NovaScience Program
Highlights
The NovaScience program is a fantastic opportunity for your business to receive up to $75,000 in funding, covering 50% of your project costs. This means you can invest in innovative projects without shouldering the full financial burden. The funds can be used for salaries, materials, equipment, and even travel within Quebec. Whether you're looking to develop an AI training initiative, organize a science fair, or create a STEM program, this funding can help bring your ideas to life.
Additionally, the program offers wage subsidies for hiring interns or new employees in scientific and technological fields. You can get up to $30,000 to cover 50% of a job holder's salary, including social benefits. This makes it easier to bring fresh talent into your team while keeping costs manageable.
Overall, the NovaScience program supports your business in promoting scientific culture and innovation, helping you grow and stay competitive. The application process is straightforward, and with continuous intakes, it's easier than ever to qualify and start benefiting from this support.
Financing Details
Financing Type: The program offers non-repayable financial support, meaning you do not have to repay the funds provided. This type of support is particularly beneficial as it reduces financial risk and burden, allowing you to focus more on project development and less on financial liabilities.
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates: Since the financing is non-repayable, there are no repayment terms or interest rates applicable. This aspect is crucial as it simplifies financial planning and management for your project.
Eligible Expenses: You can use the funds for a variety of project-related expenses, including but not limited to salaries, fees, scholarships, materials, equipment, space rental, travel within Quebec, knowledge dissemination, advertising, intellectual property rights, and administrative fees. These expenses must be essential and directly related to the execution of the project.
Ineligible Uses of Funds: The funds cannot be used for expenses incurred before the deadline of the current call, nor for expenses related to performance bonuses or any contractual commitments made prior to the approval of the funding.
Fees: There are no additional fees associated with applying for or receiving this financing. This ensures that all the funds allocated can be fully utilized towards the project without deductions for administrative costs.
Qualifications
Eligible Business Types:
- Non-profit organizations (NPOs)
- For-profit organizations (FPOs), including collective enterprises such as cooperatives defined by the Social Economy Act (RLRQ, chapter E-1.1.1)
- Recognized educational institutions and school organizations
- Hospital centers and affiliated college technology transfer centers
- Municipalities, cities, and regional county municipalities (RCMs), including similar organizations and NPOs established under the Cities and Towns Act
Location:
- Legally established and operational in Quebec
Size:
- Employing fewer than 500 people
Registration:
- Registered in the Business Registry
Disqualifications:
- Hospitals and college technology transfer centers affiliated with educational institutions
- Educational institutions recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation or the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur (MES) and school organizations (school service centers and school boards)
- Organizations registered with the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA)
- Organizations that have failed to meet their obligations following a formal notice issued by the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie or Investissement Québec concerning previous financial assistance, within the two years preceding the application
- Crown corporations or companies controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, federal), a municipal entity or majority-owned by a Crown corporation
- Organizations under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act
- Organizations exhibiting ethical behavior likely to tarnish the image of the Quebec government
- Organizations operating in specific sectors:
- Production or distribution of weapons
- Exploration, extraction, drilling, production, and refining of fossil fuels (except activities related to the transition to a low-carbon economy)
- Gambling, violent games, combat sports involving living beings, racing, and similar activities
- Sexual exploitation (erotic bars, escort agencies, erotic massage parlors, swingers' clubs)
- Production, sale, and services related to the consumption of tobacco or drugs (with the exception of cannabis and industrial hemp)
- Activities whose main subject is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (religion, politics, advocacy, etc.)
Description
The NovaScience program is a great opportunity for your business to receive up to $75,000 in funding. This program covers 50% of your project costs, making it easier for you to invest in innovative projects without bearing the full financial burden.
You can use this money for various purposes, such as salaries, materials, equipment, and even travel within Quebec. Whether you're looking to develop an AI training initiative, organize a science fair, or create a STEM program, this funding can help bring your ideas to life.
Additionally, the program offers wage subsidies for hiring interns or new employees in scientific and technological fields. This means you can get up to $30,000 to cover 50% of a job holder's salary, including social benefits. This makes it easier to bring fresh talent into your team while keeping costs manageable.
Overall, the NovaScience program supports your business in promoting scientific culture and innovation, helping you grow and stay competitive.
Program Steps
Prepare Your Application
Understand the program's objectives and expectations for your project.Gather Required Documentation
Collect the following documents to support your application:- Project description and objectives
- Budget breakdown
- Proof of your business registration in Quebec
- Financial statements (last two years)
- Resumes of key personnel involved in the project
- Any letters of support or partnership agreements
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the financial aid application form in French. Ensure it is signed by an authorized person from your organization.Submit Your Application
Email your completed application and all required documents in a single submission. Use the subject line "Financial Aid Application – [Your Organization's Name]."Await Review and Evaluation
Your application will be evaluated based on the specific criteria for your project type.Receive Notification
Once evaluated, you will be notified about the approval or rejection of your application.Follow Up if Approved
If your application is approved, follow the instructions provided for disbursing financial aid and settling accounts.Adhere to Financing Conditions
Ensure compliance with all conditions related to financial aid. Be prepared to submit follow-up reports and financial documents as required.
