INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE … · IADE - ALICANT’S GUIDE 3 INCUBATOR ACCELERATOR A business incubator is an organization that offers long-term programs that

INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE (IADE)Initiative

Applicant’s guide

Table of contents

INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE INITIATIVE ........................................... 1

1. Overview ......................................................................................................................................2

2. Objective .....................................................................................................................................4

3. Eligibility ........................................................................................................................................53.1 Eligible organizations ............................................................................................................................. 53.2 Eligible activities ..................................................................................................................................... 53.3 Eligible costs ........................................................................................................................................... 63.4 Financial assistance ............................................................................................................................... 73.5 Assistance rate ....................................................................................................................................... 7

4. Evaluation process ......................................................................................................................8

5. Submitting a proposal ...............................................................................................................105.1 Required documentation ................................................................................................................... 105.2 Document transmittal ......................................................................................................................... 11

6. General conditions ...................................................................................................................126.1 Declaration and consent ................................................................................................................... 126.2 Confidentialityandconsentwithrespecttopersonalinformation ............................................... 126.3 Additional information ........................................................................................................................ 12

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................... 13

General questions ............................................................................................................................................. 14Questions regarding eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 15Questions regarding funding ........................................................................................................................... 16Questionsabouttheprocess ........................................................................................................................... 16

IADE - APPLICANT’S GUIDE 1

EIADINCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCEInitiative


1. OVERVIEW

Younginnovativestartupswithhighgrowthpotentialarekeyplayers in the innovationecosystem.Theycreate wealth and technological advances thatbenefit the entire population. Incubators andaccelerators play a crucial role in supporting thedevelopment of these businesses. Increasinglypresent in Quebec, such organizations have thusbecome nurseries of talent and innovation.

On May 6, 2019, with a view to fostering thedevelopment of the ecosystem that supportsstartups, Canada Economic development for Quebecregions(CED)launchedacallforproposalsinvolving funding for projects by incubators and accelerators driven by excellence (IADE).

Through this call for proposals, $12 million overfour years in non-repayable contributions will be awarded to incubators and accelerators thatare well-connected, both locally and at theinternational level, that stand out for their bestpractices, and which are capable of generatingeconomic success that crosses borders. This CEDinitiativeaimstosupporttheseorganizationssothatthey can better meet the needs of startups andthushelpincreasetheirnumber,furtherfostertheirscale-up,andboosttheirglobalcompetitiveness.

IADEsthatarenon-profitorganisations(NPOs)andwhich meet the eligibility criteria may apply forfundingfortheirprojects.Fundingapplicationsmustbe received between May 6 and June 7, 2019, 11:59 p.m. EST.

• Level of excellence of the services offered

• Qualities and distinctiveness of the proposed project

• Reasonableness and relevance of the project costs

• Anticipated economic benefits

Priority will be given to collaborative projects, orprojects that encourage the grouping togetherof some of the current strengths of the startupinnovation ecosystem to increase its impact and benefits.

The purpose of this guide is to facilitate thepreparation of applications under this call forproposals. The guide provides useful informationaboutthetargetedobjectives,thetypeofprojectssought,andhowtoapplyforfunding.Italsooutlinesthecriteriausedtoevaluateapplications.

It is importanttoreadthisguidebeforesubmittingan application for funding in order to understand thescopeandobjectivesofthecallforproposals.

ThefundingapplicationformisavailableonCED’s Website. Pleasenote that youwill notbeable tosave your information until you have completedthe form. The form can only be submitted onceit has been completed. Make sure you have onhandall the required informationanddocumentsmentionedinthisguide.

For more information, call 1-800-561-0633.

All funding applications will be evaluated according to the objectives of the initiative and based oncriteriarelatingtothefollowingaspects:

https://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/targeted-support/iade/application.htmlhttps://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/targeted-support/iade/application.html


INCUBATOR ACCELERATOR

A business incubator is an organization thatoffers long-term programs that provideinnovative startupsdemonstratinghighgrowthpotentialwithaccess tocoaching,mentoring,investorsandotherformsofsupporttohelpthemestablish themselves. Usually, incubators alsoofferstartupsaccesstologisticalandtechnicalresources,training,andsharedofficespace.

A business accelerator is an organization thatoffersshort-termprogramsthatprovidestartupswith access to intensive mentoring, investorsandother formsof support tohelp themgrowand develop their markets. Businesses usingaccelerators are typically startups that havemoved beyond the earliest stages of gettingestablished; theyareautonomous,but requireguidance and peer support in order to grow.

Becauseeachbusinessgrowsatitsownpace,the programs offered by incubators may lastfrom several months to a few years. Theseprogramsaimtoprovidestartupswiththetoolsand knowledge they need to become self-sufficient.

Acceleratorprogramsarecarriedoutincohortsand generally last less than a year. The goalof the programs is to ensure that companiesemergereadytooperateontheirownandareinapositionthatallowsthemtotakeashareoftheirtargetmarkets.

BOX 1

DEFINITION OF INCUBATOR AND ACCELERATOR


2. OBJECTIVE

The aim of this CED initiative is to increase theinnovation ecosystem’s capacity to support young innovative businesses with high growth potential.Morespecifically,itaimstohelpQuebecincubatorsandacceleratorsimprovetheirserviceofferinordertoincreasethenumberofstartups,furtherfostertheirscale-up, andboost their global competitiveness.Tothisend,thesebusinessesneedtobeassistedbywell-connected organizations that offer first-classservices and can support the businesses to helpmakethemcrossbordereconomicsuccesses.

BOX 2

WHAT ARE INCUBATORS OR ACCELERATORS DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE?

• High-quality,diversifiedservices(coaching,mentoring,targetedtraining,detailedsupportprograms,etc.);

• Humanemanagementpracticesinahealthyenvironmentthatrespectsthehealthandrightsoftheownersofincubatedbusinesses(founders);

• Theimplementationofaninclusionstrategytoincreasesupportforstartupsledbyunderrepresentedgroups(e.g.,women);

• Accesstoadiversifiedfinancingoffer(venturecapital,loans,socio-financing,etc.);• Access to an extended network of companies of all sizes, ready to co-operate with startups

(excubation);• International deployment (attraction of talent and foreign investment; protection of intellectual

property;etc.);• Closeandregularco-operationwithinnovationecosystemplayers(universities,collegetechnology

transfercentres[CCTTs],consortiaandresearchcentres,otherincubatorsandaccelerators,universityvalue-addedcorporations,etc.);and

• Sharing of knowledge developed and acquired with other incubators and accelerators andinnovation ecosystem players.

An incubator and/or accelerator driven by excellence is a world-class organization that, generallyspeaking,presentsthefollowingcharacteristics:1. Is highly effective, i.e., it recruits and supports successful startups that are experiencing sustained

growth,haveobtainedfundingandcontinuetoplayanimportantroleintheinnovationecosystemoncetheyhaveachievedthestatusofamedium-sizedorlargebusiness.

2. Implements best practicesintermsofsupportinginnovativestartupswithhighgrowthpotential,notably:

By “startups,” CED means young (generally less thanfiveyearsold),innovativehigh-techbusinesseswithstronggrowthpotential thatareof interest toinvestors,andwhicharetransformingthewaytheydobusiness through their businessmodel and thenewideastheybringtomarket(seemoredetaileddefinitionintheFAQs).

Through its financial support, CED aims to assistQuebec incubators or accelerators in offering servicesofalevelofexcellenceequivalenttothatofbest-in-classorganizationsaroundtheworld(seeBox2andtheinitiative’sevaluationcriteria).


3. ELIGIBILITY

3.1 ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS

Eligible organizations include:Incubators and accelerators (see Box 2) working in collaboration* or on an individual basis:• whicharenon-profitorganizations(NPOs)• whichcandemonstratethattheyarecurrently

operating in Quebec and• whoseheadofficeislocatedintheprovince.

3.2 ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

Applicationsmustbesubmittedintheformof“projects.”Aprojectisatime-boundundertakingthatinvolvesasetofcoherentactivities,anduseshuman,materialandfinancialresourcestoachievetheplannedobjectives,whilerespectingspecificconstraints.

Forthepurposesofthiscallforproposals,eligibleactivitiesareactivitiesundertakenbyincubatorsoracceleratorsthatfosterthegrowthandglobalcompetitivenessofinnovativebusinesses.

The requested funding must allow the organization to enhance the services it offers by means of new activities, above and beyond its current activities, to allow it to achieve a level of excellence equivalent to that of best-in-class incubators and accelerators, both at home and around the world.

*Proposals submitted in collaboration:Throughthiscallforproposals,anorganizationmaysubmitaprojectincollaborationwithotherincubatorsoraccelerators,orotherinnovationecosystemorganizationssuchasuniversitiesandcolleges,consortiaandresearchcentres. Thiswouldbedone inorder to increase the levelofexcellenceof the serviceofferingthrough collaborations betweendifferent organizations. In such cases, a single incubator or acceleratorshouldbeidentifiedasthe“projectproponent,”whichwillassumeresponsibilityfortheefficientcoordinationofthevariousactivitieswithitsmaincollaborators.

These activities may include:• consultingandsupportservices;• supportforthedesignofnewproductsandservicesorimprovements

toexistingproductsandservices;• technologyorknowledgetransfer;• intellectualpropertytraining,informationandsupport;• strategydevelopment(studies,diagnosesandactionplans);• networkingactivitiesandbusinesscontacts;• strategicinformationservices;• managementcapacitybuilding;and• activities that support prototyping, proof of concept and

demonstration and technology showcases for startups (excludingdirect costs for startups).

Other activities maybe authorized on anexceptional basis provided they are relevant andessential to the projectand to the achievementoftheobjectivestargetedbytheinitiative.


IMPORTANT

Activities carried out under the project must be new or must significantly enhance the current activities of the incubator-accelerator. They could, for example:

3.3 ELIGIBLE COSTS

Costs eligibleforfundingunderthisinitiativearecoststhataredirectlyrelatedtotheproject,areincurredduringthecourseoftheproject,andaredeemedreasonableandessentialtotheimplementationoftheproject.Ofthese,themostsignificantare:

• salariesassociatedwiththeeligibleactivities;• consultantfees;• equipmentcosts;and• othercostsincurredtocarryouttheeligible

activities.

The cost eligibility date—subject to a favourableresponse from CED—is linked to the applicationsubmissiondate.Costsincurredpriortothisdatearenot eligible for funding.

• improve startup coaching and mentoring;• allow for more time to be devoted to market development and the

startup networking strategy; • increase their opportunities to join networks; • attract foreign investment to Quebec;• allow them to become a focal point for innovative startups elsewhere in

Canada and around the world;• permit them to record their best practices and share them on an

ongoing basis with other incubators and accelerators; or• ensure closer co-operation with other innovation ecosystem players,

such as universities and colleges, consortia and research centres, businesses, etc.

The following costs are not eligibleunderthiscallforproposals:

• establishmentofafundtofinancebusinessprojects;

• debtrefinancing;• amortizationcosts;• purchaseofassetsexceedingfairmarket

value;and• goodwill;• non-essentialcostsandcoststhatarenot

directlyrelatedtotheproject.


3.4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Thecall forproposalshasabudgetof$12millionover fouryears,upuntilMarch31,2023.Eachselectedprojectwill beeligible for financialassistance in the formofanon-repayablecontribution.CEDplans tosupportthreetofiveprojects.

Financial assistance is conditional upon the signing of a contribution agreement with CED for theimplementationoftheproject.Alltermsandconditionspertainingtothenon-repayablecontributionwillbesetoutintheagreement.

3.5 ASSISTANCE RATE

Theassistance ratemay representup to 75%ofeligiblecosts,except in thecaseofequipmentcosts, forwhichtheassistanceratecanrepresentup to 50% of eligible costs.

Thetotalamountofgovernmentassistance(federal,provincialormunicipal,orfromagovernment-fundedorganization) may not exceed 90%.


4. EVALUATION PROCESS

Applicationswillbeevaluatedagainstthefollowingelements,whicharedescribedingreaterdetailinBox3:

1 LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE OF THE SERVICES OFFERED 1.1 Theorganizationoffersincubationand/oraccelerationprogramsforstartups,aswellasservices

thatmeetthespecificneedsofstartups.1.2 Theorganizationhasdemonstrateditsabilitytoprovideentrepreneurswithintensivecoachingand

mentoring,deliveredbyqualifiedandexperiencedindividualswhoareagileintheiradvisoryrole.1.3 TheorganizationhasaBoardofDirectorswhosemembersareexperienced,andanequally

competentmanagementteamthatworksfull-timefortheorganization.1.4 Theorganizationusesarigorousprocesstoselectandevaluatestartupsrecruitedtoparticipatein

one or more of its programs.1.5 Theorganizationhasadoptedarecurrentandsystematicdatacollectionandreportingprocess.1.6 Theorganizationoffersthestartupsitsupportstheopportunitytobenefitfromalargeinternational

network of contacts, services and clients.1.7 Theorganizationhasestablishedsustainedco-operationwithotherlocalandforeignincubators

and/oraccelerators(sharingofcommonclients;existenceofprogramsofferedinpartnership;etc.).

1.8 Theorganizationisengagedwithcorporatepartnersthatactasinvestors,sponsorsorfirstclients.Someofthesepartnersaremultinationals.

1.9 Theorganizationhasalreadyparticipatedinbenchmarkingexercises,andisincludedinoneormorerankingscomparingthebestincubatorsandacceleratorsaroundtheworld.

1.10 Theorganizationisamongthelargestincubationand/oraccelerationenvironmentsintheprovince.Thisshouldbedemonstratedbytheresultsachievedoverthepastthreeyears,i.e.thenumberofbusinessesincubatedandgraded,typeofsupportreceived,thegrowthofthesebusinessesinlocalandinternationalmarketsandthecapitalthathasbeenraised.

1.11 Theorganizationhasdemonstratedanenviablehistoryofclientsandalumnithathavereportedsignificantgrowth,andhasaplantoincreasethenumberofsuccessstoriesinitsportfolio.

1.12 TheorganizationhasalreadyattractedforeigndirectinvestmenttoQuebec,anditsventurecapital network extends beyond Quebec’s borders.

1.13 Theorganizationworkscloselywithotherplayersintheinnovationecosystem(universities,venturecapital,CCTTs,consortiaandresearchcentres,etc.).

1.14 Theorganizationoffersadiversifiedrangeoffinancingservicesforstartups,andhasaplantobecomemoreinnovativeinthisfieldoverthenextfouryears.

1.15 Theorganizationimplementshumaneandinclusivemanagementpracticesinahealthyenvironmentthatrespectsthehealthandrightsofstartupfounders.

BOX 3

EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. Levelofexcellenceoftheservicesoffered.2. Qualityanddistinctivenessoftheproposedproject.3. Reasonablenessandrelevanceoftheprojectcosts.4. Anticipatedeconomicbenefits.


Organizations do not need to comply with allof the sub-components listed in Box 3 for theirapplications to be considered. These sub-componentswill, however,beused toanalyzeandprioritizeapplicationsreceived.Theprojectplan must, therefore, clearly indicate how theorganizationandtheproposedprojectcomplywiththesevariouselements.

Organisations specifically targeting under-represented and designated groups could be prioritizedaspartofthisinitiative.

2 QUALITY AND DISTINCTIVENESS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT2.1 Theproposedprojectisinnovative:itwillallowtheincubatorand/oracceleratortostandout

amongsimilarprojectsinQuebec,Canadaoraroundtheworld.2.2 Theprojectdescriptionshowsthattheorganizationhasaverygoodknowledgeofbestpractices

for supporting startups.2.3 Theprojectissupportedbyastrategythatfostersbusinessinternationalizationandtheprotection

of intellectual property.2.4 Theprojectwillbecarriedoutaccordingtoacredibleimplementationplan.2.5 Theprojectpromotesco-operationamonginnovationecosystemplayersthatsupportstartups.2.6 Project-specificactivitiesarewelldefined:theproposaldescribeshowtheworkwillbecarriedout,

andthekeylead(s).3 REASONABLENESS AND RELEVANCE OF THE FINANCIAL PACKAGE

3.1 Theorganizationhasprovidedadetailedandadequatedescriptionoftheexpenses(eligibleand/orineligiblecosts)andrevenues(contributions)specifictoitsproject.

3.2 Theorganizationhaspresentedarealisticplanfordiversifyingitsownsourcesoffunding(federal,municipal, provincial and/or private).

3.3 Theorganizationhaspresentedacrediblerevenuegenerationstrategytoallowittomaintainandincrease its current level of support for startups.

4 ANTICIPATED ECONOMIC BENEFITS4.1 TheprojectwillgeneratesignificanteconomicbenefitsinQuebec,notablyintermsofthenumber

ofbusinessesthatwillbenefitfromtheservicesprovided;therevenueandanticipatedgrowthofthesebusinesses;capitalraised;jobscreatedandmaintained;andintellectualpropertycreatedor acquired.

4.2 Theorganizationproposesquantifiedannualtargets,specificallyasconcerns1)thenumberofstartupssupported;2)thenumberofstartupswithinternationalreach;3)thenumberofforeignstartups;4)thenumberofcorporatepartners;5)thenumberofjobscreated;and6)theaveragegrowthrate(%)ofsupportedstartups.

IMPORTANT

Under this initiative, priority will be given to projects submitted in collaboration, or projects that encourage the grouping together of some of the current strengths of the startup innovation ecosystem to increase its impact and benefits.


5. SUBMITTING APROPOSAL

TheapplicationformmustbesubmittednolaterthanJune 7, 2019, 11:59 p.m. EST.

A complete application must include:

1. Theapplicationform,dulycompletedandsignedbyanauthorizedperson.2. Theorganization’sfinancialstatementsforthepasttwoyears.3. Theproposaldescribingtheproject(projectplan),presentedinaWord document no longer than

10 pages (excluding appendices).Theproposalmustdemonstratehowtheprojectmeetstheinitiative’sevaluationcriteria.Itmustalsoincludethefollowing:

4. Inthecaseofproposalssubmittedincollaboration,theprojectpartners’lettersofcommitment.Applicantswhoareunabletosubmitallthecommitmentlettersbytheapplicationdeadlinewillbegrantedanadditional48hourstosubmitthembyemailorregularmail.Partnersforwhomaletter of commitment is not provided will not be considered.

• Context.• Presentation of the organization(andthecollaborating

organizations, if applicable) (see evaluation criteria 1.1 to 1.15 relatingtothelevelofexcellenceoftheservicesoffered–detailsorcorporatepresentationscanbeincludedasappendicestotheproject plan).

• Presentation of the benefits generated by the organization to date (andbythecollaboratingorganizations,ifapplicable)includingsuccessstoriesillustratedbymeansofthreetofiveexamplesofbusinessesthathavebeenincubatedwithintheorganizationandhavegraduated(detailsinthisregardcanbeprovidedinanappendix) (see evaluation criteria 1.10).

• Description of the project,includingadetailedlistoftheplannedactivities,theassociatedcostsandthetimeline(seeevaluationcriteria2.1to2.6relatingtothequalityanddistinctivenessoftheproposed project).

• Network, team and partners,andexplanationoftheirconnectionstotheincubatorand/oraccelerator(seeevaluationcriteria1.13and 2.5).

• Detailed financing package(sourcesoffunding)forthedurationoftheproject(seeevaluationcriteria3.1to3.3relatingtothereasonablenessandrelevanceofthefinancingpackage).

• Financial forecasts oftheorganization forthecomingyear.• Anticipated economic benefits (see evaluation criteria 4.1 and 4.2).• Any other information deemed relevant.

5.1 REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION


5.2 DOCUMENT TRANSMITTAL

The application form must be submitted electronically by June 7, 2019. A confirmationnumber will be generated. In addition, an original copysignedbyanauthorizedpersonmustbesentby regularmail to the followingaddresswithin 48hoursofsubmissionoftheonlineform:Inter-regionalInitiatives Directorate, 800 René Lévesque Blvd. West, Suite 500, Montreal, Quebec H3B 1X9.

Yourorganization’sfinancialstatementsforthepasttwo years and the plan for the proposedprojectmust be submitted by email to [email protected] within 48 hours of submission of theapplication form.

NB:Inthecaseofdocumentssentbyregularmail,thepostmarkwill be used toconfirmcompliancewiththedeadline.

ItisthesoleresponsibilityoftheapplicantstoensurethattheircompleteapplicationissubmittedtoCEDbytheprescribeddeadline.

Applicationsthatdonotmeettheeligibilitycriteriaorforwhichcertain informationordocumentsaremissing, insufficient, incompleteor havenotbeenreceivedbyCEDwithinthedeadlinessetoutabovewill be rejected at CED’s sole discretion.

It is important tonote thatCEDmay,atany timeduring the call for proposals, require that originaldocuments be submitted for application evaluation or document verification purposes. Applicantsshould therefore keep all original documentsrelatingtotheirapplication.Refusaltoprovidesuchoriginal documents or to submit them within thetimeframeprovidedwillresultintherejectionoftheapplication.

ApplicantsareencouragedtocontactCEDshouldthey have any questions regarding the fundingapplication. For more information, call 1-800-561-0633.

All applications will be evaluated based on theinformation provided. It is the sole responsibilityof applicants to provide sufficiently detailed andlegible information and documentation in support of theirapplications toallowCEDtoevaluatetheproposals against the eligibility and evaluationcriteria.

https://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/targeted-support/iade/application.htmlhttps://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/targeted-support/iade/application.htmlmailto:dec.iade.ced%40canada.ca?subject=mailto:dec.iade.ced%40canada.ca?subject=


Once they have submitted their projects, organizations are committed and have certified the variouselementsincludedintheapplicationformforfinancialassistance.

Information and data gathered under this call for proposals shall be collected, used and disclosed inaccordancewiththePrivacy ActandtheAccess to Information Act.

ThecollectionofanyinformationbyCEDissubjecttotheEconomic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec Act.

Toobtainadditionalinformationregardingthiscallforproposals,call1-800-561-0633.

6. GENERAL CONDITIONS

6.1 DECLARATION AND CONSENT

6.2 CONFIDENTIALITYANDCONSENTWITHRESPECTTOPERSONALINFORMATION

6.3 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


EIADFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Why is CED interested in incubators and accelerators?

Support for startups is one of the priorities of Canada Economic Development forQuebecRegions(hereinafterCED),andinnovationisapillarforthegrowthofstartups:

• In 2018, the Federal Strategyon InnovationandGrowth for theQuebecRegions highlightedthevitalroleofyounginnovativecompaniesintheQuebececonomy.

• Morerecently,inthereportentitledBuilding a Nation of Innovators,theGovernmentof Canada reiterated its commitment to innovation, and called for co-operation between large corporations and smaller companies seeking to grow and become globally competitive.

• In its StrategicPlan2021, CED made support for innovative and growing businesses one of its four pillars, and committed to pursuing its support for business incubators and accelerators.

Toensure theirenhancedglobalcompetitiveness, startups inQuebecmustbegivenaccess to incubatorsand/oraccelerators thatare recognizedby theirpeers for theirexcellence,andwhichhaveanextensiveinternationalnetworkfromwhichthefoundersofstartupscanbenefit.

2. Does this call for proposals replace the Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program (CAIP)?

No. TheCAIPwasa time-limitedprogram (five years)whosemissionwas toestablisha critical mass of incubators and accelerators in Canada to better support innovative startupswithhighgrowthpotential.Theprogramended,asplanned,onMarch31,2019.

Thiscall forproposals to support incubatorsandacceleratorsdrivenbyexcellence isa new measure intendedsolelyfortheareacoveredbyCED,namelytheprovinceofQuebec.

3. Presuming my organization receives a favourable response to this call for proposals, can I claim to have Government of Canada certification as an “incubator and accelerator driven by excellence?”

No.ThiscallforproposalsdoesnotconstituteofficialcertificationbytheGovernmentofCanada.Rather,itrepresentsrecognitionbyCEDofthebestpracticesimplementedbycertainincubatorsandaccelerators,whichcanserveasmodelsofexcellencefortheirQuebec and international counterparts.

https://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/agency/strategy/index.htmlhttps://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/062.nsf/eng/h_00105.html#0https://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/eng/resources/publications/other/2017/351/index.htmlhttps://nrc.canada.ca/en/


QUESTIONS REGARDING ELIGIBILITY

5. What is meant by “currently operating in Quebec?”

“CurrentlyoperatinginQuebec”meansthatthemajorityoftheorganization’soperationsand services are carried out and delivered in Quebec. This does not prevent theorganizationfromdoingbusinesselsewhereinCanadaaswell,oroutsidethecountry,aslongastheseactivitiesdonotconstitutethebulkoftheservicesitoffers.

6. I am already a CED incubator-accelerator client. Can I apply for this call for proposals?

Yes.However,theprojectsubmittedmustmeettheobjectivesofthecallforproposalsand differ from the project already supported by CED (specifically as concerns thescopeoftheprojectandthetypesofcosts).

7. My organization has submitted an application on an individual basis. Can I apply as a collaborator for another project submitted under the call for proposals?

No.Anorganizationmaynotobtainmorethanonefinancialcontributionunderthiscallforproposals,eitherindividuallyorincollaborationwithanotherorganization.

GENERAL QUESTIONS - CONTINUATION

4. What is a startup?

Startupsareyoung(generallylessthanfiveyearsold),innovativehigh-techbusinesseswithhighdevelopmentpotential,designedtogrowrapidly(employees,revenueandclients),withoutgeographicalconstraints.Drawingonareplicableandscalablebusinessmodel,astartupcommercializesanewideathatmeetsaneed,thuscreatingamarketofthefutureorprofoundlytransforminganexistingmarket.Theirattributesmakethemobjects of strategic interest to investors and venture capitalists.


QUESTIONSABOUTTHEPROCESS

10. Can I submit my application in the official language of my choice?

Yes.Applicantscansubmitallproject-relateddocumentationintheofficiallanguageoftheirchoice(EnglishorFrench).

11. How many applications will be selected for funding?

Thenumberofprojectsselectedtoreceivefundingwillbedeterminedbasedontheamountsrequestedbytheorganizationsandtheavailabilityoffunds.Thetotalenvelopeavailableforthisinitiativeis$12millionoverfouryears.

12. Does my organization and my project have to meet all the evaluation criteria and sub-criteria in order to receive a favourable response?

Theorganizationmustdemonstratethatitsprojectmeetsthefourbroadevaluationcriteria,namely: 1. Theprojectmakesitpossibletoadequatelyassessthelevelofexcellenceachieved

ortargetedbytheorganization.2. Thequalitiesanddistinctivenessoftheproposedproject.3. Theprojectproposesareasonableandrelevantfinancialframework.4. TheprojectcouldgeneratesignificanteconomicbenefitsforQuebec.

CEDwillalsousethesub-criteriapresentedinthisguideforitsanalysis.Meetingasignificantproportionofthesub-criteriacouldthereforebeanassetthatwillshowcasetheproject.

DIDN’T FIND THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION?CONTACT US AT 1-800-561-0633.

QUESTIONS REGARDING FUNDING

8. What is meant by a “non-repayable contribution?”

Anon-repayablecontributionisgenerallyawardedtoaneligiblenon-profitorganization(NPO),forwhichtheactivitiesgeneratedbytheprojectarenotcommercialinnature,donotprovideitwithadirectquantifiablebenefit,andarenotsubjecttoanagreementwithanothercompanyforthecommercializationofaproduct,serviceorprocess.

9. What is the cost eligibility date?

Thecosteligibilitydate—subject toa favourable response fromCED—is linked to theapplicationsubmissiondate.Costsincurredpriortothisdatearenoteligibleforfunding.

InitiativeINCUBATEURS ET ACCÉLÉRATIEURS D’EXCELLENCE1.Aperçu2.Objectif3.Admissibilité3.3coûts admissibles3.4Aide financière3.5Taux d’aide

4.Processus d’évaluation5.Soumettre une proposition5.2Transmission des Documents5.3Déclaration de consentement5.4Confidentialité et consentement relatif aux renseignements personnels5.5Renseignements supplémentaires

FOIRE AUX QUESTIONSQuestions généralesQuestions sur l’admissibilitéQuestions sur le processus