IDEA-SME Program

IDEA-SME is a Canada Economic Development for the Quebec Regions (CED) financial assistance program, the objective of which is to facilitate and improve the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in every region of Quebec. It also aims to help these enterprises become more competitive on the world scene.

The IDEA-SME areas of activity are:

• innovation;
• testing and experimentation to enhance natural resources;
• productivity;
• e-Business;
• export market development;
• entrepreneurship and business climate.
   

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Clients

CED's clients are mainly from one of the three following groups:

• small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a place of business in Quebec (200 employees or fewer);
• SME groups and associations;
• regional and economic development support organizations and Quebec SME support organizations.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include all costs deemed reasonable and necessary to ensure completion of the project, including:

• SME Costs

  • consultant fees for professional and technical services;
  • costs of labour and materials;
  • costs of producing and disseminating promotional material necessary for market development;
  • costs related to a project to demonstrate or develop a process, product or service necessary for testing, experimentation and innovation;
  • equipment rental costs and costs of purchasing, manufacturing or modifying new strategic equipment (including the latest software and its customization) required to increase productivity;
  • travel expenses.
    

• Costs of SME Groups, Sectoral Associations and SME Support Organizations

  • consultant fees for professional and technical services;
  • costs of labour and materials;
  • costs related to the dissemination of project results and experimentation;
  • costs required to organize an exhibition, conference, seminar or symposium;
  • costs required to organize a competition or present awards;
  • operating costs of an SME association or SME support organization;
  • travel expenses.
     

Summary

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance for eligible projects under the IDEA-SME Program is in the form of repayable contributions. Assistance provided shall not normally exceed 50% of approved costs.

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria are used to evaluate projects and determine the amount of assistance granted:

• economic and commercial impact on the enterprise and the region;
• project compliance with CED objectives and priorities;
• project compliance with regional priorities;
• strategic, technical and financial capability of the client;
• level of risk incurred;
• incentive provided by assistance;
• project compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and CED's sustainable development strategy;
• availability of funds.

Quebec Contact(s):
Abitibi - Témiscamingue
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
906, 5e Avenue
Val D'or, Quebec  J9P 1B9
Telephone: (819) 825-5260
Fax: (819) 825-3245
Toll-free (information): 1-800-567-6451
E-mail: www@dec-ced.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/asp/APropos/bureauxaffaires.asp