or specialists, and a business plan or document justifying the project's financial viability for investment projects.
• For studies (category B), provide documentation of intent to carry out the investment project in Quebec and, if needed, evidence of financial capacity and partner financial participation (with relevant financial statements).
• Step 3: Complete the Application FilesFill out the Application Form carefully, ensuring all sections are complete and accurate.
• Fill out the Project Eligible Expenses Table with all necessary financial details.
• Compile any additional supporting documentation (e.g., CVs, project schedule, detailed financial breakdown, permits, or other relevant information in an annex if required).
• Step 4: Submit the ApplicationEmail the complete application package (including all forms and supporting documents) to PIB@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca starting from May 14, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
• Ensure the application is complete; incomplete applications will not be processed.
• Step 5: Confirmation and Next StepsReceive an acknowledgment of receipt via email, indicating the next steps or additional information required.
• Participate in any requested information meetings or provide further clarification if contacted by the MRNF.

• All projects must include at least one measurable economic impact, such as an increase in annual production capacity, productivity, or product quality improvements, with supporting data required at both the start and end of the project.
• The number of projects funded per applicant or establishment is subject to annual limits, differing by project category.
• A minimum percentage of project expenditures must involve external purchases, validated with invoices.
• Any incomplete application will be returned to the applicant without evaluation.