CERI — Écosystèmes d'innovation régionaux ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at all stages of development - Startup companies and early-stage ventures - Established businesses seeking competitive enhancement - Organizations operating within designated regional innovation ecosystems - Businesses demonstrating commitment to regional economic development - Private sector companies (primary focus) - Potentially collaborative consortiums or business networks within regions ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable contribution/financial assistance - Funding Structure: Direct grants to support business development initiatives - Grant Size: Variable based on project scope and regional allocation (specific amounts not detailed in description) - Matching Requirements: Likely involves cost-sharing arrangements (standard for Canadian regional development programs) - Repayability: Non-repayable grants (typical for CERI-type programs) - Budget Allocation: Funds distributed across regional innovation ecosystems ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Strengthening support networks within regional ecosystems - Business competitiveness enhancement initiatives - Innovation ecosystem development and infrastructure - Networking and collaboration activities among regional businesses - Capacity building for businesses at various development stages - Support services for startup and scale-up activities - Regional economic development projects ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Organization must be located within an eligible regional innovation ecosystem - Businesses must demonstrate potential for growth and competitiveness improvement - Participation in regional network strengthening activities may be required - Compliance with regional innovation strategy objectives - Reporting requirements on business development outcomes and ecosystem contributions - Likely performance metrics related to job creation or economic impact - Funds must support initiatives aligned with regional innovation priorities - Timeline subject to regional program delivery schedules and application cycles