Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-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. Repayment starts two years after your project ends, giving you ample time to see returns on your investment.
What You Get:
- Up to 50% of authorized costs covered
- Interest-free financial assistance
- Two-year grace period before repayment begins
The funds can be used for:
- Developing strategies and action plans
- Networking and business contacts
- Consulting and support services
- Commercialization strategies
- Acquiring equipment and technologies
- Facility development and expansion
- Recruiting specialized resources
This program offers a unique opportunity to grow your business without the immediate financial burden. It is easier to qualify than many other funding options, making it an excellent choice for your business.
Financing Details
Type of Financing:
Repayable financial assistance for SMEs and non-repayable financial assistance for NPOs.
Repayment Terms for SMEs:
- Interest Rate: No interest.
- Repayment Start: Begins two years after the end of the project.
- Repayment Amount: Up to 50% of authorized costs.
Eligible Expenses:
- Development of strategies (intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans).
- Networking and business contacts.
- Information, consulting, and support services.
- Implementation of a commercialization strategy:
- 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:
There are no fees associated with this 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 and 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 up to 50% of your project costs covered. This funding is repayable, but without interest, and you don't start repaying until two years after your project ends.
You can use this money for various purposes like:
- Developing strategies and action plans
- Networking and business contacts
- Information, consulting, and support services
- Creating commercialization strategies
- Designing new products and services
- Buying equipment, IT tools, and technologies
- Developing, modernizing, or expanding your facilities
- Hiring specialized resources
This funding can help kickstart innovative projects, build partnerships, and diversify your business activities. It’s a great opportunity to grow and strengthen your business without the immediate financial burden.
Program Steps
Refer to the Project Submission Guide: Start by reading the Project Submission Guide. This guide will provide detailed information on how to prepare your application.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents for your application. You will need:
- Business plan
- Financial statements
- Project proposal
- Quotes for equipment or services
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., location details, minority community status)
Contact CED for Information: Reach out to CED for any clarifications or additional information you may need. This can help ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by CED. Make sure to include all required information and attach the prepared documents.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form and all supporting documents to CED. Ensure you follow the submission guidelines provided in the Project Submission Guide.
Review and Follow Up: After submission, CED will review your application. Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested. Follow up as needed to check the status of your application.