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Support Fund for Tourism Attractions and Experiences (SFTAE)

The Support Fund for Tourism Attractions and Experiences (SFTAE) assists and stimulates the development, renewal, structuring, enhancement and innovation of tourism products and services in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region. Financial assistance is provided in the form of a loan and/or a non-refundable contribution. Applications are received continuously, until funds are exhausted.

Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges (DEV) is mandated to carry out the various stages of support and analysis of the files through the Commissioner for the Development of the Tourism Offer.

Two separate funds are made available for tourism companies:

  1. Development of tourist attraction
  2. New tourism experiences
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Information

  • Financial assistance can take form of either a non-refundable contribution, a loan or both
  • The combined financial assistance from governments (MFE, IQ, EQ, Tourisme Québec, DEC, DEV (FLI), etc.) and the MRC cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenditures
  • The company may reapply for financial assistance when the project is completed and all the terms of the memorandum of understanding have been complied with
  • The company’s equity (net worth) after project must reach 20%. For some files, this requirement may be higher or less depending on the quality of the proponents and the project. However, this ratio cannot be less than 15%
  • The project must not create unfair competition, i.e., generate losses in an existing company of Vaudreuil-Soulanges
  • The project must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Joint Investment Committee (JIC), that financial assistance is essential for the project’s realization and that the project is viable
  • Any non-refundable contribution received for a project over $40,000 is conditional to a loan from DEV
  • No loan repayment is possible for 24 months, if need be, the promoter will have to repay the grant awarded by DEV, prorated to the loan’s term not completed and will have to assume a penalty if necessary
  • Real estate development projects (except real estate development projects with an active tourism link and if the project is mainly for tourism)
  • Businesses undertaking religious, sexual, political, gambling and drinking or any other business whose activities could harm DEV Vaudreuil-Soulanges
  • Expenditures affected to the project’s realization, before the filing of this application
  • The fees and service charges of consultants from a company, in which the contractor has a stake, as well as recurring expenses

Financial support for tourism companies to develop a project that enhances the company’s tourism offer and has a regional reach. Infrastructure and marketing projects are eligible.

Objectives

  • Enhance regional tourism by improvement, addition of products and/or services to stimulate an increase in the number of tourists and day-trippers in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges region
  • Increase the quality of tourism offering, the complementarity and sustainability of products, services and infrastructures
  • Support events that generate large audiences, including a number from outside the region
  • Strengthen the notoriety and attractiveness of Vaudreuil-Soulanges destination
  • Mitigate seasonality gaps
  • Offer a new experience to visitors

Eligible Projects

  • Major events and festivals *
  • Development of new, distinct tourism products or services for the company
  • Development of new infrastructures
  • Improvement of existing infrastructures
  • Enhance or implement a component of the business promoting the innovative aspect
  • Adding or improvement of complementary services to an existing offer
  • Added complementary services to lodging (camping offer where at least 30% of the site is dedicated to occasional customers)
  • Development of experiences of accommodation including sanitary services
  • Diversification of activities for the benefit of visitors

Eligibility Criteria

  • The company’s equity (net worth) after project must reach 20%. For some files, this requirement may be higher or less depending on the quality of the proponents and the project. However, this ratio cannot be less than 15%
  • Project cost: Min $10,000 – Max: $150,000
  • Non-refundable contribution equivalent to 20% of project cost up to a maximum of $15,000 (Non-refundable financial assistance is conditional to a FLI/FLS loan from DEV for projects over $40,000)

* Specific criteria for events and festivals

  • Must be managed/administered by an NPO (excluding a city or municipality)
  • Must contribute to the region’s reputation by highlighting a distinctive element or offering a unique experience
  • Must generate significant traffic, estimated at more than 10,000 visitors
  • Must be held over at least 3 consecutive days
  • Must include sustainable development initiatives
  • Must have been part of the regional dynamic for at least 2 years (demonstrate viability)
  • Must have an adequate financial structure
  • DEV’s maximum contribution to the project may not exceed 50%, with a maximum of $10,000

Note: DEV reserves the right to exclude other expenses at its discretion.

Eligible Expenses

  • Construction work (new construction, expansion, restoration, recycling, bring up to safety standards and of access for people with limited mobility, etc.), including professional fees for plans and specifications of interior or exterior design
  • Interior or exterior design work

Non-Eligible Expenses

  • Costs related to working capital, servicing the debt, operational losses, capital and redemption of capital
  • Wages, operating costs and the proponent’s regular management fees
  • Professional services of marketing/communications/social media to promote the business
  • Professional fees for writing a business plan, financial forecasting, strategic planning
  • Donations and contributions in-kind or in services
  • Purchase of automobiles or motorized equipment
  • Rights of way, easement and other related expenses
  • Refundable taxes

Financial support for tourism companies to develop an original experience for visitors.

Objectives

  • Boost the company’s existing tourism offering with a new initiative
  • Develop an event offering to attract new types of customers
  • Diversify the activities of the tourism company
  • Extend the company’s tourist season
  • Strengthen the dynamism, notoriety, and attractiveness of Vaudreuil-Soulanges destination

Eligible Projects

  • Diversification of activities for the benefit of visitors
  • Development of a thematic product
  • Implement roads and tourist routes
  • Development of a new project, event or tourism activity complementary to the company’s existing offer

Eligibility Criteria

  • The company’s equity (net worth) after project must reach 20%. For some files, this requirement may be higher or less depending on the quality of the proponents and the project. However, this ratio cannot be less than 15%
  • Project cost: Min $5,000 – Max: $50,000
  • Non-refundable contribution equivalent to 20% of project cost up to a maximum of $5,000

Additional Criteria

  • Offering a new complementary tourism component to the company’s existing vocation
  • The project should not create competition for a similar offer of another tourist attraction in the region
  • The project must be innovative and demonstrate its attractiveness

Eligible Expenses

  • Purchase, lease and installation of specialized equipment and furniture
  • Construction work (new construction, expansion, restoration, recycling, bring up to standard safety and access for people with limited mobility, etc.), including professional fees for plans and specifications of interior or exterior design
  • Interior or exterior design work

Non-Eligible Expenses

  • Professional fees from specialized consultants for the project’s implementation
  • Promotional, advertising and marketing costs
  • Wages, operating costs and the proponent’s regular management fees
  • Costs related to working capital, servicing the debt, operational losses, capital and redemption of capital
  • Donations and contributions in-kind or in services
  • Refundable taxes

To apply, whether for the Development of tourist attractions or the New tourism experiences fund, the entrepreneur will have to submit the application form below, along with the required documentation (financial forecasts related to the project), by email to ngagnon@developpementvs.com.

For further information, please contact Ms. Angélique L’Écuyer, Commissioner for tourism development, at  alecuyer@developpementvs.com or by phone 450-424-2262, ext. 3239.

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