Fonds de développement des entreprises en économie sociale (MAXIMUM SUBSIDY OF $30,000*)

Fonds de développement des entreprises en économie sociale (FDEES) is a financial tool for social economy projects to promote economic development and diversification, as well as wealth creation throughout the city of Gatineau. It also aims to promote the emergence of innovative projects that explore new economic sectors and new approaches, or develop new expertise.

The financial assistance takes the form of a non-refundable and non-recurrent subsidy for the implementation of new social economy projects. ID Gatineau limits its assistance to the lesser of a maximum of $30,000 per project or 25% of the total cost of the project’s admissible expenses.*

Main advantages

No charge for opening the file;
No monthly management charge;
Option of pairing the subsidy with one of our loans; and
Personalized advice throughout the financing process.

Eligible businesses*

All social economy businesses in the start-up or expansion phase headquartered in Gatineau whose objectives are in line with the orientations contained in the FDEES policy. The social economy field includes cooperatives and not-for-profit organizations.

Examples of admissible expenses

Space or building acquisition and improvement (for the project);

Land, equipment, rolling stock and furniture acquisition;

Leasehold improvements;

Professional fees and fees for expertise incurred by the business in relation to capital expenses and equipment (architect, notary, lawyer, engineer, chemist, etc.);

Acquisition of technology (know-how, manufacturing licence or agreement, patent), software or software packages; and

Rolling stock requirements. These needs are determined based on the liquidity required to ensure the financing of operating expenses incurred by the business.

Examples of financed businesses

To be eligible for financing, a business must:

promote economic development and diversification, as well as wealth creation within Gatineau; and
be financially stable: start-up businesses must demonstrate solid prospects and profitability, and must be able to cover their financial obligations.

Please note that the following projects are not eligible:

social, community and low-income housing projects;
retail, personal and restaurant projects; and
projects directed in whole or in part at activities in a saturated market or that would result in job relocations or the creation of undue competition.

Please consult our investment policies (in french only) for more information about financing for businesses