Directory – Equity investments

Fonds d'investissement de la culture et des communications

Your cultural business could have access to financial products such as quasi-equity and equity. The minimum investment in a for-profit share capital business is $250,000 and $150,000 in a social economy business, to a maximum investment of $3,000,000.

Your business is eligible, if you:

Are dedicated to the creation, production and dissemination of cultural content
Provide technical or technological support services to content businesses
Have a product or service of outstanding quality and originality
Have a solid business plan that displays your current and future profitability

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Development Capital

Investissement Québec

You could receive funding of $5 million or more in the form of a loan guarantee, a subordinate loan or equity participation for projects such as:

Share buybacksBusiness acquisition
Productivity improvement or growth (expansion, equipment upgrades)

All Quebec businesses are eligible, except for those working in the following sectors:

Agriculture
Finance and insurance
Real estate
Retail sales
Other sectors in which the client base is made up mainly of individuals, except for the tourism sector

Other conditions apply.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

Building acquisition or modernization
Purchase of machinery or equipment
Refinancing
Entry into a new market
Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Financing program for cultural businesses

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a term loan, credit, loan guarantee or equity investment to cover the operational, growth or rehabilitation costs of your cultural or communications business.

Your business must:

Have a head office located in Quebec
Have been engaged in commercial activities for at least one year or operate in a niche business with no known competition
Submit a financing project that demonstrates profitability
Have the resources needed to fulfill all your financial obligations

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Réseau des SADC et CAE (Network of CFDCs and CBDCs)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of the Community Futures Development Corporations and the Business Development Corporations. These non-profit organizations can help you start or grow a business in your community. If you live in Quebec, the office in your area can offer:

Help with your business plan
Business counseling
Training
Loans or share capital

Solunov

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could access coaching services and financing — by way of a loan or equity investment — for an innovative project such as:

Improving a product or a business process
Adopting a marketing strategy
Implementing a new technology

Experts will assist you throughout your project, with:

Diagnostics and a business audit
Feasibility study and idea validation
Project integration and completion

You must demonstrate the market potential of your project.

Other conditions apply.

Women in Technology Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

You could benefit from private equity for a fast-growing technology company founded by women or having women on the executive team,

Companies must raise a minimum of $1 million in equity at the seed stage and up to $10 million at the growth stage.
Executives must be in their role for a minimum of one year.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Development Capital

Investissement Québec

You could receive funding of $5 million or more in the form of a loan guarantee, a subordinate loan or equity participation for projects such as:

Share buybacksBusiness acquisition
Productivity improvement or growth (expansion, equipment upgrades)

All Quebec businesses are eligible, except for those working in the following sectors:

Agriculture
Finance and insurance
Real estate
Retail sales
Other sectors in which the client base is made up mainly of individuals, except for the tourism sector

Other conditions apply.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

Building acquisition or modernization
Purchase of machinery or equipment
Refinancing
Entry into a new market
Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could get up to $3 million in loans or equity financing for your merger, acquisition, expansion, or new market development projects.

The FTQ considers criteria related to the success of each project, such as:

Economic viability of the business
Economic spin-offs for jobs
Knowledge and experience of stakeholders
Appreciation of workers
Participation of other financial partners

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds d'investissement de la culture et des communications

Your cultural business could have access to financial products such as quasi-equity and equity. The minimum investment in a for-profit share capital business is $250,000 and $150,000 in a social economy business, to a maximum investment of $3,000,000.

Your business is eligible, if you:

Are dedicated to the creation, production and dissemination of cultural content
Provide technical or technological support services to content businesses
Have a product or service of outstanding quality and originality
Have a solid business plan that displays your current and future profitability

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Canada Media Fund

If you are involved in the Canadian television or digital media industries, you may be eligible for funding. You can browse through a variety of programs that can help you create and promote software applications and other creative media.

There are two streams:

Experimental – for digital media content and application software that is innovative and interactive
Convergent – for convergent television and rich, interactive digital media content; support is given to production in all regions of Canada, and to underrepresented genres

Conditions apply.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

Building acquisition or modernization
Purchase of machinery or equipment
Refinancing
Entry into a new market
Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Financing program for cultural businesses

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a term loan, credit, loan guarantee or equity investment to cover the operational, growth or rehabilitation costs of your cultural or communications business.

Your business must:

Have a head office located in Quebec
Have been engaged in commercial activities for at least one year or operate in a niche business with no known competition
Submit a financing project that demonstrates profitability
Have the resources needed to fulfill all your financial obligations

Other conditions apply.

Fonds d'aide à l'économie de Lac-Mégantic

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance for eligible projects or activities carried out within the town of Lac-Mégantic, such as:

Assessment projects
Market development
Hiring strategic personnel
Business start-ups supporting economic and tourism development
Installation or improvement of public infrastructures

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could get up to $3 million in loans or equity financing for your merger, acquisition, expansion, or new market development projects.

The FTQ considers criteria related to the success of each project, such as:

Economic viability of the business
Economic spin-offs for jobs
Knowledge and experience of stakeholders
Appreciation of workers
Participation of other financial partners

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Réseau des SADC et CAE (Network of CFDCs and CBDCs)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of the Community Futures Development Corporations and the Business Development Corporations. These non-profit organizations can help you start or grow a business in your community. If you live in Quebec, the office in your area can offer:

Help with your business plan
Business counseling
Training
Loans or share capital

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could get up to $3 million in loans or equity financing for your merger, acquisition, expansion, or new market development projects.

The FTQ considers criteria related to the success of each project, such as:

Economic viability of the business
Economic spin-offs for jobs
Knowledge and experience of stakeholders
Appreciation of workers
Participation of other financial partners

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Canada Media Fund

If you are involved in the Canadian television or digital media industries, you may be eligible for funding. You can browse through a variety of programs that can help you create and promote software applications and other creative media.

There are two streams:

Experimental – for digital media content and application software that is innovative and interactive
Convergent – for convergent television and rich, interactive digital media content; support is given to production in all regions of Canada, and to underrepresented genres

Conditions apply.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

Building acquisition or modernization
Purchase of machinery or equipment
Refinancing
Entry into a new market
Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Financing program for cultural businesses

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a term loan, credit, loan guarantee or equity investment to cover the operational, growth or rehabilitation costs of your cultural or communications business.

Your business must:

Have a head office located in Quebec
Have been engaged in commercial activities for at least one year or operate in a niche business with no known competition
Submit a financing project that demonstrates profitability
Have the resources needed to fulfill all your financial obligations

Other conditions apply.

Fonds Innovexport

Le Fonds Innovexport

You could receive up to $3 million in funding for an innovative project that aims to export products or services that meet a market need.

You must:

Have a corporate structure that is conducive to investment
Have a realistic goal of profitability
Be supported by an incubator, accelerator, or expert panel

Businesses in the following industries are NOT eligible for the program:

Agriculture, forestry, and mining operations (except applied technologies)
Biotechnology, construction, property management, and retail

Other conditions apply.

Fonds d'aide à l'économie de Lac-Mégantic

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance for eligible projects or activities carried out within the town of Lac-Mégantic, such as:

Assessment projects
Market development
Hiring strategic personnel
Business start-ups supporting economic and tourism development
Installation or improvement of public infrastructures

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could get up to $3 million in loans or equity financing for your merger, acquisition, expansion, or new market development projects.

The FTQ considers criteria related to the success of each project, such as:

Economic viability of the business
Economic spin-offs for jobs
Knowledge and experience of stakeholders
Appreciation of workers
Participation of other financial partners

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Programme BioMed Propulsion

Investissement Québec

Your life science business, specifically in the fields of human or animal health or medical biotechnology, could benefit from an equity loan of up to $10 million to help it commercialize the results of its research.

The business must:

Secure new capital from private investors in the form of shares representing three times the amount of financial assistance requested
Have its head office and the majority of positions in Quebec

Other conditions apply.

Réseau des SADC et CAE (Network of CFDCs and CBDCs)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of the Community Futures Development Corporations and the Business Development Corporations. These non-profit organizations can help you start or grow a business in your community. If you live in Quebec, the office in your area can offer:

Help with your business plan
Business counseling
Training
Loans or share capital

Women in Technology Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

You could benefit from private equity for a fast-growing technology company founded by women or having women on the executive team,

Companies must raise a minimum of $1 million in equity at the seed stage and up to $10 million at the growth stage.
Executives must be in their role for a minimum of one year.

Other conditions apply.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

ArcTern Ventures

If your business is a cleantech start-up that aims to create a positive environmental impact, you could get investments from this early-stage venture capital to develop innovative ideas.

Eligible sectors are:

Clean energy;
Energy use and storage;
Mobility;
Advanced manufacturing & materials;
Resource use & efficiency;
Food technologies (Foodtech).

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Development Capital

Investissement Québec

You could receive funding of $5 million or more in the form of a loan guarantee, a subordinate loan or equity participation for projects such as:

Share buybacksBusiness acquisition
Productivity improvement or growth (expansion, equipment upgrades)

All Quebec businesses are eligible, except for those working in the following sectors:

Agriculture
Finance and insurance
Real estate
Retail sales
Other sectors in which the client base is made up mainly of individuals, except for the tourism sector

Other conditions apply.

Fonds d'aide à l'économie de Lac-Mégantic

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance for eligible projects or activities carried out within the town of Lac-Mégantic, such as:

Assessment projects
Market development
Hiring strategic personnel
Business start-ups supporting economic and tourism development
Installation or improvement of public infrastructures

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Impulsion PME

Investissement Québec

The Impulsion PME program helps young innovative companies with high growth potential to access investment capital at the launch stage.

Impulse's investment cannot exceed 50% of the total financial package.

Minimum amount: $250,000
Maximum amount: $1,000,000 ($750,000 for the Montreal region)

Main eligibility criteria:

Be located in Quebec.
Be innovative and have a strong development potential.
Have at least two full-time paid employees.
Have at least one client or a market validation agreement.
Be referred and accompanied by one or more recognized entities.
Plan to raise major funds and demonstrate investment needs within the next 24 months.
Not have completed a first commercialization cycle.
Not have raised or completed a fundraising of more than $250,000 from venture capital funds.
Not have received an investment from Impulsion PME in the past.

Conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Réseau des SADC et CAE (Network of CFDCs and CBDCs)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of the Community Futures Development Corporations and the Business Development Corporations. These non-profit organizations can help you start or grow a business in your community. If you live in Quebec, the office in your area can offer:

Help with your business plan
Business counseling
Training
Loans or share capital

Fonds d'aide à l'économie de Lac-Mégantic

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance for eligible projects or activities carried out within the town of Lac-Mégantic, such as:

Assessment projects
Market development
Hiring strategic personnel
Business start-ups supporting economic and tourism development
Installation or improvement of public infrastructures

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

Réseau des SADC et CAE (Network of CFDCs and CBDCs)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of the Community Futures Development Corporations and the Business Development Corporations. These non-profit organizations can help you start or grow a business in your community. If you live in Quebec, the office in your area can offer:

Help with your business plan
Business counseling
Training
Loans or share capital

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

Building acquisition or modernization
Purchase of machinery or equipment
Refinancing
Entry into a new market
Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds Innovexport

Le Fonds Innovexport

You could receive up to $3 million in funding for an innovative project that aims to export products or services that meet a market need.

You must:

Have a corporate structure that is conducive to investment
Have a realistic goal of profitability
Be supported by an incubator, accelerator, or expert panel

Businesses in the following industries are NOT eligible for the program:

Agriculture, forestry, and mining operations (except applied technologies)
Biotechnology, construction, property management, and retail

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could get up to $3 million in loans or equity financing for your merger, acquisition, expansion, or new market development projects.

The FTQ considers criteria related to the success of each project, such as:

Economic viability of the business
Economic spin-offs for jobs
Knowledge and experience of stakeholders
Appreciation of workers
Participation of other financial partners

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Women in Technology Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

You could benefit from private equity for a fast-growing technology company founded by women or having women on the executive team,

Companies must raise a minimum of $1 million in equity at the seed stage and up to $10 million at the growth stage.
Executives must be in their role for a minimum of one year.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

Building acquisition or modernization
Purchase of machinery or equipment
Refinancing
Entry into a new market
Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds Innovexport

Le Fonds Innovexport

You could receive up to $3 million in funding for an innovative project that aims to export products or services that meet a market need.

You must:

Have a corporate structure that is conducive to investment
Have a realistic goal of profitability
Be supported by an incubator, accelerator, or expert panel

Businesses in the following industries are NOT eligible for the program:

Agriculture, forestry, and mining operations (except applied technologies)
Biotechnology, construction, property management, and retail

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Solunov

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could access coaching services and financing — by way of a loan or equity investment — for an innovative project such as:

Improving a product or a business process
Adopting a marketing strategy
Implementing a new technology

Experts will assist you throughout your project, with:

Diagnostics and a business audit
Feasibility study and idea validation
Project integration and completion

You must demonstrate the market potential of your project.

Other conditions apply.

Women in Technology Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

You could benefit from private equity for a fast-growing technology company founded by women or having women on the executive team,

Companies must raise a minimum of $1 million in equity at the seed stage and up to $10 million at the growth stage.
Executives must be in their role for a minimum of one year.

Other conditions apply.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

ArcTern Ventures

If your business is a cleantech start-up that aims to create a positive environmental impact, you could get investments from this early-stage venture capital to develop innovative ideas.

Eligible sectors are:

Clean energy;
Energy use and storage;
Mobility;
Advanced manufacturing & materials;
Resource use & efficiency;
Food technologies (Foodtech).

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Canada Media Fund

If you are involved in the Canadian television or digital media industries, you may be eligible for funding. You can browse through a variety of programs that can help you create and promote software applications and other creative media.

There are two streams:

Experimental – for digital media content and application software that is innovative and interactive
Convergent – for convergent television and rich, interactive digital media content; support is given to production in all regions of Canada, and to underrepresented genres

Conditions apply.

Fonds Innovexport

Le Fonds Innovexport

You could receive up to $3 million in funding for an innovative project that aims to export products or services that meet a market need.

You must:

Have a corporate structure that is conducive to investment
Have a realistic goal of profitability
Be supported by an incubator, accelerator, or expert panel

Businesses in the following industries are NOT eligible for the program:

Agriculture, forestry, and mining operations (except applied technologies)
Biotechnology, construction, property management, and retail

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

Montreal Social Value Fund

National Social Value Fund

The Montreal Social Value Fund is part of an international initiative by the National Social Value Fund. In Montréal, it is managed by academics in the McGill finance program.

The mission of the Fund is to invest in local social enterprises, NPOs, and cooperatives seeking solutions to enable the Montreal community to achieve the 2030 SDG.

The Fund offers investments from $10,000 to $70,000. The interest rate for each investment is based on the social impact of the project for the community.

Eligibility criteria:

The company is located on the Island of Montréal;
The project is profitable and generates a profit;
Entrepreneurs from ethnocultural communities or other minorities are given preference;
A startup business must present a concrete plan;
A growing business must use the financing for a new social service.

To submit an application, send an email to info.montreal@nsvf.ca

Some conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Programme BioMed Propulsion

Investissement Québec

Your life science business, specifically in the fields of human or animal health or medical biotechnology, could benefit from an equity loan of up to $10 million to help it commercialize the results of its research.

The business must:

Secure new capital from private investors in the form of shares representing three times the amount of financial assistance requested
Have its head office and the majority of positions in Quebec

Other conditions apply.

Solunov

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could access coaching services and financing — by way of a loan or equity investment — for an innovative project such as:

Improving a product or a business process
Adopting a marketing strategy
Implementing a new technology

Experts will assist you throughout your project, with:

Diagnostics and a business audit
Feasibility study and idea validation
Project integration and completion

You must demonstrate the market potential of your project.

Other conditions apply.

Business succession

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

If you plan to buy or sell a financially sound business, you could receive an investment in capital stock or an unsecured loan.

You will have to:

Have a realistic business plan
Create and maintain sustainable jobs
Have a competent team with business experience
Be open to investors, alliances and partnerships
Have a good market outlook
Be profitable and competitive

In addition, the funds can be used to help you develop your strategic plan or for participative management.

Other conditions apply.