Innovative Enterprise Program

Admission criteria

Eligible companies are those in the manufacturing and agri-food sectors in the MRC Pierre-De Saurel that have been in business for more than 3 years.

Eligible projects:

• Feasibility studies to analyze and validate the technical and economic parameters of business start-up, modernization or expansion projects;
• Digital diagnostics, digital plans and implementation plans;
• Implementation of an action plan based on the studies carried out.

Additional funding may be available for the implementation of new technologies proposed by the studies carried out.

Access to the document

Entreprise Innovante Program.pdf

Financial assistance

Financial assistance is available for technology diagnostics, development strategies and implementation plans for new innovative processes.

Here are the conditions:

• Maximum rate of assistance:95%of eligible expenses
• Maximum amount:$38,000for the duration of the program

• Additional funding for the purchase of new equipment proposed by the audit;
• Additional funding for the purchase of ERP and/or CRM systems proposed in the audit.

Eligible expenses

• Professional fees;
• Purchase of specialized information;
• Travel and accommodation expenses.

Other conditions may apply.

Ineligible expenses

• Financing of regular operations (including internal resources);
• Advertising placements;
• Payment of debt or repayment of existing loans;
• Replacement of existing government support or programs;
• Expenses for relocating a company or part of its production outside the MRC Pierre-De Saurel.

Selection criteria

The dedicated financial envelope does not have a reserve of funds per targeted business sector. Preference is given to the best projects. Each eligible project is evaluated according to the following selection criteria:

• Quality and soundness of business model;
• Professionalism and credibility of the promoter;
• Demonstration of the issues resolved by the turnaround;
• Relevance of project (target clientele, uniqueness of project, competition, quality of offering, innovation, regional priority);
• Enables the company to increase its efficiency, productivity, growth and/or competitiveness;
• Innovative and creative character of the project;
• Project feasibility (realistic timetable, marketing and communications strategy, quality of business plan, quality of team);
• Applicant's financial capacity to complete the project and achieve its objectives;
• Sustainability of the project following financing;
• Economic impact of the project (job creation, sales growth, increased productivity, etc.);
• Quality of the application;
• Credible suppliers;
• Social impact and sustainability of the project.

To stimulate our local economy, we recommend that companies do business with suppliers from the MRC Pierre-De Saurel.

Projects involving local suppliers will be favoured.

Submit your project

See the list of documents to be submitted and the various stages of the fund..pdf (French Only)