MÉLISSA GÉLINAS
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
MRC PONTIAC – Since 2024, the local business component of the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR), managed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MAMH), has aimed to support access to local businesses in Quebec communities, strengthening their vitality. More than $50 million in financial assistance is available for regions with fewer than 20,000 residents, including MRC Pontiac.
A local business sells everyday consumer goods with a short shelf life, such as milk, bread, and gasoline. “These are essential items purchased regularly,” explained Mouncef Nouani, Business Advisor for the Pontiac MRC’s Economic Development department. Convenience stores (dépanneurs), hardware stores, and gas stations are examples of qualifying businesses.
The program offers grants over a five-year period. Each year, MAMH accepts project applications to allocate funding. “The grant starts at a minimum of $10,000 and can go up to $100,000,” said Nouani. “Certain expenses are eligible, while others are not. To be accepted, they must be tied to the purpose of the activity.”
“This program was launched in response to requests from underdeveloped or less dynamic regions,” he added.
To qualify, applicants must meet three criteria:
Type of applicant: Private businesses or social economy enterprises, such as non-profit organizations or cooperatives, may apply. Community organizations, municipal groups, or other entities are not eligible.
Location: The business must be situated in an area or municipality with fewer than 20,000 residents. “The Pontiac region meets this criterion,” said Nouani.
Type of business: The business must sell everyday consumer goods with a limited shelf life. Food service providers are not eligible.
“The call for projects will run from February 24 to April 11,” said Nouani. “Interested parties can submit their applications on the ministry’s website: https://www.quebec.ca/habitation-territoire/amenagement-developpement-territoires/developpement/fonds-programmes/fonds-regions-ruralite/volet-commerces-proximite.”
“We’ve already received several applications, and we are here to support and answer questions from the community,” Nouani added.
For more information, contact a member of the MRC’s Economic Development team at 819-648-5689, extension 244.