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The applicant must meet all of the following conditions:

• At least 18 years of age when the file is opened
• A Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and a permanent resident of Québec
• Demonstrate training or experience relevant to the project
• Commit to working full-time in the company (i.e., cannot hold another full-time job)
• Hold at least 50% of shares in the case of an incorporated business, or be an equal part owner if the business is registered (only one application per project can be submitted)
• In the case of a new business, never have received a subsidy from a financial or other program of a development organization such as DEV, any CLD or MRC, or an equivalent organization

The evaluation committee uses the following selection criteria:

• The proponent has demonstrated that the enterprise has the potential for medium- and long-term profitability and viability
• The project is not in conflict with other enterprises offering similar goods or services in a saturated market
• The business will be operating in a market where the competition is non-existent or non-dominant
• The proponent has demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills and experience in the field
• The proponent has shown attractive market opportunities for the project
• The project is useful, realistic and original, and offers job creation potential
• The proponent has obtained all financing needed to start, expand or buy the company

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. However, the proponent must meet with a DEV team member and complete the following procedures:

• Check eligibility of the proponent and the project
• Come up with a business plan and two-year financial forecasts
• Schedule a date for presentation to the evaluation committee
• Present the project to the evaluation committee and answer their questions