Is your new startup business in Quebec in need of funding to get your project off the ground? Or maybe your established business is looking to expand or implement a new business project or strategy? In that case, there may be funding opportunities and emergency aid support available to you through the government of Quebec or other third-party programs.

This grants guide will discuss available funding opportunities that small businesses can access, including Québec government grants and third-party Québec grants for small businesses. There are also programs available for established businesses as well as starting a business in Québec grants.

Learn more about small business provincial grants guides.

• Agricultural and Environmental Support Project grants
• Innovative, Business, and Economic Growth grants

Applying for Québec Grants and Additional Financial Assistance

When applying for small business grants in Québec, funding can take various forms. In some cases, grants are non-repayable financial assistance contributions, other times they come as repayable loans or even tax credits. For example, businesses can receive a tax credit for IT Integration by Quebec Manufacturers or Processors, or for the Production of Multimedia Titles in Quebec.

That being said, no matter what form funding will take, business applicants must provide certain information to government agencies or these third-party programs in order to be approved. Such information criteria and documentation generally needed for Québec grants applications include:

• A business plan or project plan including the mission statement, scope, timeline, budget, and how it will affect the economic development of Quebec
• Business financial information such as income statements and revenue reports
• List of the business’s employees, including the number of employees
• Proof of business registrations and licenses
• Letters of recommendation

Who is Eligible for Small Business Grants in Quebec?

Eligibility for small business funding grants differs from program to program but generally has similar applicant criteria. In most cases, small to medium enterprises, whether for-profit or nonprofits, are eligible to apply for the programs listed below. Business owners and entrepreneurs can also apply.

• That being said, some funding opportunities are distinct to your area, whether that’s Ottawa grants or Montreal grants, or other territories within the province. Programs are also divided by economic sectors and industries such as agriculture, food processing, and arts and culture.

Agricultural and Environmental Support Projects Grants

Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers

What is it?

The Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers aims to support projects of young producers looking to establish themselves on an existing farm or when starting a new business. There are two funding streams available, a full-time grant facilitating the full-time establishment and agricultural training of applicants, and a part-time grant facilitating a part-time startup and agricultural training of applicants.

Grant money can be used towards the investment of your operations, whether through land improvement, equipment purchase, or other agricultural activities.

How much is awarded?

For both full-time and part-time grants, the training and education level of the applicant will dictate how much grant money they will receive. Full-time applicants can receive between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on their training level, while part-time applicants can receive between $10,000 and $25,000.

Examples of Training level 1 education include a Bachelor’s of Science in agriculture, a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) in farm management and operations, or other equivalent diplomas. Examples of Training level 2 include a Bachelor’s degree in administration, biology, or other eligible training, a DCS in administration, or other equivalent diplomas.

Examples of training level 3 include a Bachelor’s degree or DCS in another field, attestation of Collegial Studies or Secondary School Vocational Diploma (SSVP) in agriculture, or a Secondary School Graduation Diploma or SSVP other than in agriculture (combined with agricultural training).

Who can apply?

Agricultural operations looking to qualify for the Financial Support Program must meet the following criteria:

• Permanently reside in Québec
• Are at least 18 years of age but no older than 40
• Has some recognized formal training with at least one year’s relevant experience in the agricultural sector
• Holds at least 20% of the operation’s share
• Has a startup or establishment project

How to apply?

• If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can start the application process by contacting an advisor at a service centre near you. Make an appointment with an advisor and bring along your business plan, diplomas, or transcripts, and proof of age when submitting applications.

Energir Grants for Business’s Energy Costs

What is it?

Energir, a company focused on developing renewable energy, provides Grants for Business’s Energy Costs. They divide funding into two streams, grants for office buildings and grants for restaurants meant to support companies as they upgrade their establishments with energy-efficient equipment and appliances.

There are three types of grants available for Quebec businesses in office buildings:

• A rebate for equipment purchase and installation of up to 30% of the costs, which can be combined with other grants
• Grants for high-efficiency equipment and appliances including unit heaters, smart thermostats, boilers, water heaters, or infrared heating systems
• Grants for implementing efficiency measures including solar preheating, innovation, studies and implementation, new efficient construction, or recommissioning

There are also three types of grants Quebec restaurants can access, including:

• A rebate for equipment purchase and installation of up to 30% of the expenses incurred, which can be combined with other grants
• Grants for high-efficiency equipment including boilers, water heaters, and variable-speed hoods
• Grants for implementing efficiency measures including boilers, water heaters, and variable-speed hoods

How much is awarded?

• Whether implementing new energy efficiencies in office buildings or restaurants, the maximum contribution of any of the grant streams is $25,000. However, depending on the costs of equipment and installation, the rebate may be more or less.

Who can apply?

• Contact Energir directly to learn what criteria your business must have to access one of the energy efficiency Québec grants for small businesses. It is important to note that the rebates are only applicable to businesses, both office buildings and restaurants, located on the Énergir gas network

How to apply?

• Before purchasing and installing your chosen energy-efficient unit, fill in the “Declaration of Intent” Form Once the unit has been installed in the office or restaurant, complete and forward forms II and III, “Request for Payment of Financial Assistance” and “Information on the Hood and Exhaust System”.

Innovation, Business, and Economic Growth Grants

REGI’s Business Scale-up and Productivity Fund

What is it?

REGI’s Business Scale-up and Productivity Fund is a federal government grants program aimed at financially supporting the innovation and business growth of Québec businesses or nonprofits within the manufacturing, life sciences, food processing information, communications, and/or multimedia technologies sectors.

How much is awarded?

Although no set amount is awarded for this small business grant in Québec, small to medium enterprises can typically access financial assistance of up to 50% of eligible costs. Non-profit organizations may receive a maximum contribution of up to 90% of eligible costs.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include small to medium enterprises, non-profits, co-ops, business associations, business support organizations, or Indigenous and First Nations organizations. Ineligible parties include retail businesses, food services, transportation services, housing construction, daycare services, beauty salons, and nightclubs and bars.

How to apply?

To successfully receive this financing granted by the government, you must first contact an advisor from the business office for the Québec region for more information. If they deem your organization or company as eligible, they will send you a financial assistance application form and a list of documents you will need to provide them in establishing your file.

Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)

What is it?

Another government agency grant program available to Quebec companies is the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) . This program focuses on fostering business growth within the Quebec region. Grants are awarded to small to medium companies or non-profit organizations to strengthen the economic activity in the province and boost spending by tourists from outside of the province.

How much is awarded?

Small to medium enterprises can receive assistance of up to 50% of eligible costs while non-profits may receive up to a contribution of 90% of eligible costs covering the economic growth projects proposed by the applicants.

Who can apply?

Local businesses, non-profit organizations, economic development organizations, co-ops, business associations, Indigenous organizations, municipalities and regional county municipalities, and organizations tasked with attracting international organizations and foreign investments are all eligible parties under this government program.

How to apply?

To start submitting applications you will need to contact an advisor from the business office closest to you in the province of Quebec.

Jobs and Growth Fund – Quebec

What is it?

The Jobs and Growth Fund – Quebec federal government program offers financial assistance to small businesses and organizations looking to create jobs to help position local economies for long-term growth.

Activities eligible for funding include those that support the transition to a green economy, that foster an inclusive recovery. that preserve Canada’s market competitiveness through digital adoption, or that develop sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth.

How much is awarded?

The percentage of costs that will be covered depends on the applicant’s time. Businesses can receive an interest-free repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible costs. Not-for-profit organizations can receive assistance in the form of a non-payable amount of up to 90% of eligible expenses. Finally, Indigenous applicants can receive a non-repayable contribution covering up to 100% of eligible costs.

Who can apply?

Eligible businesses that can access this additional support include small to medium companies, including co-operatives, non-profit organizations and community economic development partners, and indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses.

How to apply?

Contact the Government of Canada directly to speak to an agent about this Québec government grants application.

Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a continuous basis until all funds from the program, $140 million, have been fully allocated.

SME in Action Program

What is it?

Québec grants for small business, like the SME in Action program, are aimed at increasing the productivity of Québec companies to improve competitiveness and accelerate development.

For-profit small to medium enterprises can obtain financial assistance to help them with implementing new actions or business practices to improve productivity, optimizing the supply chain, integrating an integrated management system, reaching international production standards, or implementation of a costing system.

How much is awarded?

Funding is provided through a non-refundable contribution of up to a maximum contribution of $50,000 covering up to 40% of eligible project costs.

Eligible program costs include professional needs for services from a consulting firm or expenses related to the purchase of relevant and necessary information pertinent to the project, such as statistics and market analysis.

Who can apply?

Eligible businesses must be for-profit companies that are established in Quebec. This includes cooperatives and social economy enterprises in the following sectors:

• Manufacturing
• Engine service sector
• Information and communication technologies
• Private research services
• Environmental services,
• Value-added distribution centres
• Industrial laboratories and scientific services
• Creation and industrial design services

How to apply?

• Contact the regional office closest to you to get started on this Quebec government grant.

Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie Economic Diversification Fund

What is it?

The Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie Economic Diversification Fund provides financial assistance to business establishment and growth as well as develop new industries within the province. Projects should focus on one of the following areas of development- to stimulate entrepreneurship, to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or to encourage investment in industry sectors. All projects must take place within the Centre-du-Québec or Mauricie regions.

Feasibility studies, investment projects (equipment and fixed assets), product and process development projects, carrying out studies or business development projects, or support for entrepreneurial succession are all activities eligible for financial assistance.

How much is awarded?

The Quebec government provides financial assistance in three forms: a repayable contribution in the form of an interest loan, a loan without interest, or equity investment, a loan guarantee of up to 70% on net loss, or a non-refundable contribution (subsidy). Funding and loan repayments are dictated by the nature of the project, with a maximum contribution of 25% for investment projects, and up to 50% for studies and other projects.

Who can apply?

Québec grants and local investment fund eligibility criteria for applicants include:

• Businesses that are legally incorporated in Québec
• Companies located outside of the province as long as the investment project or new business establishment takes place within the territories
• Nonprofit organizations operating within the field of economic development
• Entrepreneurs looking to gain a significant stake in existing companies located in the MRC de Bécancour or in the city of Trois-Rivières

How to apply?

Contact the regional office closest to you for more information on how to get started.

MRC des Appalaches Economic Diversification Fund

What is it?

The MRC des Appalaches Economic Diversification Fund supports business development and economic diversification within the territory of the MRC des Appalaches of Québec. This program funding is meant for the creation and start up of new businesses, the expansion of existing companies, to promote business succession, to make industries within the MRC des Appalaches competitive, and promote economic diversification.

Feasibility studies, investment projects (equipment and fixed assets), product and process development projects, carrying out studies or business development projects, or support for entrepreneurial succession are all activities eligible for financial support as long as they take place within the MRC des Appalaches.

How much is awarded?

Funding comes in three different forms meant to support businesses. The first is a repayable contribution in the form of an interest loan, interest-free loan, or equity investment. The second, a loan guarantee of up to 70% on net loss, and the third option of a non-refundable contribution. Funding amounts will differ depending on the nature of the project and the organization. Contributions can reach up to 25% of eligible expenses for investment projects, and up to 50% of costs for studies and other types of projects.

Who can apply?

Legally incorporated companies within Quebec, nonprofits within the field of economic development, and entrepreneurs wishing to acquire a stake in an existing business in the area are all eligible for support. Companies located outside of the province with a proposed project within the MRC des Appalaches are also eligible for funding.

How to apply?

Contact the regional office closest to you to begin this starting a business in Québec grants application.

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