Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — For-profit
Highlights
This program is designed for businesses like yours to foster economic growth in official language minority communities. You can receive up to 50% of your project costs covered with interest-free, repayable financial assistance. This funding can help you kickstart innovative projects, solidify partnerships, or diversify your economic activities.
What You Get:
- Up to 50% of authorized costs covered
- Interest-free repayment starting two years after project completion
The funds can be used for:
- Developing strategies and action plans
- Networking and business contacts
- Information, consulting, and support services
- Commercialization strategies, including product design and equipment acquisition
- Facility development, construction, modernization, or expansion
- Recruitment of specialized resources
This program offers a unique opportunity to access significant financial support without the burden of interest, making it easier for you to invest in your business's growth and sustainability. The application process is straightforward, and your business is already eligible. Take advantage of this chance to enhance your business and contribute to the economic development of your community.
Financing Details
Type of Financing:
- For SMEs: Repayable financial assistance, without interest.
- For NPOs: Non-repayable financial assistance.
Repayment Terms for SMEs:
- Repayment begins two years after the end of the project.
- No interest is charged on the repayable sum.
Eligible Expenses:
- Development of strategies (e.g., intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans).
- Networking and business contacts (generally for organizations that support entrepreneurship).
- Information, consulting, and support services.
- Implementation of a commercialization strategy, including:
- Design of products and services.
- Acquisition of equipment, IT tools, and technologies.
- Facility development, construction, modernization, or expansion.
- Recruitment or use of specialized resources to promote official languages in Quebec’s French-speaking business community.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Retail businesses (e.g., clothing stores, grocery stores, automobile sales and maintenance outlets).
- Food services (e.g., restaurants and cafés).
- Transportation services.
- Housing construction.
- Daycare services.
- Hair and beauty salons.
- Nightclubs, bars, and cabarets.
Fees:
- No fees are associated with the program.
Qualifications
- Must be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or a non-profit organization (NPO).
- SME must be located in a regional county municipality (RCM) outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population.
NPO must be located in an RCM whose population includes more than 500 English-speakers.
Disqualifications:
- Retail businesses (e.g., clothing stores, grocery stores, automobile sales and maintenance outlets).
- Food services (e.g., restaurants, cafés).
- Transportation services.
- Housing construction.
- Daycare services.
- Hair and beauty salons.
- Nightclubs, bars, and cabarets.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to receive financial assistance to support economic development in official language minority communities. You can use the funding to start innovative projects, build partnerships, or diversify your business activities.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), you can get up to 50% of your project costs covered. This funding is repayable, but there is no interest, and you only start repaying two years after your project ends.
For non-profit organizations (NPOs), you can receive up to 90% of your project costs covered, and this funding does not need to be repaid.
You can use the money for various activities, such as:
- Developing strategies and action plans
- Networking and business contacts
- Consulting and support services
- Commercialization strategies
- Designing products and services
- Acquiring equipment and technology
- Facility development and modernization
- Recruiting specialized resources
This program is a valuable opportunity to boost your business and contribute to the economic growth of your community.
Program Steps
Refer to the Project Submission Guide: Start by reviewing the Project Submission Guide. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare and submit your application.
Prepare Business Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These may include:
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Project proposal
- Quotes for equipment or services
- Proof of business registration
- Any other relevant documents that demonstrate the viability and impact of your project
Contact CED for More Information: Reach out to Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) if you have any questions or need further clarification. They can provide additional guidance and ensure you have all the necessary information.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate and detailed information about your business and project. Ensure all sections are completed and all required documents are attached.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form and supporting documents to CED. Follow the instructions provided in the Project Submission Guide for submission details.
Review and Follow Up: After submission, CED will review your application. Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested. Stay in contact with CED to track the progress of your application.
Approval and Funding: If your application is approved, you will receive details about the funding amount, repayment terms (if applicable), and any other conditions. Once you agree to the terms, the funds will be disbursed to support your project.
