The fifth edition of the Bourses d'initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif is officially launched. Applicants have until November 30 at 4 p.m. to submit their project under one of two categories.

What are the BIECs?

The Bourses d'initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif (BIEC) is a call for projects designed to support the emergence and development of social economy enterprises and projects throughout the Montérégie region. In each MRC of the Montérégie and in the agglomeration of Longueuil, collective entrepreneurs and social economy enterprises can receive up to $20,000, in two parts, to carry out their project.

How to apply

Starting immediately, applicants can visit the Bourses d'initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif website at https://biec.quebec to submit their application. In addition, an online information session is scheduled for October 25, 2023 at 10 a.m. To register, please click here.

Section 1: Improvement project: up to $7,500 in grants

This component provides financial assistance for smaller projects that companies may not otherwise be able to finance. These projects are non-recurring or do not seek viability, but are still necessary to improve the mission and operations of a collective enterprise.

2nd tier: Large-scale structuring project: between $7,500 and $20,000 in grants

This component is designed to provide financial support for collective entrepreneurship initiatives at the preparation and launch stages, as well as for projects aimed at strengthening and developing existing social economy enterprises with a view to ensuring their viability and financial autonomy.

A financing program with a significant impact

Over the course of four editions, a considerable $1,389,989 in grants has been awarded to social economy enterprises for their projects. In addition, a total of 73,956 votes were cast on the BIEC website for the selection of projects.