DEC — Expansion des entreprises et productivité — CERI pour les PMEs

📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as defined by Canadian government standards - Established businesses with demonstrated operations - Enterprises operating in all sectors across Canada - Organizations seeking to expand operations, adopt innovation, or diversify markets - Not eligible: Startups without operational history, non-profit organizations, or sole proprietors without business registration ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable financial assistance (grant, not loan) - Funding Amount: Variable based on project scope and business size (specific maximum not detailed in description) - Cost-Sharing: Likely requires business contribution (matching ratio to be confirmed with program administrator) - Repayability: Funds do not require repayment if milestones and conditions are met - Disbursement: Staged payments tied to project milestones and deliverables ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Business expansion activities and operational scaling - Adoption of innovative technologies and processes - Commercialization of new technologies - Market diversification initiatives - Technology implementation costs - Process improvement and productivity enhancement projects - Associated costs directly tied to approved expansion or innovation activities ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Completion of detailed project proposal and application - Demonstration of clear expansion, innovation, or market diversification strategy - Achievement of defined project milestones to receive staged funding - Regular reporting and progress documentation requirements - Compliance with program guidelines and eligible expense rules - Project completion within specified timeline - Maintenance of records and financial accountability - Funds must be used solely for approved purposes - Business must remain operational and meet employment/economic impact targets