Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
Q. Does the CLD de l'Érable charge
a fee for consultations?
A. No, consultations are always free
of charge.
Q. Does the CLD de l'Érable design
business plans?
A. No, business plans are the promoter's
responsibility. However, consultants at the CLD de l'Érable
can advise promoters concerning steps to be taken and validate
their business plans. The consultant may, for example, offer a
model plan that outlines the major steps of starting a business.
Q. Are subsidies available?
A. There are fewer and fewer of them.
It is still possible to obtain one in certain cases, but to do
so, a complete business plan must be drawn up. As well, no expenses
must be incurred before your file is deposited.
Q. For what programmes are subsidies
available?
A. Subsidies are available for the
following:
Jeunes Promoteurs (Young Promoters), if you are starting your
first business, are under 35 years of age, and create two jobs
during the first two years of operations. (Consult the CLD de
l'Érable for additional eligibility requirements.)
Soutien aux projets économiques (Aid for Economic Projects),
for projects between $500,000 and $10 million.
Soutien au travail autonome (STA) (Aid for Independent Work).
Eligibility must be determined by a consultant at the Centre local
d'emploi (Local Employment Centre) de l'Érable.
Q. After I make a request for funds
from the CLD de l'Érable, how long will I have to wait
for an answer?
A. An investment committee meets
each month. However, the wait for an answer depends upon the promoter,
since the committee must have all requested documents in hand.
Q. Are consultations confidential?
A. Yes, only authorized personnel
and the members of the investment committee know the contents
of your file. Afterwards, the documents are destroyed or filed
in the archives of the CLD de l'Érable.
Q. What documents must I furnish to
be eligible for financial aid programmes?
A. A complete business plan; a two-year
financial forecast; financial statements for the last two years
(if applicable); supporting documents upon request (according
to the business plan).
Q. Can I go directly to a financial
institution?
A. No, you are usually required to
have a complete business plan in hand before making an appointment
to obtain financing.
Q. Does the CLD de l'Érable offer
services for accounting, taxation or drawing up contracts?
A. No, however the staff at the CLD
de l'Érable can advise you concerning the steps to be taken
and will furnish a list of professionals in the region (accountants,
notaries, lawyers, etc.).
Q. Does the CLD de l'Érable produce
financial forecasts?
A. Yes and no. Consultants at the
CLD de l'Érable may comment on forecasts and make a fair
assessment of them. However, the details and validity of the financial
forecasts are the promoter's responsibility.
Q. How can I arrange a meeting with
a consultant at the CLD de l'Érable?
A. By requesting an appointment.
Call the CLD de l'Érable.
Start-up projects and STA programmes: Simon Houle 819 362-2333,
ext. 249.
Acquisition projects and Aid to existing enterprises: Nathalie
Desjardins (819) 362-2333, ext. 224.
Q. Do you furnish statistics or other
information?
A. We have a reference centre and
will be pleased to give you any information on hand. Should you
require information not available at the CLD, you will be told
how and where to obtain it.
Q. Where can I find information on growing
ginseng in forested areas?
A. You can obtain documentation as
well as references from the consulting services by phoning the
CLD de l'Érable at 819 362-2333, ext. 231.
Q. What is a CLD "Midi"?
A. At times, the CLD de l'Érable
invites guests to speak on a variety of topics. These talks are
given at noon along with a light lunch, all for a modest fee.
The topics discussed deal with the everyday problems of doing
business.
