Communication-Québec
Transcription
Communication-Québec
2002 EDITION off on the right foot starting a business Communication-Québec Just think about us! Did you know that there are 274 organizations and several hundred programs and services dedicated to helping Quebec businesses develop and grow? Where do you start? Simple ! Pick Up Phone and Call 1 800 322-INFO 4 6 3 6 At last, fast access to all the information you require for your business development needs---24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll find quick answers to your questions, all the resources you need and professionals just waiting to lend a helping hand! Call toll-free 1 800 322-4636 or visit our Website: http://infoentrepreneurs.org. or http://www.ressourcesentreprises.org. For more information, contact us in Montreal at (514) 496-4636 or in Quebec City at (418) 649-4636. RESSOURCES ENTREPRISES Members of the Network of Canada Business Service Centres Entrepreneurship: a focal point of Québec government action Modern-day Québec has been built through the determination and know-how of the people who have developed our regions. That’s why youth entrepreneurship is the focal point for action by the Government of Québec, so that young people can live and work in their regions of origin. Making room for young people is a way to prepare the future and allow youth to take an active role in guiding the development of all the regions of Québec. I urge all young entrepreneurs to stop by their local development centers (CLDs) to learn about the full range of government measures available to them. You’ll find precisely the assistance you need, including general advice, help with financing, and technical support. Your local CLD can • help you draw up a business plan and carry out feasibility studies • provide advice, point you in the right directions, and make referrals • help you identify sources of financing • provide you with entrepreneurship training and business support • walk you through each phase of your project and provide ongoing assistance Together, we can tap the potential and promise that young people offer and help train the next generation of entrepreneurs in the regions of Québec. Gilles Baril Minister of State for Regions and Minister of Industry and Trade STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Publication produced by Communication-Québec, Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l’Immigration. Copywriting Lionel Meunier Advertising Sales and Graphic and Production Oxygène communication & marketing Tel.: (418) 687-5870 650, rue Graham-Bell, bureau 216 Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1N 4H5 Internet: www.oxygene.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Communication-Québec Guides Collection Baby Is on the Way Change of Address For People 55 and Over Separation and Divorce Starting a Business What to Do in the Event of Death The collection of free Communication-Québec guides is available • Online at the Québec government portal www.gouv.qc.ca • At all 25 Communication-Québec offices (see page 91) Note: Certain programs may change during the year. The information contained in this guide was verified in November 2001. The information provided herein by Communication-Québec does not have force of law. Any reproduction of this guide for commercial purposes is prohibited unless authorized by Communication-Québec. 2 Legal deposit – 2002 Bibliothèque nationale du Québec National Library of Canada ISBN 2-550-38354-0 © Gouvernement du Québec, 2002 All international rights reserved Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre Démarrer une entreprise. Vous pouvez obtenir un exemplaire gratuitement à l’un des 25 bureaux de Communication-Québec. Voir page 91. PME Lancement d’une entreprise programme de formation professionnelle Starting a business? Aiming to expand? Achieve your goals and choose a winning business plan An adapted and flexible formula in 2 sections: 1. Practical workshops tra va e by entrepreneurs with Internet support illeur autonom m 2. Individual coaching ntreprise PME e o icr For more information click on présentation multimédia and liste des commissions scolaires offrant le cours at our web site: www.lancement-e.com Reconnu et financé par le ministère de l’Éducation du Québec STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Table of Contents Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Profile of the Entrepreneur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sources of Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Communication-Québec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Carrefour jeunesse-emploi (CJE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Centres locaux de développement (CLDs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce (MIC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Info entrepreneurs and Ressources Entreprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Enterprises in the Social Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Attributes of Collective Entrepreneurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Legal Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Support for the Creation and Development of Enterprises in the Social Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 4 Self-Employed Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Attributes Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 The Business Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Technical Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 GST and QST Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Allowable Deductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Taxes and Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Fringe Benefits and Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Associations of Self-Employed Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Preparing Your Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Types of Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Creating a Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Buying an Existing Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Buying a Franchise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Legal Forms of Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sole Proprietorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joint Stock Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Partnership and Limited Partnership Cooperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 . . 26 . . 26 . . 27 Business Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Financial Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Personal Contribution and Financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 5 2002 EDITION Table of Contents STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Procedures and Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Municipalities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Building Permits and Standards . Operating Permits . . . . . . . . . . Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoning By-Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 32 32 34 Québec and Canadian Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The Most Common Procedures and Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Specific Procedures and Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Other Procedures: Permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Technical and Financial Assistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Regional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 CDP Accès Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Carrefours jeunesse-emploi (CJE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Centres locaux de développement (CLD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Conseils régionaux (CR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Coopératives de développement régional (CDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Corporations de développement économique (CDEs and CDECs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Fonds régionaux de solidarité FTQ (FRS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Business Incubators and Industrial Motels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) . . . . . . . 56 Sociétés locales d’investissement dans le développement de l’emploi (SOLIDE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Québec Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ). . . Commission de l’équité salariale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) . . . . Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) . Investissement Québec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . La Financière agricole du Québec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) . . . . . . . . . Ministère de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie (MRST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (MEQ) . . . . . . . . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 . . . . . . . . 62 . . . . . . . . 63 . . . . . . . . 63 . . . . . . . . 63 . . . . . . . . 64 . . . . . . . . . . 65 . . . . . . . . . . 65 . . . . . . . . . . 67 Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESS) . . . . . . . . . 67 Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce (MIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l’Immigration (MRCI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Ministère des Ressources naturelles (MRN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Tourisme Québec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Canadian Government. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAC) . . . . . Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) . . Canada Economic Development (CED) for Québec Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canadian Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farm Credit Corporation (FCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) Industry Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) . . Standards Council of Canada (SCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 . . . . . . . . . . 72 . . . . . . . . . . 73 . . . . . . . . . . 73 . . . . . . . . . . 74 . . . . . . . . . . 74 . . . . . . . . . . 74 Other Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Société d’Investissement Jeunesse (SIJ). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Financial Assistance Programs and Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Employment Development Assistance Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Markets to Be Explored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Government Contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Québec Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Export Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Services for the Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Who Have a Teletype Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Québec Government Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Communication-Québec Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 7 2002 EDITION Table of Contents STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Foreword Want to start your own business? Become your own boss? Find out more about enterprises in the social economy? CommunicationQuébec, in collaboration with its partners, offers you this brochure as a guide. The document contains the addresses and the telephone numbers of government departments and agencies. In many cases, these services are available only in Québec City, Montréal, Hull or Ottawa. To reach government services in your region, consult the blue pages of the phone book. To contact other services, consult the white pages or the gray pages, depending on the region. For further information on the programs and services offered by the various departments and agencies of the government of Québec, we invite you to call the Communication-Québec office nearest you. See the list of addresses and telephone numbers of our 25 offices at the end of this guide. If, after reading the guide, you require additional information about Government of Canada programs, please call 1-800-622-6232. Lastly, we would like to thank all departments and agencies that assisted in the updating of this booklet. 8 L e Portail de démarrage d’entreprise du Québec Starting your Business 500 useful links to help you : • Build a businessman’s profile • Prepare a business plan • Obtain a permit • Find financing • Get assistance Visit us at : www.demarrer-entreprise.info.gouv.qc.ca STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Profile of the Entrepreneur Before going into business, you should ask yourself the following question: “Do I have what it takes to become an entrepreneur?” Only after honestly answering this question will you be able to start carefully planning your project—or decide that it’s not for you. A good idea is not necessarily a guarantee of success. The success of a business largely depends on the person running it, and on their personality, training, preparation and experience. Entrepreneurs tend to have certain character traits: a leader’s temperament, a taste for risk, a large capacity for work, a knack for anticipating and solving problems, self-confidence, a certain ease in communicating and an ability to adapt to different situations. Be sure to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses objectively and to identify your true motivations. By doing so, you can identify the additional resources you may need to complement your aptitudes. Are you ready for a little test to evaluate your aptitude to become an entrepreneur? Self-Evaluation Tests Evaluate your aptitudes for becoming an entrepreneur by answering the self-evaluation test questions in Starting a Business, Les Publications du Québec, 1997, pages 8 and 9. You will also find this test on the Communication-Québec Website: www.comm-qc.gouv.qc.ca 10 Sources of Information Starting a business is a step-by-step process. You must first structure your business project and prepare certain documents. The following organizations can provide information, and their personnel can help you with your project. Communication-Québec You can obtain information about Québec government programs and services for businesses from Communication-Québec staff, either by phone or in person. Communication-Québec can provide those who want to start a business with basic information and refer them to business support organizations for more specialized information. For information: See the list of Communication-Québec offices and its Website address at the end of this guide (pages 91) Teletype machine: see page 90 Carrefour jeunesse-emploi (CJE) There are some 95 CJEs in Québec, with five more scheduled to open by 2003. Young people between 16 and 35 years of age who need help in returning to school, finding a job, or starting a business can contact the CJE in their area. For information, call the Secrétariat à la Jeunesse or visit the Website of the Réseau des carrefours jeunesse-emploi. Réseau des carrefours jeunesse-emploi du Québec Phone: (514) 393-9155 Fax: (514) 393-9108 Website: www.cjereseau.org 11 2002 EDITION Sources of Information STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Centres locaux de développement(CLDs) Local development centers offer front-line assistance and technical and financial support to potential or already active entrepreneurs—both individual and collective (including social economy companies)—regardless of their age or the development stage of their company. Services offered by the CLDs throughout Québec include: • Consulting, guidance, and referral services • Referrals to more specialized services, notably for exporting and technological development. For information: Association des centres locaux de développement du Québec (ACLDQ) 155, boul. Charest Est, RC-8 Québec (Québec) G1K 3G6 Phone: (418) 524-0893 Fax: (418) 524-2657 Website: www.acldq.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce (MIC) The Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce now operates an electronic information service for business startups. This user-friendly tool presents the various administrative formalities required by the various levels of government. You can download forms, complete them on-screen, print them, and send them in. You will also find a multitude of links to other sites that can help you with your venture. Website: www.mic.gouv.qc.ca 12 Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) BDC has been serving SMEs for over 55 years, including 25 spent in management consulting. It plays a leading role by providing financial and management consulting services to SMEs in Canada, with a special focus on export and technology companies. For information: Throughout Québec: 1-888-INFO-BDC (1-888-463-6232), Website: www.bdc.ca or contact the nearest BDC branch. Info entrepreneurs and Ressources Entreprises Info entrepreneurs is part of the network of Canada Business Service Centres (CBSC), which comprises 13 major centers across Canada, one in each province and territory. In a nutshell, the CSBC mandate is to provide businesses in every region of Canada, promptly and free of charge, with accurate business information on all provincial and federal government programs, services, and regulations. Info entrepreneurs offers a variety of services, including a documentation center with an extensive collection of government and business documents aimed at business people. The advisors at the consultation center specialize in issues like international trade, R&D, manufacturing, innovation, ecommerce, and business development. The qualified information officers at the Telecentre have access to many databases on government programs and services that are constantly updated. Info Entrepreneurs Centre Niveau Plaza, bureau 12500 5, Place Ville-Marie Montréal (Québec) H3B 4Y2 Montréal area: (514) 496-INFO (4636) Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-322-INFO (4636) Website: www.infoentrepreneurs.org Email: [email protected] INFO FAX: (514) 496-4010 Throughout Québec: 1-800-322-4010 13 2002 EDITION Sources of Information STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Ressources Entreprises is headquartered in Québec City and provides Eastern Québec (area code 418) with the same services as Info entrepreneurs. In addition, Ressources Entreprises provides a consultancy service and a business documentation center to help you start up or develop your business. Ressources Entreprises 825, rue Sainte-Thérèse Québec (Québec) G1N 1S6 Québec area: (418) 649-INFO (4636) Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-322-INFO (4636) Website: www.ressourcesentreprises.org Email: [email protected] INFO FAX: 1-800-322-4010 The coopératives de développement régional (CDRs), or regional development cooperatives, can also help in starting a business. 14 Enterprises in the Social Economy Definition Enterprises in the social economy are well established in their communities and are the result of collective entrepreneurship. They produce goods and services whose prices reflect solvent markets. They are financially viable and create long-lasting jobs. Enterprises in the social economy incorporate a democratic decision-making process into their statutes. They are managed with the goal of providing their members or the community with services, and their practices promote individual and collective participation and empowerment. Attributes of Collective Entrepreneurs Enterprises in the social economy are developed by groups of individuals with an aptitude for leadership and a willingness to take risks. What makes them collective entrepreneurs is their ability to mobilize their community and complete a project, as well as their motivation to respond to the needs of the community and to create jobs. Legal Form Enterprises in the social economy can be non-profit organizations (see Inspecteur général des Institutions financière, p 36) or cooperatives (see Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce, Direction des coopératives, p 37). 15 2002 EDITION Enterprises in the Social Economy STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Support for the Creation and Development of Enterprises in the Social Economy Centres locaux de développement (CLD), or local development centers, can provide promoters in their territory with special support for projects that adopt a formal entrepreneurial approach. CLDs can also guide promoters toward appropriate community resources that can assist with project development. CLDs have a budget to support the start-up and consolidation of enterprises in the social economy, in the form of grants or loans. In addition, promoters can also seek business start-up assistance from the government departments and agencies responsible for their sector. Assistance Resources most frequently called upon to assist new and developing enterprises in the social economy Financial Assistance Centres locaux de développement (CLDs) (see page 12) Fondaction of the CSN (investments of between $250,000 and $750,000) Government departments and agencies/grants or service contracts Investissement Québec (see page 63) Réseau d’investissement social du Québec (RISQ) (514) 281-2355 Société d’aide au développement des collectivités or Community Futures Development Corporations (see page 56) 16 Job Subsidies Centres locaux d’emploi (CLEs) (job maintenance, job integration, and workplace traineeships) (see page 67) Fund to combat poverty through reintegration into the labor market . (see page 76) Training in Operating an Enterprise in the Social Economy Cooperative training (see Cooperatives de développement régional) . (see page 54) Training in operating a non-profit organization (contact groups offering technical resources in your community; inquire at your Centre local de développement) (see page 12) Staff Training Centres locaux d’emploi (CLEs) (see page 67) Management Assistance Centres locaux de développement (see page 12) Coopératives de développement régional (see page 54) Corporation de développement économique communautaire (see page 55) Fondation de l’entrepreneurship Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (see page 56) Other technical resource groups (see the Centre local de développement in your region) 17 2002 EDITION Enterprises in the Social Economy STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Self- Employed Workers Before joining the ranks of the self-employed, you should be aware of a number of things. It isn’t enough to have a good plan—you need all the information and help you can find. There are many organizations, associations, books, and magazines that can be of assistance. The following pages provide basic information. Definition Self-employed workers, also known as independent workers, are individuals who work for themselves and offer their services to their customers. Selfemployed workers generate their own income and must pay their own expenses. They may incur losses, but may also make profits. Self-employed workers must meet a number of conditions. For example, they must provide their own equipment and must not have any direct subordinate link with the business to which they provide services. There are several other criteria, and all of them must be examined to determine specific status. When there is a disagreement between a business and a worker about whether the worker is self-employed or an employee, the Ministère du Revenu du Québec or the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada) may be asked to determine the person’s status. Forms are available for this purpose. The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency has published a guide entitled Employee or Self-Employed? on the subject (Website: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca). 18 Take control. Choose Bell as your business partner and enjoy attractive offers and Internet solutions designed especially for new businesses. With Bell, you choose the plan that's best for you. After all, you're the boss. For more information: 310-7070 Visit www.bell.ca/business STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Attributes Required Not everyone is suited for self-employment. If you think you would like to be your own boss, ask yourself if you have what it takes. Then evaluate your personal characteristics. See the chapter entitled Profile of the Entrepreneur, on page 10. The Business Plan A business plan is a useful tool for self-employed workers and potential lenders. All financial institutions require the same things: a personal contribution, a business plan, and the ability to repay a loan. For information on the business plan and on capital outlay, see pages 29 to 31 of this guide and the documentation on page 89. Technical Assistance A number of organizations offer technical assistance to help you draw up or validate a business plan, while others provide instruction in preparing such a plan. There may be costs involved. Inquire at Communication-Québec. There is also an employment program called Support for Self-Employment administered by Emploi-Québec in collaboration with the Centres locaux de développement (CLDs). See page 82 of this guide. Registration If you, as a self-employed worker, decide to do business as a sole proprietorship whose name includes your given name and family name, you are not obliged to file a declaration of registration. However, you may do so voluntarily by going to the clerk of the Superior Court at the courthouse closest to your home, one of the offices of the Inspecteur général des institutions financières (IGIF) or Revenu Québec. If you opt for the more organized legal form of the joint stock company, you have no choice. You must register with the IGIF once your company is incorporated. 20 Which legal form should you choose? Sole proprietorship is no doubt the simplest solution, but you must be aware that unlike a joint stock company, this type of business has no legal existence of its own. It is not a legal entity distinct from the owner of the business; they are one and the same. The owner of the business derives income from it and assumes all financial and administrative liability. Joint stock companies are distinct from the person or persons composing them. Before making a decision, find out as much as you can and think about asking a legal advisor, accountant, or tax consultant for advice. Information and forms are available at Communication-Québec. Read pages 25 to 28 of this guide and the publication entitled The Principal Juridical Forms of Enterprises in Québec (3rd edition). GST and QST Registration Generally speaking, self-employed workers are not required to register for the GST and QST if they are small suppliers, although they may do so if they wish. Self-employed workers are considered small suppliers if the amount of annual taxable and tax-free sales they have made over the previous four calendar quarters is $30,000 or less. Self-employed workers who are not registered for the GST and QST cannot charge these two sales taxes or claim GST and QST refunds on purchases they make. Self-employed workers registered for the GST and the QST who buy taxable goods and services for business purposes may subsequently apply for a refund or credit for the tax paid on these goods and services, known as inputs, and must charge GST and QST on their sales. To register or for more information, go to your nearest Revenu Québec (MRQ) office or complete the prescribed form and return it by mail to any MRQ office. 21 2002 EDITION Self-Employed Workers STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Publications available from Communication-Québec: • Ministère du Revenu du Québec, Should I Register with the Ministère du Revenu? (2000, 16 pages) and Guide to Registration – Instruction and Application Form. Allowable Deductions Regardless of the legal form they choose to operate under, self-employed workers can deduct certain business expenses when filing their income tax returns, provided they were incurred for the purpose of earning income. The Ministère du Revenu du Québec and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada) can provide information and publications on this subject. Taxes and Contributions Self-employed workers meeting certain conditions must pay quarterly tax installments to the Ministère du Revenu du Québec and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada), as well as various contributions, particularly to the Québec Pension Plan and the Health Services Fund. For more information, call Revenu Québec or the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Teletype machine: see page 90 (Revenu Québec and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) Fringe Benefits and Insurance Self-employed workers do not automatically enjoy all the fringe benefits to which employees are entitled, such as minimum labor standards, paid holidays, employment insurance, compensation in the event of a workplace accident, and group insurance coverage. To obtain coverage such as salary insurance and accident insurance, they must pay the additional costs. As for the Québec Pension Plan, they must pay both the employer and employee contribution. 22 In some cases, self-employed workers may be entitled to compensation in the event of a workplace accident. However, in most cases, they must voluntarily opt for the coverage that the Act Respecting Industrial Accidents and Occupational Diseases provides self-employed workers if they wish to be eligible for compensation. Applications for personal coverage must be filed with the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST). Employees The provisions vary if self-employed workers are also employers. Under the Act Respecting Industrial Accidents and Occupational Diseases, selfemployed workers may not have employees. As soon as they employ someone, they lose their status as a self-employed worker and become an employer. They must then take the steps required of any employer, i.e., they must obtain an employer number from the Ministère du Revenu du Québec and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada), and must register with the CSST. See pages 39 and 40 of this guide. Associations of Self-Employed Workers Becoming a member of an association of self-employed workers will help you feel less isolated. You will be able to talk things over with other selfemployed workers and obtain certain services, which vary according to the association. To find out whether there is such an association near you, call Communication-Québec. Publication available from Communication-Québec: • Ministère du Revenu du Québec, Are you self-employed? – Aidememoire on taxation (folder) 23 2002 EDITION Self-Employed Workers STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Preparing Your Project Types of Businesses There are three ways of getting your business off the ground: • By creating a business yourself • By buying an existing business • By buying a franchise. Creating a Business This is a little like building your own house rather than buying an existing one. You need to think of everything and organize everything from scratch. The risk of failure can be high, so you may have to be prepared to carry a loss for the first few years. Buying an Existing Business Purchasing an existing business is a little like buying a ready-built house. You can examine it and evaluate it ahead of time. The business has a history, a clientele, turnover, buildings, materials, equipment, stock, and staff. Buying a Franchise When you buy a franchise, you are buying an idea, know-how, experience, and a certain guarantee of patronage. You get the benefits of training, an established management system, and marketing and advertising expertise. You also enjoy the advantages of the chain’s purchasing power. You must, however, agree to respect franchise guidelines and rules concerning the site and operation of the business, the characteristics of the product, etc. For more information on franchising, contact the Direction du commerce of the Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce (MIC) in Montréal at (514) 499-2189. The MIC can provide general information and refer you to Centre Info-Franchise for more detailed information. 24 CENTRE INFO-FRANCHISE Centre Info-Franchise is a one-stop service center for the general public, offering all kinds of franchising information services under the same roof. It is also home to the Conseil national sur le franchisage et le partenariat. Its role is to provide reliable, objective information on franchising and partnerships in Québec. The center is open to the public and provides literature, publications, expert advice, seminars, lists, and other useful data. Centre Info-Franchise 680, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, bureau 640 Montréal (Québec) H3A 2M7 Phone: (514) 340-6018 Fax: (514) 340-5628 Website: www.info-franchise.org/ Email: [email protected] As for franchising in Canada, Industry Canada gives businesses information. Internationally, Industry Canada, jointly with External Affairs and International Trade Canada, assists franchisers in exporting through the International Trade Centers. Legal Forms of Businesses There are two steps to be taken before starting your business. You must first choose its legal form and then legally incorporate it. Choosing the legal form your business will take is one of the crucial decisions you will have to make. Your choice will affect day-to-day business operations, the taxes you pay, and the degree of liability you and any partners you have must assume. It is important to choose the legal form that will enable your business to develop, while taking into consideration the activities to be carried out. Your notary, lawyer, or accountant can help you make the right choice. Depending on whether you want to work alone or with partners, your business can take one of the following legal forms: • Sole proprietorship (one person) • Joint stock company, also known simply as a company (one person alone or a group of two or more people) • General partnership (two or more natural or legal persons) • Limited partnership (two or more natural or legal persons) 25 2002 EDITION Preparing Your Project STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! • Cooperative (12 people or more and, in certain cases, three or five people) • Joint-venture company (at least two natural or legal persons) Since this new type of company is less common in Québec, it is not described in this brochure. Sole Proprietorship The simplest form of business, a sole proprietorship is run by one person, who hires employees as needed and has all the powers and obligations. The owner’s personal assets and those of the business form a unit. In the event of bankruptcy, the owner’s assets may be seized. Joint Stock Company Also called a company, a joint stock company is a “legal person.” This means that the company itself has rights and powers separate and different from those of the natural or legal persons who compose it and are its shareholders. A joint stock company has its own assets and incurs its own debts. The liability of the shareholders is limited to their investment. A joint stock company may be constituted under Part 1A of the Québec Companies Act or under the Canada Business Corporations Act if the company is set up to operate across Canada or in more than one province. Depending on whether it is a Québec company or a federal joint stock company, its constitution involves the intervention of the Inspecteur général des institutions financières or of Industry Canada. General Partnership and Limited Partnership Contrary to joint stock companies (companies), whose creation requires the intervention of the government, these two forms of partnership are created by an oral or written contract between two or more persons. A partnership is formed for the purpose of carrying out an organized economic activity, whether it is commercial or not. Each partner participates in the setting up of the partnership through a financial, professional, or other contribution. The material contribution made by the partners becomes the property of the partnership. All the partners have shares. The portion of the business profits they are entitled to depends on the number of shares they hold. 26 The control and liability of each partner varies according to whether it is a general or limited partnership. In a general partnership, the partners have full powers to administer the company, unless they have designated one or several administrators or managers to do so, whether partners or not. Their liability is unlimited. This means the partners can by sued for more than just their investment in the event the company runs into difficulty. They may be jointly liable if bonds have been contracted for services or the running of the company, which is generally the case. One partner can be sued for all the bonds (debts and commitments) that exceed the value of the company’s assets in the event it runs into debt. Professionals governed by a professional corporation in accordance with the Professional Code (R.S.Q., c. C-26) may establish a limited partnership. A limited partnership consists of two parties: general partners and special partners. Each partner participates in setting up the partnership. The special partners provide money or assets, while the general partners primarily provide work and entrepreneurship. The general partners alone administer and represent the partnership, while the special partners receive their share of the profits. A limited partnership that wants to make a public offering by selling shares must apply to the Commission des valeurs mobilières. In a limited partnership, the general partners’ liability is the same as that of the partners in a general partnership, as described above. The special partners are liable for debts only up to the investment they agreed to make. Cooperative A cooperative is a business constituted under a specific law, the Cooperatives Act. Power is democratically exercised in a cooperative by its members, i.e., one member, one vote. Like a company, a cooperative is a legal person distinct from its members, and the liability of each member is limited to the value of the shares subscribed to. However, it differs from other companies in its method of distributing profits, which are given to members in the form of a rebate according to the use each member makes of the services obtained from the cooperative. 27 2002 EDITION Preparing Your Project STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! The cooperative formula is adapted to the group in question, allowing for the establishment of businesses designed to meet a variety of needs. There are several types of cooperatives with specific objectives: workers’ cooperatives, shareholder workers’ cooperatives, solidarity cooperatives, consumer cooperatives, and producer cooperatives. Forming a cooperative requires at least 12 people with a common interest. In some special cases, this number may be five and, for workers’ cooperatives, it may be three. For information on the constitution and registration (legal publicity) of these legal forms, please refer to the “Procedures and Requirements” chapter in this guide, or to The Principal Juridical Forms of Enterprises in Québec, which is listed at the end of this guide (Documentation). For Internet Users: The Inspecteur général des institutions financières makes information available on its Website regarding its role as registrar for businesses in Québec. Users of online services and consulting resources can access information about IGIF’s mission, its publications, the registry of insurers authorized to operate in Québec, and the registry of individual companies, corporations, and legal persons, as well as the procedures for setting up a company or notfor-profit organization and for registering a company in Québec. In 2001, to further improve service to its clientele, the IGIF added the public authorities database and the complete database of businesses registered since 1994, and also made interactive forms available online. The IGIF Website is at www.igif.gouv.qc.ca Once you have obtained information and advice from the personnel at the various resources, chosen the type of business that suits you best, and gotten a good idea of the legal form your business will take, you are ready to prepare your business plan. 28 Business Plan A business plan is a document containing all pertinent information about an undertaking and its promoters. It provides comprehensive information about the proposed business and the various steps required to see the project through. It is an invaluable tool for presenting all the components of a project, negotiating financing, and obtaining grants or financial assistance. Your business plan should contain the following: • Presentation of the business (purpose, nature, characteristics, etc.) and the products or services offered • Presentation of the directors (resume, summary of personal property and financial assets, qualifications and abilities, etc.) • Market analysis (target clientele, suppliers, distribution methods, evaluation of markets, competition, turnover, etc.) • Marketing plan (advertising, promotion and pricing strategies, after-sales service and warranty policies, etc.) • Human resources plan (identification of manpower needs) • Financial resources plan : - Financing and capital structure plans (sources of business capital and proportions of each) - Opening statement (assets and liabilities when the business opens) - Preliminary or proforma statement of results (estimated earnings and expenditures) for the first three years of operation - Required working capital (money needed to finance daily operations) - Break-even analysis (the level of sales at which the business makes no profits and suffers no losses) - Cash budget (a monthly account of cash on hand and future disbursements). 29 2002 EDITION Preparing Your Project STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! A number of organizations can provide technical assistance, advice and training in preparing or validating a business plan. They usually charge a fee. The following list is provided for your guidance and is not exhaustive. Technical Assistance • Centre local de développement (CLD) • Coopérative de développement régional (CDR) • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) • Sociétés d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) or Community Futures Development Corporations • Centre d’entreprises et d’innovation de Montréal • Accountants, specialized firms and notaries Training • Centre local de développement (coordinators) • School boards, cegeps, and universities • Fondation de l’entrepreneurship • Québec Entrepreneurship Contest In all regions of Québec, cegeps and school boards offer various entrepreneurial activities. Services offered include the following: • Lancement d’une entreprise (Launching a business), a 330 hour vocational specialty certification program (Attestation de spécialisation professionnelle [ASP]) • Démarrage d’entreprise (Starting a business), a 375 hour (average) attestation of college studies program (Attestation d’études collégiales [AEC]) • Sensibilisation à l’entrepreneurship (Introduction to entrepreneurship), a program available in two parts: Part 1: For primary to college-level students taking part in the Québec Entrepreneurship Contest as part of the Initiatives entrepreneuriales project group Part 2: For students in vocational training or technical programs taking part in a 15 hour entrepreneurship awareness activity 30 Other short and long term training activities are also available on a credit or non-credit basis, notably through school board and cegep business services departments. For information on contacting the school board or cegep in your region, call Communication-Québec, or consult the following Website: www.inforoutefpt.org/ Financial Assistance The Support for Self-Employment program administered by EmploiQuébec provides financial support to eligible individuals going into selfemployment. For information, contact your Centre local d’emploi (CLE) or Communication-Québec (see page 89). You can also find information on preparing a business plan in some of the publications listed at the end of this guide (see Documentation, page 89). Personal Contribution and Financing A personal contribution is essential to obtaining a loan from a financial institution and qualifying for government programs. It is the sum of money you invest in your business. The money may come from your savings, loans, relatives, colleagues, or friends, or from assets or the transfer of assets (for example, office furniture, computers, vehicles). It can also come from partners or private investors. The personal contribution required in proportion to the total cost of the project may vary. If you apply for a loan from a financial institution, the institution will probably require a minimum capital outlay on your part, or ask for a third-party endorsement or a loan guarantee under a government program. The same is true if you apply for government financial assistance. See the chapter entitled Technical and Financial Assistance on page 50. 31 2002 EDITION Preparing Your Project STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Procedures and Requirements Opening a business requires you to take a variety of steps with your municipality and the Québec and Canadian governments. You will also have to abide by certain laws and regulations. Municipalities All municipalities have requirements and by-laws, but they also provide services. Some offer incentives to attract new businesses. Before going ahead with your business project, you should find out about the conditions and obligations that apply in your municipality. Building Permits and Standards The construction of a commercial building is usually governed by a municipal by-law that imposes standards for fire prevention, public safety, hygiene, the environment, etc. In addition, you should contact the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, which also establishes certain standards. Operating Permits Generally, a permit is required to operate a commercial establishment in a municipality. Conditions for obtaining such a permit may vary from one municipality to the next. Several Québec municipalities require door-to-door salesmen to have a permit from the Office de la protection du consommateur before they can be issued a municipal permit for door-to-door sales. Taxes Your business will have to pay all taxes levied by the municipality and the school board. 32 The objective: employment Employers and business people! Emploi-Québec offers you free staff recruitment services and advice on how to manage your human resources as well as develop their skills : . Job offer listing through Job-Info terminals (guichets Info-emploi) . Employment Web Site . Manpower training plan set-up . Means to help personnel adapt to new technology . Technical support and financial assistance to self-employed workers Information : Your centre local d’emploi (CLE) 1 888 EMPLOIS emploiquebec.net Under the Canada-Québec Labour Market Agreement, Québec is responsible for active employment measures granted to employment insurance participants as well as for certain National Employment Service functions which employment insurance users may access. These measures and functions are funded by the Employment Insurance Account, for which the federal government is responsible. STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Zoning By-Laws Zoning by-laws determine what can be built and where businesses can be situated. For example, there are residential sectors where it is forbidden to open a commercial establishment. Contact the municipality for information. Québec and Canadian Governments The Most Common Procedures and Requirements Before registering as an employer, you must take the following steps. It is also important to be aware of certain requirements. Constitution and Registration (Legal Publicity) Sole proprietorship Setting up a sole proprietorship is fairly simple. If you establish a business under a name other than your own name and surname, you are subject to the Act Respecting the Legal Publicity of Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Legal Persons. You must register your business within 60 days of beginning operations, either with the clerk of the Superior Court nearest your residence, the Québec City or Montréal office of the Inspecteur général des institutions financières (IGIF), or Revenu Québec. You must complete the form entitled Declaration of Registration – Natural Person, also available from Communication-Québec or Revenu Québec. This declaration is valid for the entire province of Québec. It will be forwarded to the Inspecteur général des institutions financières for registration. Registration will allow the public to identify the owner of the business. Exception: If you operate a sole proprietorship under your own family name and given name (for example, Cantine Joe Smith), you do not have to file a declaration of registration. It is useful to do so, however, so that your clientele and the public are aware that you are in business. Joint stock company A joint stock company may be constituted by one or more persons. A Québec business incorporated as a joint stock company is normally subject to the Companies Act. Such a company may operate anywhere in the world. 34 To incorporate a joint stock company, you must obtain the appropriate forms on the IGIF Website or at Communication-Québec. Unless a number is to be used instead of a corporate name, it is recommended to reserve a corporate name with the IGIF. The articles of incorporation must then be prepared. For more information, please contact the IGIF. Following the incorporation of a joint stock company, the Initial Declaration – Legal Person form must be completed and sent to the IGIF within 60 days following registration. This form, which is forwarded by the IGIF after filing the articles of incorporation, is also available at Communication-Québec. Companies constituted under the federal Business Corporations Act (forms are available at Industry Canada offices) and foreign firms that have their head offices in Québec or are active in Québec must also complete the Declaration of Registration – Legal Person form and present it to the IGIF within 60 days of beginning operations in Québec. Fines may apply if the Declaration of Registration or Initial Declaration is not filed within the 60 day time limit. General partnership General partnerships include at least two persons (natural or legal). The contract creates the corporation and gives it existence in law. It is recommended you have a written contract that includes all relevant conditions for easy reference. In the 60 days following the constitution of the general partnership, the Declaration of Registration – Partnership form must be completed and presented for registration in the Register of Individual Companies, Corporations, and Legal Persons to the clerk of the Superior Court nearest you, at one of the two IGIF counters in Québec City and Montréal, or at a Revenu Québec office. 35 2002 EDITION Procedures and Requirements STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Limited partnership Like general partnerships, limited partnerships bring together at least two natural or legal persons (the general partner and the special partner). The agreement (preferably written) creates the limited partnership and gives it its legal existence. In the 60 days following the constitution of a limited partnership, the form entitled Declaration of Registration – Partnership must be filed and presented for registration in the Register of Individual Companies, Corporations, and Legal Persons to the clerk of the Superior Court nearest you, at one of the two IGIF counters in Québec City and Montréal, or at a Revenu Québec office. For information from the Government of Québec: Inspecteur général des institutions financières Direction des entreprises 800, place d’Youville, Main Floor Mailing Address: Québec (Québec) G1R 4Y5 P.O. Box 1364 Québec City area: (418) 643-3625 Québec (Québec) Elsewhere in Québec: 1-888-291-4443 G1K 9B3 Fax: (418) 528-5703 Website: www.igif.gouv.qc.ca/ Email: [email protected] 800, Tour de la Place-Victoria, Promenade Level (Square Victoria métro station) Montréal (Québec) H4Z 1H9 Phone : 1-888-291-4443 36 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 355 Montréal (Québec) H4Z 1H9 2002 EDITION Procedures and Requirements For information from the Government of Canada: Industry Canada Corporations Branch 5, Place Ville-Marie Bureau 700 Montréal (Québec) H3B 2G2 Montréal area: (514) 496-1797 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-888-237-3037 Fax: (514) 283-2247 Website: www.ic.gc.ca For information and forms: Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce (MIC) Direction des coopératives 710, place D’Youville, 7e étage Québec (Québec) G1R 4Y4 Québec City area: (418) 691-5978 Fax: (418) 646-6145 380, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, 4e étage Montréal (Québec) H2Y 3X7 Montréal area: (514) 499-2550 Fax: (514) 873-9913 If you are interested in establishing a cooperative, a regional development cooperative can help you. For a list of regional development cooperatives and their addresses and telephone numbers, consult the MIC Website: www.mic.gouv.qc.ca/cooperatives Registration with the Ministère du Revenu du Québec (Registration Certificate) Most people and businesses carrying out a commercial activity and therefore supplying taxable movables, immovables, or services must also register with the Ministère du Revenu du Québec to obtain a registration certificate for the Québec Sales Tax (QST, 7.5%) and the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST, 7%). This certificate authorizes you to deduct taxes on behalf of the Ministère du Revenu du Québec and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada), of which you become the mandatary. The business must collect the QST and the GST in the course of its commercial activities and remit them periodically to the Ministère du Revenu du Québec. Except in certain cases, a business whose sales and receipts are less than $30,000 is not obliged to register with the Ministère du Revenu. Teletype machine: see page 90. 37 STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Québec Pension Plan All workers 18 years of age and older must contribute to the Québec Pension Plan. Effective January 1, 1998, retirees who work, as well as their employers, must also contribute to the Québec Pension Plan. Every contributor is eligible for a basic exemption ($3,500) and there is a ceiling for pensionable earnings (maximum $39,100 in 2002). The Ministère du Revenu du Québec collects the sums paid into the Québec Pension Plan. The income of a self-employed worker, a professional, a farmer, a fisherman, or a business (a natural person operating a sole proprietorship or a partnership) is subject to the Québec Pension Plan. These workers must pay the employee and employer shares. The amount depends on the net business or professional income. Payments are made in installments or when an individual’s income tax return is filed. For information: Régie des rentes du Québec Montréal area: (514) 873-2433 Québec City area: (418) 643-5185 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-463-5185 Website: www.rrq.gouv.qc.ca Teletype machine: see page 90 (Régie des rentes et Revenu Québec). French: The Language of Work and Business In Québec, the Charter of the French Language makes French the normal and customary language of work, trade, and business, be it in the use of information technologies, on public signs, in commercial advertising, or in catalogues, product labeling, company names, contracts, or any similar documents or communications with suppliers and clientele. The measures pertaining to language of work, trade, and business apply to all companies, while the francization process is mandatory for firms employing 50 people or more. Registration with the Office de la langue française (OLF) A business that, over a period of six months, employs 50 people or more must, in the six months following the end of this period, register with the Office de la langue française. The OLF issues the business a certificate of registration that enables it to begin the process of francization by analyzing the business’s linguistic status and implementing francization measures, as required. 38 Since the coming into force on November 12, 1996, of the government’s linguistic policy, the enterprises referred to in Chapter 5 of the Charter must hold a registration certificate from the OLF and meet the francization requirements if they wish to do business with the government or receive a grant or any other benefit awarded by an agency of the government. A French corporate name is required to obtain juridical personality in Québec. The use of another language in addition to French is permitted under certain conditions. Consult the Website of the Office de la langue française for information on language requirements and resources at www.olf.gouv.qc.ca Or for inquiries, call the OLF at (514) 873-6565 or 1-888-873-6202. Once you have incorporated and registered your business with the Inspecteur général des institutions financières and you have obtained a registration certificate from Revenu Québec allowing you to collect taxes, you may register as an employer with the various government departments and agencies. Registration with the Ministère du Revenu du Québec (Business Number) Since January 1, 1998, the businesses subject to the Act Respecting the Legal Publicity of Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Legal Persons, and those that are not subject to it but that have registered, can use their QBN (Québec business number) for communicating with the Ministère du Revenu du Québec. They can also use the number now in use at the Ministère du Revenu du Québec, since it is still valid. At no time will the QBN replace the employer number, which the business must use for deductions at source from the wages of employees, provincial income tax deductions, and the payment of employer and employee contributions to the Québec Pension Plan. The employer number is also used for contributions to the Commission des normes du travail, the Health Services Fund (HSF), and the Fonds national de formation de la maind’oeuvre. The fact of holding a QBN does not exempt an employer from the obligation to register with the Ministère du Revenu if a law so requires. 39 2002 EDITION Procedures and Requirements STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! The QBN is used in all communication with the agencies of the Quebec government by every business operating in Québec. At the present time, 25 departments and agencies can serve businesses upon presentation of their QBN. Other government partners will follow suit during the year. However, the other file numbers used at the Ministère du Revenu du Québec are still valid. Teletype machine: see page 90 (Revenu Québec). Registration with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada) Any business with one or more employees must register with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency as an employer to obtain a business number (BN). This number applies to the main business accounts of this Agency, including deductions at source. The employer collects income taxes and employment insurance contributions from the employee for this Agency and pays the employee’s employment insurance premium. Certain Agency officers offer one-stop service where businesses can use their business number to conduct all their transactions. Call 1-800-959-5525 (service in English) or 1-800-959-7775 (service in French) for information. Teletype machine: see page 90 (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency ). CSST Registration Any business person who employs at least one full-time or part-time worker, including a student or a trainee in certain cases, must register with the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST). This agency is responsible for the compensation and rehabilitation of any worker who is the victim of an industrial accident or an occupational disease. It also sees to it that the rights and obligations of workers and employers are respected in matters of prevention. Only the employer must pay a premium to the CSST. Self-employed workers, in certain cases, and employers are not automatically covered, but they may register and pay their premiums. 40 Labor Standards The Commission des normes du travail applies the Act Respecting Labour Standards, which sets the rules governing working conditions, including the minimum wage, holidays, special leave, and dismissal. It is also has investigative and regulatory powers. If entrepreneurs have employees, they must comply with the Act Respecting Labour Standards. They may also negotiate agreements, but not for less than that provided for by law. If there is already a union in an existing business, the employer must comply with the collective agreement in effect. For information about labor standards: Commission des normes du travail Montréal area: (514) 873-7061 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-265-1414 Website: www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca Teletype machine: see page 90 Collective Agreement Decrees Businesses in a number of sectors are governed by collective agreement decrees. Joint committees see that these decrees are enforced. These sectors include security agencies, trucking, clothing manufacturing, maintenance of public buildings, automobiles, construction materials, and metal millwork. For information about collective decrees: Ministère du Travail Direction des décrets 200, chemin Sainte-Foy, 6e étage Québec (Québec) G1R 5S1 Québec City area: (418) 643-4415 Elsewhere in Québec 1-800-643-4817 Fax: (418) 528-0559 Website: www.travail.gouv.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Specific Procedures and Requirements Admission to Commercial Establishments The Act Respecting the Hours and Days of Admission to Commercial Establishments applies to retail sales outlets. It sets the days on which commercial establishments may be open and their opening and closing times. 41 2002 EDITION Procedures and Requirements STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! For information: Regional divisions of the MIC or Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce Direction du commerce 380, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, 4e étage Montréal (Québec) H2Y 3X7 Montréal area: (514) 499-2176 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-539-7078 Fax: (514) 499-2191 Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Industrial Designs, and Integrated Circuit Topographies (Intellectual Property) The results of certain creative efforts are recognized as being intellectual property (IP) and may be protected by law. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), a special service agency within Industry Canada, is responsible for applying Canadian IP legislation. There are five types of intellectual property: • Patents are aimed at new inventions (processes, machines, manufacturing techniques, composition of materials) or any new and useful improvement made to an existing invention • Trademarks are words, symbols, drawings (or a combination of the three) that serve to distinguish the products or services provided by an individual or an organization from other products or services on the market • Copyrights protect artistic, dramatic, musical, and literary works (including computer programs) as well as three other aspects of copyrighting, namely performance, sound recording, and communication signal • Industrial designs refer to the visual features contained in the configuration (shape), pattern, or decorative components (or a combination of the three) of a manufactured item • Integrated circuit topographies refer to the three-dimensional configuration of electronic circuits used in integrated circuits or layout designs. Intellectual property rights are part of an effective business plan. Financial institutions increasingly consider intellectual property rights as an important element in assessing a business for the purpose of commercial loans. CIPO 42 offers a wide array of services for inventors, creators and entrepreneurs, and it has a network of partners that can bring an understanding of IP to a broader public. For information: Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) Industry Canada Place du Portage I, bureau C-229 50, rue Victoria Hull (Québec) K1A 0C9 Hull area: (819) 997-1936 Fax: (819) 953-7620 Website: opic.gc.ca Email: [email protected] Labelling of Consumer Products Suppliers must affix to consumer products such as food, textiles and precious metals accurate labels giving compulsory information about the products. Various departments of the Québec and Canadian governments are involved. For information on the Government of Québec departments in question, call Communication-Québec. For information on federal programs and services, consult the blue pages of the phone book in the Government of Canada section under the heading Consumers—Information. Export and Import Licenses The exporting of all goods on the Export Control List requires an export license issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, regardless of the country of destination. This list is rather detailed and includes many goods over which Canada wishes to exercise control for various reasons. Any merchandise intended for a country on the Area Control List may not be exported to that country without a license, regardless of the nature of the good exported. At the time this guide was published, this list included Angola and Burma. In addition, for any country that is subject to an embargo ordered by the United Nations (Iraq, for example), an export license may not be the only export authorization document required. 43 2002 EDITION Procedures and Requirements STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! For information: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Lester B. Pearson Building 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 Ottawa area: (613) 996-2387 Fax: (613) 996-9933 Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/~eicb Mailing address: P. O. Box 481, Station A Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9K6 Environmental Protection Certain business activities may be hazardous for the environment, for example the transport of hazardous waste and the use of certain industrial processes. The Ministère de l’Environnement can tell you whether or not a business is subject to environmental protection laws and regulations. Consumer Protection A business may be bound by the Consumer Protection Act to hold a permit or to observe specific regulations in order to enter into contracts. The Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) issues permits for door-to-door sales, money lending, health spas, extended automobile and motorcycle warranty coverage, travel agents, and collection agencies. For example, to enter into a sales contract, a traveling salesman must have a permit issued for that purpose by the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC). This permit attests only that the holder has filed a security bond that serves first and foremost to enforce the law and, as the case may be, to compensate consumers, notably in the event of a business closure. The Office ensures that consumer protection laws are respected. It offers information and advice about the obligations of merchants in their dealings with consumers. For information: Office de la protection du consommateur Phone: 1-888-672-2556 Website: www.opc.gouv.qc.ca 44 Preservation of Agricultural Land The land on which you wish to establish your business may be in an agricultural zone. If so, the Commission de protection du territoire agricole is responsible for authorizing, on the recommendation of the municipality, the use of the land for purposes other than farming. The Commission takes into consideration the availability of other sites, particularly outside the agricultural zone, the biophysical conditions of the soil, and the effects of authorization on the surrounding agricultural environment. Authorization application forms are available at the office of the secretary of the municipality concerned. For information: Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec 200, chemin Sainte-Foy, 2e étage Québec (Québec) G1R 4X6 Québec City area: (418) 643-3314 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-667-5294 Fax: (418) 643-2261 25, boul. La Fayette, 3e étage Longueuil (Québec) J4K 5C7 Montréal area: (450) 442-7100 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-361-2090 Fax: (450) 651-2258 Safety in Public Buildings All public buildings, as defined in the Public Buildings Safety Act and Regulation, must comply with safety standards and criteria. Such buildings include the following: • Buildings or premises employed for purposes such as religious services, educational services, health care services, accommodation, the arts, performances, sports, and other public needs • Residential buildings, that is, rooming houses with 10 rooms or more and apartment buildings with more than two floors and more than eight units • Commercial buildings of more than 300 square meters in area and office buildings with more than two floors • Buildings with lifting devices such as elevators or escalators To find out the safety standards to be complied with, inquire at the regional office of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec or consult the Website at www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca. 45 2002 EDITION Procedures and Requirements STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Excise Tax An excise tax is levied by law on certain imported and manufactured goods such as tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, jewelry, automobiles, gasoline, diesel fuel, and wine. The excise tax is applied at the time the goods are imported or manufactured. For information: Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada) 305, boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1A6 French: 1-800-959-7383 English: 1-800-959-8281 Fax: (514) 283-0976 Teletype machine: see page 90 Other Procedures: Permits Depending on your sector of activity, you may have to obtain a special license or permit issued by the departments or agencies of the Québec or Canadian government. The following list in not complete. For more information about Government of Québec departments and organizations, please consult your Communication-Québec office. To contact a Government of Canada department or organization, call 1-800-622-6232. 46 Sector of Activity Body Responsible Amusement machine arcades (Teletype machine: see page 90) Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux Businesses that sell alcool (grocery stores, bars, restaurants, etc.). (Teletype machine: see page 90) Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux Car dealerships (Teletype machine: see page 90) Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec Commercial fishing (freshwater) Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec, Direction du développement et des activités régionales Commercial fishing (tidal water) Fisheries and Oceans Canada Door-to-door sales Office de la protection du consommateur Film and videocassette businesses (sales, rental, screening) Régie du cinéma Health spas Office de la protection du consommateur Import-export businesses Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Inns, hotels, other lodgings Tourisme Québec, Tourist Service Quality Branch Petroleum products (sales, storage and transport) Ministère des Ressources naturelles du Québec Money lenders Office de la protection du consommateur Restaurants, cafeterias, canteens, and snack bars Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec Taxi operators Commission des transports du Québec. Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec Travel agencies, retail or wholesale Office de la protection du consommateur Upholstery businesses Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce 2002 EDITION Procedures and Requirements 47 Les Éditions de la Fondation de l’Entrepreneurship If you wish to start a business, you have everything to gain from knowing about the products offered by Les Éditions de la Fondation de l’entrepreneurship. They are grouped together in the "Entreprendre" collection, and are well-known for their relevance, simple language and suitability for the context of Quebec. Whether in book, software, video or cassette format, each product provides a clear explanation of one of the many procedures involved in the creation and management of a new business. TEST For immediate ordering: www.entrepreneurship.qc.ca Tools offered by EVALUATION OF MY ENTREPRENEURIAL CHARACTERISTICS by Yvon Gasse with the cooperation of Nathalie Daigle, Jean-Jacques Bernier and Aline D'Amours, 32 pages, 1997 The questionnaire will enable you to compare your own traits with those of entrepreneurs. Before starting a business, take time out to assess your entrepreneurial potential! To order ❑ Montreal Entrepreneur’s Guidebook $36.13 (tax and handling included) ❑ Evaluation of my Entrepreneurial Characteristics $25.38 (tax and handling included) ❑ Catalogue 2002-2003 (french only) FREE Method of payment ❑ ❑ Cheque Credit card ❑ ❑ No.: MONTREAL ENTREPRENEUR’S GUIDEBOOK by Youth Employment Services, 548 pages, 1997 A unique all-in-one reference that takes you through all the necessary steps in becoming a successful entrepreneur. Whether you want to be your own boss in a one-person service company or build the next Bombardier, this guidebook is the place to start. TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I The Entrepreneurial Road Map – The necessary steps for success 1. Self-evaluation 2. Finding business ideas 3. Entrepreneurial options 4. Picking a winner 5. Market research 6. The business plan 7. Financing 8 Minding your business Part II The Resource Guide Expiration date: Signature: Name: Address: City: Postal Code: Telephone: Fax: E-mail: Please return to: 160, 76e Rue Est, bureau 250 Charlesbourg (Québec) G1H 7H6 Telephone: (418) 646-5400 TOLL-FREE: 1 800 661-2160 Fax: (418) 646-2246 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.entrepreneurship.qc.ca STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Technical and Financial Assistance Several regional agencies and Québec and Canadian government departments and agencies offer services and administer technical or financial assistance programs for businesses. Some of these programs are specifically for entrepreneurs under 35 years of age. The purpose of this section is to help you identify the departments and agencies that can best assist you. The departments and agencies are listed in four categories: regional resources, Québec government, Canadian government and other resource. At the end of this section, a number of programs are presented in table form. Do not hesitate to contact the Communication-Québec office in your region if you have difficulty finding certain agencies or departments. These offices also offer an information and referral service for starting a business. They also provide information and basic resource material in the form of guides and folders. Note that government programs generally have selection or eligibility criteria that sometimes limit access to them. Regional Resources Regional resources include most of the regional agencies that can supply information and technical or financial support to people who want to start a business. Some of them have offices in only a few regions of Québec. Their names may vary from one place to another. CDP Accès Capital CDP Accès Capital, the regional business network of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDP), provides Québec’s small businesses with capital in the form of various financial products. In addition, CDP Accès Capital provides businesses with access to CDP’s national and international business networks and to the financial know-how of its management teams. 50 CDP Accès Capital invests in promising enterprises that target sustained growth, as well as businesses in the start-up stage sponsored by an incubator or by experienced business executives. CDP Accès Capital may invest sums of up to $2,000,000 in eligible businesses in every sphere of activity. A newly sponsored business may be entitled to an equity loan ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 with a maximum term of three years. In the high tech sector, financial support may go as high as $5 million. A new product, Accès Relève, is specifically designed to ease the transfer of family property. It was developed for business owners concerned about ensuring the survival of their companies. CDP Accès Capital 2001, av. McGill College, 7e étage Montréal (Québec) H3A 1G1 Montréal area: (514) 847-2605 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-888-763-3456 Fax: (514) 847-2311 Website: www.cdpcapital.com La Caisse de dépôt et placement has CDP Accès Capital offices in 12 regions of Québec and New Brunswick. For information, contact CommunicationQuébec. Carrefours jeunesse-emploi (CJE) CJEs are found throughout Québec. A CJE is a non-profit organization that offers a range of services: reception, information and referral, training and advice, help in starting up small businesses and in returning to work or school. They are designed for 16 to 35-year-olds, regardless of their economic situation. These organizations provide no financial assistance, but their services are free. Services offered vary according to the needs of each situation. See page 11. Centres locaux de développement (CLD) Managed by local communities, CLDs are one-stop outlets for multiple entrepreneurship services. They offer direct services to assist and provide technical or financial support for individual or collective entrepreneurs, whether potential or active, including enterprises in the social economy, without distinction in terms of age or stage of development of the enterprise. 51 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance Congratulations! You’re at a turning point in life—going into business, building your own company, and finally being your own boss! When people tell you to “break a leg,” they remind you that success comes with effort and that nothing can ever replace hard work—or a topnotch advertising and marketing consultant. Success is at hand—go for it! Good luck! For information on Québec government programs and services, it's easy! Call us, come see us, or visit the Québec government Website. www.gouv.qc.ca STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! These services may include the following: • • • • Consultation, orientation, and referral Assistance in preparing business plans, including feasibility studies The search for financing Financial assistance for enterprises, including a special component for young people and the social economy • Entrepreneurship training • Support for businesses in order to improve the management of their personnel • Referral to more specialized services, particularly in the areas of exporting and technological development, or to services provided by organizations such as regional development cooperatives. Every CLD offers residents in its area specific assistance programs (see chart on page 79 - Ministère des Régions) For further information, contact the Association des CLD du Québec at www.acldq.qc.ca or by calling (418) 524-0893. See page 12. Conseils régionaux (CR) Using a structured cooperative approach, CRs, or regional councils, also known as “conseils régionaux de développement” (CRDs) or regional development councils, and “conseils régionaux de concertation et de développement” (CRCDs) or regional cooperation and development councils, are responsible for strategic regional planning and to this end sign general development agreements with the Québec government and special one-on-one agreements. Their primary function is essentially cooperation with regional resources in following up agreements and in defending regional interests. Coopératives de développement régional (CDR) The mandate of the CDRs, or regional development cooperatives, is to contribute to the economic development of the regions and to promote the emergence of new cooperative projects and job creation. They give advice for starting up, expanding, and consolidating cooperative enterprises. The services offered range from the preparation of feasibility studies to the drawing up of business plans, and include the search for financing, business follow-up, and training. They also promote the cooperative formula with all economic development stakeholders within their territory. 54 For the list of regional development cooperatives, visit the following Website: www.mic.gouv.qc.ca/cooperatives/liste-CDR.html Corporations de développement économique (CDEs and CDECs) The mandate of these economic development corporations, also known as “sociétés de développement économique” or economic development companies, “conseils économiques” or economic councils, and “commissariats industriels” or industrial commissariats, is to promote and accelerate the economic growth of their regions. They furnish business promoters with expertise, information, advice, and technical assistance in preparing projects. They are found at the regional county municipality or municipal level. In the Montréal region, there are corporations de développement économique et communautaire (CDECs), or economic and community development corporations. Since the establishment of local development centers, most of the bodies cited have been incorporated into the centers or act as their mandataries for specific services. Fonds régional de solidarité FTQ (FRS) There is a Fonds régional de solidarité FTQ in every region of Québec. These 17 organizations are limited partnerships with at least $6 million in capital. They may invest from $50,000 to $500,000 in businesses that are starting up, in the early stages of development, growing, or reorganizing their operations (subsequent investments may go as high as $1,250,000). Business Incubators and Industrial Motels Business incubators are organizations that help fledgling companies survive through the initial stages of their development. They are also low rent premises that provide an environment conducive to the development of entrepreneurs and their businesses. An incubator furnishes management advice, technical services (finding sources of start-up capital, a sponsorship network, and so on) and common services (telephone, secretarial services, photocopies, etc.). The premises of industrial motels are managed by a municipality or a nonprofit organization. Small and medium-sized businesses occupy them. In some cases, they offer shared secretarial and data processing services. Certain areas also have business centers (private businesses) that offer premises for rent where services can be shared. 55 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Réseau québécois du crédit communautaire (RQCC) Le Réseau québécois du crédit communautaire (Québec community credit network) encompasses 16 organizations, lending circles, and community lending funds spread throughout 11 administrative regions of Québec. These organizations are active in the community or microcredit sectors and provide help to marginalized members of society who are excluded from traditional banking networks. Network member organizations pursue their mission to fight poverty by providing access to credit and assisting people seeking to develop incomegenerating business endeavors (self-employment, market or social economy enterprises). For information on contacting network member organizations, call Communication-Québec. Société d’aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) The mission of the SADCs, or Community Futures Development Corporations, is to stimulate the community to take responsibility for its future. To this end, the SADCs intervene at a number of levels, including support for the creation, consolidation, and development of businesses through technical and financial services. Each company has an autonomous investment fund, which it uses to help small businesses in its community. The network of SADCs in Québec has 63 members that serve the entire province, with the exception of urban areas. 56 START OFF THE RIGHT FOOT by having a good knowledge of labour standards ! The Act respecting Labour Standards contains numerous provisions. It deals with the following subjects in particular: • Minimum wage and overtime; • Computation of indemnities for employees who receive tips; • Duration of the regular workweek; • Training period; • Work done by children; • Statutory holidays; • Annual leaves; • Leaves with or without pay; • Maternity leave and paternity leave; • Absences by reason of illness or accident; • Provisions relating to the termination of employment or dismissal. The Commission des normes du travail encourages employers and employees to clearly establish the conditions of employment at the time of hiring. If you plan to start a business and wish to obtain information about the application of the Act respecting Labour Standards, contact customer services at the Commission des normes du travail. Montréal Area Long-distance calls (toll free) Internet ( 514 ) 873-7061 1 800 265-1414 www.cnt.gouv.qc.ca L a b o u r s t a n d a rd s , l i k e p e o p l e , m u s t b e re s p e c t e d ! STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! For information on how to contact the network, call Communication-Québec: Réseau des SADC du Québec 979, avenue de Bourgogne, bureau 530 Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1W 2L4 Phone: (418) 658-1530 Fax: (418) 658-9900 Website: www.reseau-sadc.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Sociétés locales d’investissement dans le développement de l’emploi (SOLIDE) SOLIDEs, or local employment development investment companies, manage an investment fund designed to create or assist private businesses in order to contribute to the development of long-lasting jobs. There are currently SOLIDEs in a number of regional county municipalities and in eligible municipalities. The main objectives of SOLIDEs are to develop expertise in business creation and the management of development capital in the regions, to support job development and local economic activities, and to promote the creation of viable small businesses and help them develop. SOLIDEs may invest from $5,000 to $50,000 in projects relating to the primary, manufacturing, or propulsive service sectors, including tourism. For more information contact your regional county municipality or SOLIDEQ: SOLIDEQ 5050, boul. des Gradins, bureau 130 Québec (Québec) G2J 1P8 Phone: (418) 624-1634 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-866-624-1634 Fax: (418) 624-0462 Website: www.solideq.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Québec Government Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec (CRIQ) Banque d’information industrielle (Industrial Information Bank) Each year this branch of CRIQ publishes the Répertoire des produits disponibles au Québec (Directory of Products Available in Québec). This 58 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance directory is available at the following Website: www.icriq.com The CRIQ directory may also be consulted at Communication-Québec. Do you know the iCRIQ? iCRIQ is the biggest information portal for B2B e-commerce in Québec. The site provides direct access to nearly 27,000 Quebec businesses with detailed information on each and every one. In addition to company names and addresses, it features information on the products and services offered, total sales volume, key personnel, export operations, and more. Businesses listed on the iCRIQ site may also sell their products and services directly online through their e-catalogues. The iCRIQ B2B e-commerce information portal is in a way an advanced version of the Répertoire des produits disponibles au Québec. The database is updated on a regular basis. To register with iCRIQ, simply complete the online form. Bureau de normalisation du Québec Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) is a division of CRIQ and is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada. BNQ drafts standards for the performance of many products manufactured in Québec and certifies the conformity of these products with standards. For businesses, standardization and certification of products constitute a means of promoting the quality of their products and a major asset in their marketing strategies. BNQ also offers quality system certification services for international ISO 9000 standards, services for environmental management certification under ISO 14001 standards and laboratory certification under ISO/CEI 17025 as part of the PALCAN accreditation program. For information: Bureau de normalisation du Québec 333, rue Franquet Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1P 4C7 8475, av. Christophe-Colomb Montréal (Québec) H2M 2N9 Systems Registration: Québec City area: (418) 652-2296 Throughout Québec: 1-888-267-1476 Fax: (418) 652-2221 Standardization and Certification: Québec City area: (418) 652-2238 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-386-5114 Fax: (418) 652-2292 59 AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE RESOURCE REGIONS The strength of the regions An essential link in our economy $800 MILLION OVER THREE YEARS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE RESOURCE REGIONS* ❑ $350 million in tax and budget measures: • zero taxes for manufacturing SMEs; • refundable tax credit for processing activities; • budget measures targeting diversification of regional economies and development of niches of excellence in the regions. ❑ $264 million for growth in the resource sector ❑ $170 million to facilitate financing for SMEs and business creation * the seven resource regions of Québec are: Gaspésie–Îles-de-laMadeleine, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord, Nord-du-Québec, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, AbitibiTémiscamingue, and Mauricie. To find out more about these measures, most of which apply directly to Québec entrepreneurs, please contact the regional office of the Ministry of Regions nearest you or visit our Website: http://www.mreg.gouv.qc.ca STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Direction de l’information industrielle et technologique This branch of the CRIQ provides ad hoc technological and industrial information and strategic watch services. A full gamut of like services marketed under the brand name VigiProTM, with VigiPro software support, is offered by CRIQ, including the establishment of watch processes, contracting out of watch services to CRIQ if so desired and specific watch mandates. Service costs vary according to the complexity of the mandate. For information: Centre de recherche industrielle du Québec Parc technologique du Québec métropolitain 333, rue Franquet Sainte-Foy (Québec) G1P 4C7 Québec City area: (418) 659-1550 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-667-2386 Fax: (418) 652-2218 Website: www.criq.qc.ca Commission de l’équité salariale The Commission de l’équité salariale is responsible for administering the Pay Equity Act. Its main objective is to supervise the implementation and maintenance of pay equity in Québec. For information: Commission de l’équité salariale 200, chemin Sainte-Foy, 11e étage Québec (Québec) G1R 6A1 Québec City area: (418) 528-8765 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-888-528-8765 Fax: (418) 528-6999 Website: www.ces.gouv.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec (CALQ) CALQ, Québec’s council of arts and letters, is a government corporation devoted to the development and promotion of the arts. It offers financial support to professional artists and not-for-profit arts organizations. The Council’s main mandate is to encourage innovation, experimentation, and production in the visual arts, crafts, literature, drama, multidisciplinary arts, 62 media arts, and architectural research in all regions of Québec and to promote them throughout Québec, Canada, and abroad. For information: Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec 79, boul. René-Lévesque Est, 3e étage Québec (Québec) G1R 5N5 Québec City area: (418) 643-1707 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-897-1707 Fax: (418) 643-4558 Website: www.calq.gouv.qc.ca 500, Place d’Armes, 15e étage Montréal (Québec) H2Y 2W2 Montréal area: (514) 864-3350 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-608-3350 Fax: (514) 864-4160 Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) The ITHQ, Québec’s institute of tourism and hotel services, is mandated to provide professional training in the hotel, restaurant, and tourism fields and to perform research, supply technical assistance, produce information, and provide services in these areas. It is the only school in Canada that has three levels of education: secondary, college, and university. For information: Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec 401, rue de Rigaud Montréal (Québec) H2L 4P3 Montréal area: (514) 282-5108 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-361-5111 Fax: (514) 282-5126 Website: www.ithq.qc.ca Investissement Québec Investissement Québec is the gateway for investors seeking government assistance. It has a broad range of tools at its disposal to attract foreign investment and develop Québec businesses big and small in the aim of creating jobs. 63 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Are you committed to developing your community? Do you have a business project in mind? Simple ideas are often the spark for successful businesses that create jobs and contribute to the well-being and economic development of their local communities and region. The business solutions offered by Investissement Québec can make all the difference in achieving your goals. Information on products and services: Investissement Québec 393, rue Saint-Jacques, bureau 500 Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1N9 Phone: 1-866-870-0437 Fax: (514) 873-5786 Website: www.investquebec.com This agency also has offices in a number of regions. Ask CommunicationQuébec where they are located. La Financière agricole du Québec La Financière agricole du Québec was created in April 2001. It’s mission is to support and promote sustainable development in the agricultural and agrifood sectors in Québec. As the front-line organization in agricultural financing, insurance, and farm income protection in Québec, La Financière agricole administers a range of programs and provides agricultural and forestry businesses with financial resources that enable them to develop and evolve, and enhance their chances of success. Programs administered by the agency include the Establishment, Development, and Training Program. Under this program, establishment grants are awarded to farmers aged 18 to 40 who hold a minimum 20% share in a profitable farm business, and who have completed high school or college-level training in agriculture or the equivalent. Paid out in the form of a capital grant, the amount is $30,000 for college graduates with agricultural or equivalent training, and $20,000 for those with a vocational diploma in agriculture or the equivalent. For additional information on the products and services offered by La Financière agricole du Québec, contact the team of advisors at the regional office nearest you. Consult the blue pages of your phone book or call Communication-Québec. You can also consult the Website at www.financiereagricole.qc.ca 64 Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) MAPAQ, the agriculture, fisheries, and food department, advises business people involved in fisheries, agriculture and food, and refers them to the resources that can provide technical and financial assistance. MAPAQ’s services are designed for production, processing, distribution, and marketing enterprises. They are offered by MAPAQ’s regional divisions. In addition, the department’s Direction du développement de la transformation alimentaire et des marchés, or food processing and market division, has a documentation center open to the public by appointment. It contains, among other things, market studies, export statistics, analyses of consumption trends, and specialized documents on the marketing of biofoods. It subscribes to more than 250 periodicals and to databases on compact disk. For information about the center, call (514) 873-4410. But you will first be asked to contact MAPAQ’s regional divisions. Website: www.agr.gouv.qc.ca Ministère de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie (MRST) The Ministère de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie (MRST) is responsible for drawing up and implementing the Québec Policy on Science and Innovation, Knowledge to Change the World, which was developed in cooperation with department partners. The policy has three main focuses: training and sharing of science and technology, research, and innovation. To ensure effective implementation of the policy, MRST offers numerous assistance programs designed to support research and development activities, partnerships, research development efforts, and technology transfer. One of these programs, Support for the Development of Inventions (Section 3—Support for providing inventors with guidance), aims at increasing the number of inventions that lead to business start-ups or the issue of operating licenses. 65 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! For information: Ministère de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie Direction générale du développement de la recherche et de l’innovation 1150, chemin Saint-Louis, RC Sillery (Québec) G1S 4Y9 Québec City area: (418) 643-8757 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-877-511-5889 Fax: (418) 646-6888 Website: www.mrst.gouv.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (MEQ) Since 1998-1999, the Québec Entrepreneurship Contest has been promoting entrepreneurship in Québec. To do so, the contest, which is open to all residents of Québec, aims to mobilize stakeholders from the education sector and economic community. The contest comprises two major project groups, Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Business Creation. The former rewards school projects designed by students who used their entrepreneurial abilities successfully. The latter primarily involves real business projects presented by adults who are in the process of starting up a business or who have been thus engaged for less than a year. Entry forms are available from local offices listed on the Website. They can also be downloaded from the site. The deadline for entering the competition and submitting a project is March 28, 2002. For information: Québec Entrepreneurship Contest Édifice Marie-Guyart, 13e étage 1035, rue De La Chevrotière Québec (Québec) G1R 5A5 Québec City area: (418) 644-4255 Fax: (418) 644-6851 Website: www.inforoutefpt.org/concours Email: [email protected] 66 Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (MESS) Le Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale administers employment assistance (formerly, income security) and promotes job readiness and employment. It also provides income support services and employment assistance to Quebecers through the local employment centers (CLEs). Centre local d’emploi (CLE) Financial assistance services and public employment services, including placement services, are now housed under one roof, the centre local d’emploi (CLE), or local employment center. This network consists of nearly 150 service outlets distributed on the basis of the territories of Québec’s regional county municipalities (RCMs), urban neighborhoods, or districts. Two complementary and independent units, called modules, are found in each CLE: • The Financial Assistance Module, which handles the employment assistance program (formerly income security), the Parental Wage Assistance Program (PWA), and the Maternity Allowance Program (PRALMA). These used to be offered by Travail-Québec centers. • The Emploi-Québec Module, which provides a variety of employment assistance services for employment insurance participants, employment assistance beneficiaries, and other people with or without jobs, including: - Placement services (jobs throughout Québec) - Advice on finding employment - Information on the labor market - Occupational orientation services - Access to employability development activities, including practical internships - Technical support for eligible people who want to start their own businesses (support for self-employment) - Wage subsidies for the hiring of employees, to facilitate the employment integration of people at risk of extended unemployment 67 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Services are also offered to employers, including: • Placement services • Posting of employer’s job opportunities • On-the-job activities involving the adaptation and training of human resources at risk of job loss • Training subsidy (Fonds national de formation de la main-d’œuvre) • Advisory services regarding the Act to Promote Training and Manpower Development For further information, call: Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale Information and Complaints Office Québec City area: (418) 643-4721 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-888-643-4721 You may also visit the MESS Website at www.mess.gouv.qc.ca Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce (MIC) The mission of the MIC, the industry and trade department, is to contribute to Québec’s economic development by helping enhance business competitiveness and develop markets, with the aim of supporting job creation. To this end, it offers specialized assistance and information services to businesses that are already operating and want to adopt new technologies in order to improve their productivity or increase their market share, particularly through the development of exports. For information: Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce 380, rue Saint-Antoine Ouest 710, place D’Youville, 3e étage Québec (Québec) G1R 4Y4 Montréal (Québec) H2Y 3X7 Québec City area: (418) 691-5950 Montréal area: (514) 499-2550 Fax: (418) 644-0118 Fax: (514) 873-9913 Website: www.mic.gouv.qc.ca Email: [email protected] 68 Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l’Immigration (MRCI) The Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l’Immigration offers free services at every integration center for newcomers seeking to start up a business. The department can help you make contacts in the private and public sectors of your field of interest and provide information on the most promising markets and regions for setting up your business. For information on services available to business immigrants: Montréal: (514) 864-9191 Elsewhere in Québec: Québec City and Eastern Québec: 1-888-643-1435 Outaouais, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Northern Québec: 1-888-295-9095 Estrie, Mauricie, and Centre-du-Québec: 1-888-879-4288 Montérégie: 1-888-287-5819 Laval, Laurentides, and Lanaudière: 1-800-375-7426 Website: www.immq.gouv.qc.ca Ministère des Ressources naturelles (MRN) The Ministère des Ressources naturelles is responsible for the management and development of Québec’s lands and natural resources. The mission of the Ministère des Ressources naturelles is to foster knowledge of Québec’s land and energy, forest and mineral resources and ensure their sustainable enhancement and development for the benefit of the population. This department offers technical or financial assistance through various forest, energy, and mining programs. For more information, contact Communication-Québec. Website: www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) SODEC is a Québec company whose mandate is to promote and support the development of cultural enterprises, including the media, in all regions of Québec. It also helps to improve the quality of products and services and their competitiveness on all markets in Québec or abroad. As a one-stop information center for cultural enterprises, SODEC has various support tools. As part of its financing assistance, it offers guarantees, loans, renewable credit, or capital stock at terms that it determines. In addition to access to financing, enterprises in the areas of cinema and television production, recording, variety shows, books, specialized publishing, and crafts also have access to SODEC’s financial support in the form of grants, refundable assistance, or investment. 69 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! For information: Société de développement des entreprises culturelles 215, rue Saint-Jacques, bureau 800 Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1M6 Montréal area: (514) 841-2200 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-363-0401 Fax: (514) 841-8606 Website: www.sodec.gouv.qc.ca 36 1/2, rue Saint-Pierre Québec (Québec) G1K 3Z6 Québec City area: (418) 643-2581 Fax: (418) 643-8918 Tourisme Québec Tourisme Québec offers technical assistance and, in particular, administers the program entitled Support for tourism development. It manages, among other programs, the Fonds de développement touristique pour la Gaspésie, a fund for the development of tourism in the Gaspé region. For further information on the latter, call (418) 643-5959. For any other information, contact the tourism delegate in your region Tourisme Québec Regional Action and Investment Branch 900, boul. René-Lévesque Est, bureau 400 Québec (Québec) G1R 2B5 Québec City area: (418) 643-5959 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-482-2433 Fax: (418) 643-0549 Website: www.bonjourquebec.com Email: [email protected] 70 Canadian Government Note: For additional information on the programs and services offered by federal departments and agencies, call Communication Canada toll free at 1-800-622-6232 (calls from within Canada and the United States) or contact departments or agencies directly. Website: www.canada.gc.ca Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAC) Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada promotes the development, adaptation, and competitiveness of the Canadian agri-food and agriculture sector through policies, research, programs, and services implemented on a national scale. Its activities are aimed at optimizing the sector’s contribution to Canada’s economic and environmental objectives. The AAC also sees that Canadian consumers have a reliable source of healthy food at reasonable prices, while ensuring fair income for producers and processors. The department is also responsible for the Canada Cooperatives Secretariat. For information: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Public Information Service 930 Carling Avenue Room 135 Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C5 Ottawa area: (613) 759-1000 Website: www.agr.ca Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) BDC has a panoply of flexible, customized financial products aimed at promoting the growth of SMEs, including term loans, subordinate financing, and venture capital. BDC is also at the forefront of e-commerce with the creation of BDC ConnexTM, its virtual branch that provides access to all the financial products offered by BDC. Through its national network of private sector consultants, the BDC consulting group provides cost-effective solutions in the field of management support to SME executives, who can take advantage of the expertise of seasoned consultants in order to implement winning strategies in the areas of growth, quality, exports, and e-business. The BDC also addresses the special needs of women, native, and young entrepreneurs, an expanding target market for the bank. 71 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Canada Economic Development (CED) for Québec Regions This agency’s mandate consists in promoting the economic development of the regions of Québec, focusing on long-term economic development, job creation, and steady income and on supporting small and medium-sized businesses and promoting entrepreneurship. CED manages the Community Futures Development Program, which mainly involves 56 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs), 16 Community Economic Development Corporations, and 9 Business Development Centres. To find out more about CED’s financial assistance programs, including the Youth Strategy CED-CDAC: Youth Venture Capital, refer to the first table at the end of the guide. Website: www.dec-ced.gc.ca Canadian Heritage Canadian Heritage is responsible for, among other things, developing policies and administering programs in the areas of art, heritage, culture, radio, and television. For information: Canadian Heritage Regional Office Complexe Guy-Favreau Tour Ouest, 6e étage 200, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1X4 Montréal area: (514) 283-2332 Fax: (514) 496-4841 Website: www.pch.gc.ca Communication Division Terrasses de la Chaudière Édifice Jules-Léger, 10e étage 25, rue Eddy Hull (Québec) K1A 0M5 Hull Area: (819) 997-0055 Fax: (819) 953-5521 72 Farm Credit Corporation (FCC) The FCC is devoted exclusively to serving the financial needs of farmers. In addition to extending conventional loans, it can now finance improvement, expansion and diversification projects for agricultural enterprises. It can also lend its financial support to business projects specializing in added-value products outside the farm. This government corporation has several offices in Québec. For information: Farm Credit Corporation Throughout Québec: 1-877-332-3301 Website: www.fcc-sca.ca Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) This department is responsible for employment and employment insurance programs and services. It encourages employers and partner organizations to pool their efforts in order to promote job creation through activities aimed at the development of the community and the local economy. Contact the nearest Human Resource Centre of Canada. For the address and telephone number, see the blue pages of the phone book in the Government of Canada section, under Employment Insurance. Teletype machine: see page 90. 73 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Industry Canada Industry Canada publishes a guide to all the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada to small and medium-sized businesses. A Guide to Government of Canada Services and Support for Small Business can be obtained at the following Website: www.strategis.ic.gc.ca Strategis is a major site where Canadian business data are stored; it provides businesses with direct access to Industry Canada’s comprehensive information and specialized knowledge resources. National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) of the National Research Council of Canada is designed to stimulate wealth creation for Canada through technological innovation by Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To achieve this goal, the Council offers SMEs a vast network of consultants and service providers from whom businesses can obtain advice, scientific or technical information, and financial assistance for their innovative business ventures. For additional information, contact the industrial technology counselor at the nearest office of the NRCC or at the NRCC’s regional office in Boucherville. For information: National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program 75, boul. de Mortagne, suite P-101 Boucherville (Québec) J4B 6Y4 Montréal area: (450) 641-5300 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-977-7274 Fax: (450) 641-5301 Website: www.irap.nrc.ca/irap Standards Council of Canada (SCC) The Standards Council of Canada is the federal agency responsible for encouraging efficient and effective standardization in Canada when standardization is not governed by a legislative measure. The SCC has placed fact sheets and articles on the Internet on ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards, as well as databases on laboratories, accredited certification agencies, quality and environmental management systems and registries, Canadian standards, and federal regulations in Canada and throughout the world. 74 There are also electronic discussion groups for the preparation of standards, news and publications, and links to the main sites devoted to standardization. The site also offers new warning services by email. For information: Standards Council of Canada 270 Albert St., Bureau 200 Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6N7 Ottawa area (information): (613) 238-3222 Fax: (613) 569-7808 Website: www.ccn.ca Email: [email protected] Other Resources Société d’Investissement Jeunesse (SIJ) The SIJ, or youth investment company, is managed by a board of directors formed of business leaders and executives numbered among the most reputable in Québec. The purpose of this agency is to develop entrepreneurship among young people by supporting them financially in their commercial projects at the start-up stage, the acquisition stage, or the stage of investment in the capital stock of a business. It can also support young entrepreneurs in their efforts to market technological innovations. For information: Société d’Investissement Jeunesse 615, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest, bureau 720 Montréal (Québec) H3B 1P5 Montréal area: (514) 879-0558 Fax: (514) 879-0415 Website: www.sij.qc.ca Email: [email protected] Financial Assistance Programs and Measures The following chart presents a selection of financial assistance programs and measures. The name of the program, the clientele and a brief description are given. These programs and measures may be limited by specific selection and eligibility criteria. This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change in the coming year. 75 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Emploi-Québec (see Centres locaux d’emploi) Programs and Measures Clientele Description Fund to combat poverty through reintegration into the labor market The Fund’s new guidelines reaffirm the importance of reaching people who are economically disadvantaged. The fund welcomes projects for occupational reintegration, job preparation and job creation. The Fund’s main objective is to integrate the following groups into the workplace: Employment assistance beneficiaries (social assistance) • Immigrants and mainly visible minorities • Single parents Salary Grants (2 components: Workplace Insertion + Work Experience) • Persons at risk of prolonged unemployment; • Employment assistance beneficiaries (social assistance); • Employment insurance participants; • Persons without public income support. Workplace Insertion Component: Salary grant to the employer aimed at integrating into the workforce people who are at risk of prolonged unemployment, who are having difficulty integrating the labor force, and who would not find work without this measure. Work Experience Component: Salary grant to the employer. The goal is to encourage the acquisition of transferable professional experience that can serve as a springboard for people at risk of prolonged unemployment with a view to eventually integrating them into sustainable jobs. 76 Investissement Québec Measures and Programs Clientele Description SMB Spark Financial assistance is in the form of a loan guarantee of up to 80% of losses assumed by the lender institution. Loans may also be granted in the event all other forms of financing prove impossible. The maximum assistance granted is $125,000. SMB Spark helps new businesses secure startup funding. You must either be starting your own business or in operation for less than 3 years. SMB Guarantee SME Guarantee helps businesses that are starting up or planning an investment project. Financial assistance is in the form of a loan guarantee of up to 80% of losses assumed by the lender institution. Loans may also be granted in the event all other forms of financing prove impossible. The maximum assistance granted is $50,000. Co-op Guarantee Co-op Guarantee helps businesses that are starting up or planning an investment project. The assistance may take the form of a guarantee on a capital loan from a lending institution OR a capital or quasi-equity loan. The program is specifically designed for producer, consumer, shareholder workers, and solidarity cooperatives. NPO Guarantee (Social Economy NPO Guarantee provides assistance to non-profit commercial businesses constituted under Part 3 of the Companies Act and that meet certain criteria. The assistance may take the form of a guarantee on a capital loan from a lending institution OR a capital or quasi-equity loan. 77 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! FAIRE (Private Investment The FAIRE program provides and Job Creation Promotion assistance to businesses that Fund) are starting up or planning an investment project. Financial assistance may take one or several of the following forms: • Cost sharing of up to 50% of the cost of To benefit from FAIRE startfeasibility studies on up assistance, the project obtaining a worldwide requires a minimum production mandate investment of $2 million and (maximum of $100,000) must create at least 50 jobs. • A repayment guarantee equivalent to no more than 70% of the net loss in respect of a loan, credit margin, letter of credit, lease, financial lease, or any other financial commitment granted by a financial institution (such a financial commitment may not exceed 75% of the cost of the project) • A repayable or nonrepayable contribution or a contribution subject to conditional repayment Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce Programs and Measures Clientele Régime d’investissement coopératif (RIC) Members and employees of producers’, workers’ and shareholder workers’cooperatives. 78 Description Each member and each worker can deduct from his taxable income 100% to 150% of investments made during a year. Ministère des Régions Programs and Measures Clientele Description Local Investment Fund Local entrepreneurs (by facilitating access to startup and expansion capital for conventional or social economybusinesses). Financial assistance in the form of loans, equity loans, loan guarantees, bonds, bond acquisitions or other debt security, capital stocks, share capital, or other. The amount of financial assistance is determined by the CLD. Social Economy Enterprise Development Fund Collective promoters (not-for-profit organizations and coops) of viable projects within social economy enterprises. Financial assistance in the form of grants. The amount of financial assistance is determined by the CLD. Young Promoters Program Entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 seeking to set up their first business. The financial contribution may be for one of the following: 1. Business startup (feasibility study); 2. Creation of a first business; 3. Entrepreneur training. Financial assistance in the form of a nonrefundable amount. The amount of financial assistance is determined by the CLD and varies depending on the criteria. Société d’investissement jeunesse Programs and Measures Clientele Description Financial support program for young business people People 18 to 35 years of age. The SIJ guarantees loans extended by financial institutions, repayable over 5 years at an attractive rate. 79 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Business Development Bank of Canada Programs and Measures Clientele Description Growth capital for native businesses Aboriginal entrepreneurs. Financing of up to $25,000 (new businesses) and $100,000 (established businesses). Micro Business Program Small innovative businesses with high potential that are either starting up or are in the early stages of development. Management support and term financing of up to $25,000 (new businesses) and $50,000 (established businesses). Youth Entrepreneur Financing Program People 18 to 34 years of age. Term financing up to $25,000, and 50 hours of personalized management support. BDC Connextm New or established SMEs. Available financial products include the Global Line of Credit™, which offers financing of up to $50,000, in particular to businesses that need a microloan. Canada Economic Development (CED) Programs and Measures Clientele Description IDEA-SME, Innovation, R&D and Design component Generally repayable financial assistance, based on eligible expenses, offered according to the nature of the project. 80 Small and medium-sized enterprises, business combinations, associations and support organizations. Industry Canada Programs and Measures Clientele Description Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Small for-profit businesses and the professions. Loans at variable or fixed rates extended by financial institutions and guaranteed by the government. Community Futures Development Corporations Programs and Measures Clientele Description Investment Fund Promoters of a new business Financial in the or an expansion project. form of a loan, loan guarantees or the purchase of capital stock; maximum of $125,000. Youth Strategy CED/CDAC (Youth Venture Capital) People 18 to 35 years of age. Financial assistance in the form of a personal loan with holiday on interest for acquiring, starting up, modernizing, or expanding a business. Loans from $5,000 to $15,000. 81 2002 EDITION Technical and Financial Assistance STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Employment Development Assistance Measures This table gives the most popular employment development assistance measures. The name of the measure, the clientele, and a brief description are provided. The list is not complete. Emploi-Québec (see Centres locaux d’emploi) Programs and Measures Clientele Young Volunteers People 16 to 29 years of age. Young people may use the program to carry out a business project; they receive an operating budget, a participation allowance and a child day care allowance if necessary. Support for self-employment • Employment assistance beneficiaries (social assistance); • Employment insurance beneficiaries; • Persons with no public income support; • Workers with precarious status. 82 Description Financial support or technical support is offered for the preparation and implementation stages of a business plan. Markets to Be Explored Government Contracts The Québec and Canadian governments are consumers of goods and services through their departments and agencies. Québec Government Firms interested in obtaining government contracts can apply to the Service du fichier of the Conseil du trésor, which administers a list of qualified suppliers registered according to certain specialties and contract levels. Among other things, this service enables information to be obtained on the rules governing the awarding of contracts, registration in the File of Suppliers, government requirements regarding ISO 9000 standards, and the online system for public calls for tenders, listed by activity sector (suppliers of goods and of auxiliary and professional services, contractors, etc.). For information: Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor Service du fichier, édifice H 875, Grande-Allée Est, section 3-B-2 Québec (Québec) G1R 5R8 Québec City area: (418) 643-8463 Fax: (418) 646-4613 Website: www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/marche/march4.htm Email: [email protected] Canadian Government Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) calls on the businesses registered in the Contracts Canada Supplier Registration Information (SRI) system. Le SRI is a database that can be accessed via the Contracts Canada Website (http://contractscanada.gc.ca).Companies can register themselves or call on PWGSC registration agents for assistance. PWGSC generally consults the lists and database entries of registered business for competitive bids of under $25,000, for most architecture and engineering consulting contracts under $80,900, and for construction and maintenance contracts under $60,000. 83 2002 EDITION Markets to Be Explored STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! The Contracts Canada SRI not only serves the needs of PWGSC, but also allows all federal government purchasers to find suppliers for low value markets. All federal departments and agencies have access to the SRI system. Suppliers that register with SRI are given a Procurement Business Number (PBN) that identifies them within the system. The PBN will eventually become the identifier used in all government purchase and payment systems. PWGSC posts calls for bids that exceed the amounts mentioned above using the MERX electronic system. Companies can consult the invitations to bid free of charge and order documents for a certain fee. For information: Public Works and Government Services Canada Central Administration Contracts Canada Website: www.contractscanada.gc.ca InfoLine: (819) 956-3440 or 1-800-811-1148 Québec City Office Contracts Canada – Eastern Québec Gare maritime Champlain 901, rue Cap Diamant, local 240 Québec (Québec) G1K 4K1 (418) 649-2872 Fax: (418) 648-2209 Montréal Office Contracts Canada – Western Québec Complexe Guy-Favreau 6e étage, Tour Est 200, boul. René-Lévesque Ouest Montréal (Québec) H2Z 1X4 (514) 496-3390 Fax: (514) 496-3822 MERX Inc. Throughout Québec: 1-800-964-6379 Fax: 1-888-235-5800 Website: www.merx.cebra.com 84 Export Markets Unless your sector of activity obliges you to export from the start in order to make your business profitable, generally you should wait until the business is well established before thinking of going into international trade. With market globalization, foreign markets are becoming increasingly accessible. It may be wise to plan on exporting in the relatively long term. Many elements must be considered, including knowledge of the market, culture and customs of the inhabitants of the countries to which you want to export, and the rules applying to relations between buyers and sellers. To help you meet export challenges, consult the regional divisions and offices of the Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce du Québec (MIC), which can offer you, among other things, advice regarding the IMPACT PME program. Under this assistance program, qualified staff can be hired to carry out projects related to innovation and international trade. This assistance program supports foreign market prospecting activities and special international trade projects. For information from the Government of Québec For general information, call the MIC-Exports line: Montréal: (514) 496-7177 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-877-496-7177 (toll free) You may also ask for assistance from an MIC consultant or visit the Department’s Website at www.mic.gouv.qc.ca Technical and financial assistance is also offered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. For information from the Government of Canada : Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada InfoCentre Lester B. Pearson Building 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 Ottawa area: (613) 944-4000 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-267-8376 Fax: (613) 996-9709 Website: www.maeci.gc.ca 85 2002 EDITION Markets to Be Explored You can also consult Info entrepreneur and Ressources Entreprises, which are mentioned in the Sources of Information chapter: (see pages 11 to 14) Counselors in the regional divisions of the Ministère de l’Industrie et du Commerce (MIC) and those in the business offices of Canada Economic Development (CED) offer general export information. Canada Economic Development can also help you prepare a marketing plan, identify potential markets, and participate in various assistance programs. It can also help you consult and register your business with the Business Opportunities Sourcing System (BOSS). A business registered with BOSS is automatically registered with WIN Exports, the world export data network. Lastly, you can seek assistance from export commissioners, who are mandated to promote exports and assist business owners interested in exporting. For contact information for the export commissioner in your region, call Communication-Québec. 87 2002 EDITION Markets to Be Explored STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Documentation The publications listed in below are available free at CommunicationQuébec offices. Ministère du Revenu du Québec • • • • • • Should I Register with the Ministère du Revenu? Guide to Registration – Instruction and Application Are You Self-Employed? Aide-memoire on taxation New Businesses and Taxation Business and Professional Income Installment Payments of Income Tax Inspecteur général des institutions financières • The NEQ – Québec Entreprise Number – A single number for all enterprises operating in Québec • Vous cliquez «affaires»? – Le registre des entreprises individuelles, des sociétés et des personnes morales (available in French only) Following are a number of reference works, most of which are on sale in bookstores or from Publications du Québec or from Fondation de l’Entrepreneurship. • CONSEIL NATIONAL SUR LE FRANCHISAGE ET LE PARTENARIAT (CNFP), in cooperation with the MINISTÈRE DE L’INDUSTRIE ET DU COMMERCE, Le guide des franchises et du partenariat au Québec, 6th ed., Éditions Logiques, 2001, 262 p. • DUPONT, Élaine and GAULIN, Huguette, Se lancer en affaires, Les étapes pour bien structurer un projet d’entreprise, 4th edition, Les Publications du Québec, 1997, 432 p. • FORTIN, Paul-A., Devenez entrepreneur, Éditions Transcontinentales inc. and Presses de l’Université Laval, 1992, 360 p. • INSPECTOR GENERAL OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, The Principal Juridical Forms of Enterprises in Québec, 3rd edition, Les Publications du Québec, 2000, 94 p. • MINISTÈRE DE L’INDUSTRIE ET DU COMMERCE, Prêt pour un prêt (video and guide), Les Publications du Québec, 1999. • MINISTÈRE DE L’INDUSTRIE ET DU COMMERCE, Collection de 21 guides de gestion, (for young entrepreneurs), Les Éditions Transcontinental and Fondation de l’entrepreneurship, 48 pages each. 88 Self-Employed Workers • CANADA CUSTOMS AND REVENUE AGENCY, Employee or SelfEmployed?, (brochure RC4110). • LAFERTÉ, Sylvie and SAINT-PIERRE, Gilles, Profession : travailleur autonome, coll. Entreprendre, Les Éditions Transcontinental and Fondation de l’entrepreneurship, Montréal and Charlesbourg, 1997, 272 p. • NADEAU, Jean Benoît, Le guide du travailleur autonome: tout savoir pour faire carrière chez soi, Éd. Québec/Amérique, 1997, 264 p. • VAN COILLIE-TREMBLAY, Brigitte and DUBUC, Yvan, En affaires à la maison: le patron c’est vous!, coll. Entreprendre, Les Éditions Transcontinental and Fondation de l’entrepreneurship, Montréal and Charlesbourg, 1994, 342 p. How to Prepare a Business Plan • BELLEY, André, DUSSAULT, Louis and LAFERTÉ, Sylvie, Comment rédiger son plan d’affaires à l’aide d’un exemple de projet d’entreprise, coll. Entreprendre, Les Éditions Transcontinental and Fondation de l’entrepreneurship, Montréal and Charlesbourg, 1996, 269 p. • DUPONT, Élaine and GAULIN, Huguette, Se lancer en affaires, Les étapes pour bien structurer un projet d’entreprise, 4th edition, Les Publications du Québec, 1997, 432 p. • SOCIÉTÉ D’INVESTISSEMENT JEUNESSE (SIJ), Plan d’affaires pour le démarrage d’une entreprise and Plan d’affaires pour l’acquisition d’une entreprise (free). Enterprises in the Social Economy • CONSEIL DE LA COOPÉRATION DU QUÉBEC, Démarrer et gérer une entreprise coopérative, Les Éditions Transcontinental and Fondation de l’entrepreneurship, Montréal and Charlesbourg, 1999, 194p. Exporting • INSTITUT DE LA STATISTIQUE DU QUÉBEC, Commerce international du Québec – Édition 1999, Publications du Québec, 2000, 114 p. • MINISTÈRE DE L’INDUSTRIE ET DU COMMERCE, The Export Connection, Publications du Québec, 1999, 80 p. • MINISTÈRE DES AFFAIRES INTERNATIONALES, La filière du contrat international, Publications du Québec, 1995, 76 p. • MINISTÈRE DE L’INDUSTRIE ET DU COMMERCE, Guide to International Transport, Publications du Québec, 1999, 88 p. 89 2002 EDITION Documentation STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Services for the Deaf or Hard-of-hearing Who Have a Teletype Machine The following numbers are for the exclusive use of the deaf or hard-hearing who have a teletype machine. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (formerly Revenue Canada) Throughout Québec: 1-800-665-0354 Commission des normes du travail Throughout Québec: (514) 864-3920 Communication-Québec Montréal area: (514) 873-4626 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-361-9596 Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) Montréal area: (514) 875-7615 Elsewhere in Québec—employment insurance: 1-800-529-3742 Ministère du Revenu du Québec Montréal area: (514) 873-4455 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-361-3795 Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux Québec City area: (418) 528-7666 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-877-663-8172 Régie des rentes du Québec Throughout Québec: 1-800-603-3540 Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec Montréal area: (514) 954-7763 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-565-7763 90 Québec Government Portal To access Québec governement information available over the Internet, simply visit the Québec government portal: www.gouv.qc.ca Communication-Québec Offices Use the following number if you are making a long-distance call: 1-800-363-1363 (toll-free) Baie-Comeau 625, boul. Laflèche, bureau 701 Baie-Comeau (Québec) G5C 1C5 (418) 295-4000 Drummondville 270, rue Lindsay, RC 16 Drummondville (Québec) J2B 1G3 (819) 475-8777 Gaspé 96, montée Sandy-Beach, 1er étage, bureau 1.02 Gaspé (Québec) G4X 2W4 (418) 360-8000 Granby 77, rue Principale, RC 22 Granby (Québec) J2G 9B3 (450) 776-7100 Hull 170, rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, RC 120 Hull (Québec) J8X 4C2 (819) 772-3232 91 2002 EDITION Communication-Québec Offices STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Îles-de-la-Madeleine 224-A, route Principale Case postale 340 Cap-aux-Meules (Québec) G0B 1B0 (418) 986-3222 Joliette Édifice Louis-Cyr 450, rue Saint-Louis, RC 20 Joliette (Québec) J6E 2Y8 (450) 752-6800 Jonquière 3950, boul. Harvey Jonquière (Québec) G7X 8L6 (418) 695-7850 Laval 1796, boul. des Laurentides, Vimont Laval (Québec) H7M 2P6 (514) 873-2111 Longueuil 118, rue Guilbault, RC 101 Longueuil (Québec) J4H 2T2 (514) 873-2111 Montréal Place Dupuis 800, boul. de Maisonneuve Est, RC 2 Montréal (Québec) H2L 4L8 (514) 873-2111 Québec 400, boul. Jean-Lesage, bureau 105 Québec (Québec) G1K 8W1 (418) 643-1344 Rimouski 337, rue Moreault Rimouski (Québec) G5L 1P4 (418) 727-3939 92 2002 EDITION Communication-Québec Offices Rouyn-Noranda 255, avenue Principale, RC 01 Rouyn-Noranda (Québec) J9X 7G9 (819) 763-3241 Saint-Antoine Galeries des Laurentides 500, boul. des Laurentides, bureau 1503-C Saint-Antoine (Québec) J7Z 4M2 (450) 569-3019 Saint-Félicien 1209, boul. Sacré-Cœur Case postale 7 Saint-Félicien (Québec) G8K 2P8 (418) 679-0433 Saint-Georges 11287, 1re Avenue Est, bureau 100 Saint-Georges (Québec) G5Y 2C2 (418) 226-3000 Saint-Hyacinthe 600, avenue Sainte-Anne Saint-Hyacinthe (Québec) J2S 5G5 (450) 778-6500 Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu 109, rue Saint-Charles Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Québec) J3B 2C2 (450) 346-6879 Salaberry-de-Valleyfield 83, rue Champlain Salaberry-de-Valleyfield (Québec) J6T 1W4 (450) 370-3000 Sept-Îles 456, avenue Arnaud, RC 01 Sept-Îles (Québec) G4R 3B1 (418) 964-8000 Sherbrooke 200, rue Belvédère Nord, RC 02 Sherbrooke (Québec) J1H 4A9 (819) 820-3000 93 STARTING A BUSINESS Communication-Québec Just think about us! Thetford Mines 183, rue Pie-XI Thetford Mines (Québec) G6G 3N3 (418) 338-0181 Trois-Rivières 100, rue Laviolette, RC 26 Trois-Rivières (Québec) G9A 5S9 (819) 371-6121 Val-d’Or 1212, 8e Rue Val-d’Or (Québec) J9P 3N7 (819) 354-4444 Teletype Machine The deaf or hard-of-hearing can reach Communication-Québec using a teletype machine. The following numbers are reserved only for this use: Montréal region: (514) 873-4626 Elsewhere in Québec: 1-800-361-9596 94 Starting a business? Need information about taxes and source deductions? Get the answers you need at our Business Windows! For further information, contact the office of the Ministère du Revenu in your area. w w w. re v e n u . g o u v. q c. c a Note 96 I demand top quality. Ms. Nicole Vincent, Owner, Imprimerie Vincent ltée Desjardins, a partner of Imprimerie Vincent ltée, offers the optimal business solutions suited to your market. • Corporate Financial Centres located all across Québec • A unique network of Account Managers • A flexible structure conducive to rapid decision-making • Financial products that match your ambitions • An extensive network of international correspondents • A virtual network constantly being updated Desjardins business: Picture-Perfect. www.desjardins.com You are all business. And you need financing to carry off your next successful venture. Talk to us first. Together we can make things happen. Your first place to call: 1-866-870-0437 www.investquebec.com