Desjardins Momentum Fund: How to Apply + Eligibility

Desjardins Momentum Fund: How to Apply + Eligibility

Growing a local business often requires extra funding, especially for innovation, digital upgrades, or sustainability projects. The Desjardins Momentum Fund gives Canadian businesses in certain regions a chance to access non-repayable grants. These funds support scaling up, job creation, and stronger local economies. The program is managed by Desjardins and is open to businesses operating within their service areas. It is not available nationwide, so you must check if your business location qualifies.

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What Is the Desjardins Momentum Fund?

The Desjardins Momentum Fund is a grant program that helps businesses grow and improve their communities. The funding is non-repayable, meaning you do not need to pay it back if you follow the program rules.

The fund supports projects that:

• Grow your business
• Create or keep quality jobs
• Encourage innovation, sustainability, and digital change

Desjardins aims to help businesses that make a positive impact locally.

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Desjardins Momentum Fund Eligibility Requirements

To apply, your business must meet every requirement.

Eligible businesses must:

• Be legally registered in Canada
• Operate within a Desjardins service region or community
• Show plans to grow, such as:
  • Expanding operations
  • Increasing sales
  • Creating new jobs
  • Launching new products or services
• Prove commitment to the local economy, like hiring local staff or buying from local suppliers

You can usually submit only one application per business per funding cycle.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your business fits regional and sector requirements.

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Eligible Expenses Under the Desjardins Momentum Fund

You can use grant funds for many business improvements, including:

• Technology and digital upgrades
  • New software
  • E-commerce tools
  • Cybersecurity improvements
• Innovation and product development
  • Prototyping
  • Process changes
• Sustainability and energy efficiency
  • Upgrading equipment
  • Energy-saving projects
• Employee training
• Organizational improvements

All expenses must relate directly to your approved project and business growth goals.

For more information, see:
What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?

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How Much Funding Can You Get?

The Desjardins Momentum Fund offers up to $20,000 per approved project. Funding amounts depend on your project’s scope, job creation, and how well it fits Desjardins’ community goals.

The grant is non-repayable, so it is not a loan.

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Desjardins Momentum Fund Application Process

Applying is simple but competitive.

Application steps:

1. Define your project
   • Explain what you will do, why it matters, and how it supports business growth
2. Check eligibility
   • Make sure your business and project meet all requirements
3. Prepare documents
   • Business registration
   • Project budget and timeline
   • Description of economic and community impact
4. Submit your application
   • Send your application directly to Desjardins

Meeting the eligibility rules does not guarantee funding. The best applications show clear links to job creation, innovation, or long-term growth.

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on growth: Projects must show how they will help your business expand or improve.
• Highlight community impact: Explain how your project benefits your local area or economy.
• Provide detailed budgets: List expenses clearly, avoid lump sums.
• Apply only once per cycle: Multiple applications from the same business are not allowed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Desjardins Momentum Fund a grant or a loan?
It is a non-repayable grant. You do not need to pay back approved funding if you follow program rules.

Q: How often can I apply?
Most businesses can submit one application per funding cycle.

Q: What is the maximum funding amount?
You can receive up to $20,000 per project, based on your project’s impact and eligibility.

Q: Are startups eligible?
Startups may qualify if they are legally registered and can show growth potential and community impact.

Q: Is grant funding taxable?
Grants are usually considered taxable income. Ask your accountant how it affects your business.

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GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada. You can check which ones fit your business location and plans.

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Next Steps

If the Desjardins Momentum Fund suits your business goals, start by outlining a project that shows clear growth and local impact. Many businesses combine this grant with other regional or innovation programs to cover more costs. GrantHub helps you find compatible grants and avoid application conflicts.