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Program Benefits
Do you need to hire expertise to help implement the recommendations received in Step 1? If so, this program is for you.
You can get support for up to 80% of your project costs to a maximum of $20,000.
Program Journey
- You complete Step One of the program.
- You identify the consultant you wish to work with and complete an online application, attaching the Consultant's statement of work (SOW).
- LearnSphere evaluates the application and, if approved, issues a letter of offer (5-10 business days).
- The Consultant carries out the SOW, provides you with a final report, and invoices you for the work.
- You submit a claim package including the Consultant's final report.
- LearnSphere reimburses you for project costs within 30 days.
Ready to apply?
If you have already completed Step One, please proceed to the application form using the button below.
Examples of Eligible Activities and Costs
| Eligible Activities | Eligible Costs | Ineligible Costs |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my business is eligible?
You are eligible if you have completed Step 1 and have received recommendations from the consultant.
How much will it cost?
You can receive up to 80% of non-repayable funding assistance, to a maximum of $20,000. Total project costs must be at least $5,000 to qualify for assistance. However, you must cash-flow all project costs up front and LearnSphere will reimburse you. Reimbursement only occurs once the work is complete, you have submitted your claim, and the reporting requirements are fully satisfied.
How can I claim my refund?
You pay all project expenses, including HST, as they are incurred. Upon completion of the project's activities, you will be required to submit a claim to LearnSphere. This claim must include a detailed final report, copies of all invoices, and corresponding proof of payment. LearnSphere will review and approve your documentation. Reimbursement payments are issued within 30 days after all documentation has been approved.
How long is a typical project?
Typically, projects take 2 - 4 months to complete. They must not exceed 6 months.
Can I delegate the work of the project to an employee?
No, the funding must be used to pay professional fees for expertise that does not exist in-house. However, you or a staff member should be designated to work closely with the consultant to help advance the project.
How will my application be evaluated?
All applications are evaluated against a list of established criteria. The evaluation aims to ensure that the proposed activities align with the recommendations received in Step 1.
How do I find a consultant?
You may already have a consultant in mind. If not, LearnSphere has a list of consultants with proven experience in the sector from which you can choose.
NOTE: in order to apply, you must already have a consultant’s proposal to include with your application.
What should be included in the Consultant's statement of work (SOW)?
You will need to provide SavoirSphère with the statement of work that the consultant you have chosen will undertake. Follow the steps below to ensure that you receive the information you need from your consultant:
- Ensure that the chosen consultant understands your needs as well as the expected outcomes.
- Be clear about the budget available for this work.
- Communicate to the consultant the timeline within which the work must be completed (maximum of 6 months).
- Agree on the scope of the work. This should include the following components:
Example of a Quality Consulting Proposal
Understanding of your Need The proposal describes your business need as the consultant understands it. Example: Adventure Escapes is a mid-sized eco-tourism operator specializing in outdoor adventures. They offer accommodations, outdoor activities, and food and beverage facilities. Despite steady growth over the last few years, the operator is interested in targeting a higher yield visitor. The Operator has undergone an in-depth assessment of all aspects of the business and knows what his priorities are for increasing yield. He would like to focus on refreshing his culinary offering to offer more local grown and raised ingredients in order to better align to the expectations of the higher yield guest. |
Recommended Solution The proposal provides recommendations on how your business need will be addressed and what the deliverable(s) will be. Example: Consulting Company ABC proposes to look at the current food offering and implement changes to incorporate local grown and raised ingredients into their menus while also incorporating sustainable practices. |
Scope of Work The proposal provides a detailed Scope of Work, including any sub-contracted work or purchases required, component costs, and completion date. Example components could include:
Professional fees: 15 days @ $1,500/day = $22,500 + HST
Completion date: Three months from signing |
Qualifications This section provides background information on the consultant to ensure they have the appropriate qualifications to adequately complete the deliverable.
Example: Consulting Company ABC has over 20 years experience in the tourism sector. Past projects include delivering industry development workshops, developing accreditation programs and local food strategies and assessing sustainability initiatives of tourism businesses. |
*Travel costs are reimbursed in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive.
Can my application include more than one activity?
Yes, you may submit an application that covers several eligible activities.
If you intend to hire more than one Consultant, each for a different activity, you must attach the proposals from all Consultants to your application.
For more information
Contact Carolyne Mongrain, Project Manager
This program is managed by LearnSphere, with financial assistance from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
