Professional Services Program (PSP) Client Info Sheet for 2014-2015 Program Objective  The program is funded by the National Research Council Canada (NRC) through its Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).  The objective of the Professional Services Program (PSP) is for a qualified technology SME developing its own products and services to access a new professional advisor for initial assistance relevant to its growth.  The program will provide one-on-one consultation and assistance to qualified SMEs within a professional domain. Services will include but are not limited to the following professional services: Accounting Business Strategy Commercial Law Human Resources Intellectual Property Technology Development Eligible Applicant A growth oriented Canadian incorporated technology SME (< 100 employees) developing its own products and services to seek initial assistance in professional areas relevant to its growth. Eligible and Ineligible Costs The program will support the professional advisory time only and will exclude cost of capital, materials, inventory and any on-going operational costs such as travel expenses, incorporation, certification filing fees, taxes, other filing fees or the production of custom deliverables such as strategy documents, marketing materials etc. as ineligible costs Maximum Hours and Assistance Maximum number of hours is 5 hours per engagement with no more than 2 PSP engagements per SME. The program is limited to 1 engagement per SME in a given professional/expert field even across multiple fiscal years. Maximum assistance is up to $1,500.00. Additional costs beyond the $1,500 including eligible expenses will not be supported under the program. Contributory Requirement Applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable administrative fee to SSMIC in the amount of 10% of the total funds requested plus HST. Contribution must be received before any payment funds are advanced to contractors. Other Program Conditions  The applicant to submit a completed funding application form with at least one quote/estimate from a qualified service provider detailing the proposed scope of work by the number of hours and professional rate per hour. The applicant may select a service provider from the list provided by SSMIC or it can propose one that will require SSMIC’s prior approval. The proposed service provider must agree to SSMIC’s terms and conditions to be eligible under the program. The applicant to provide SSMIC the full contact info of the proposed service provider for SSMIC to contact prior to approval. SSMIC will confirm availability and acceptance of service provider selected.  The approved project contractor must invoice (and be paid by) SSMIC directly for the services provided to any SME.  A PSP engagement should not be a continuation of an SFAP engagement with the same or similarly qualified professional.  The program is not intended to fund on-going consultations or services with the same service provider or with another similar qualified provider.  It should not be used to fund work by a professional with whom they already have an advisory relationship.  PSP engagements should be discussed with the local IRAP Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) prior to approval to ensure eligibility. . Other Program Requirements:  Applicant to submit a copy of the client’s Articles of Incorporation together with the application.  Applicant who is not an existing SSMIC client is required to undergo the SSMIC client intake process by submitting the completed SSMIC Client Intake form.  For existing SSMIC clients, an update of the Client Intake Form is required  All projects approved under the program must be completed with invoice(s) submitted to SSMIC within 2 months from date of project approval or before 16 February, 2015, whichever is earlier.  Reporting wise, SSMIC will require the Client to provide a brief feedback/testimonial on the benefits and outcome of the program upon completion of the project for reporting to IRAP. Program Application Date:  The program is now open for submission and we process applications on first come, first served basis. Contact Information: For further information, please contact: 1. Gerry Bugyra, Business Development Manager, at (705) 942-7927, ext. 3129 or [email protected] or 2. Hairani Othman, Business Analyst at (705) 942-7927 ext. 3132 or [email protected]