Directory – Grants, contributions and financial assistance

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Develop a business plan
• Grow your existing business
• Market your product or service
• Develop new products or processes
• Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Book Fund

Canadian Heritage

If your business publishes books, you may qualify for a financial contribution toward:

• Production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books
• Publishing and technology internships
• Business planning activities

To qualify, your business must be Canadian-owned and controlled. Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial Assistance Program for the Development of Private Woodlots

Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs

If you are a recognized forestry producer, you could get financial and technical assistance to carry out forestry operations in private forests.

Eligible activities are:

• Technical and silvicultural work
• Some activities related to certification

To receive financial assistance, you must enlist the aid of an accredited forestry consultant.

The maximum amount of the financial contribution and the nature of eligible activities vary depending on the regional agencies for private forest development in Quebec.

Other conditions apply.

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

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Workforce training measures

Emploi Québec

Your business could receive technical or financial assistance to define your training needs, to set up your project, and to assess its effectiveness.

You could also help your employees to better perform their jobs by providing professional training in customer service or any other field. The training activity should be:

• Qualifying, to ensure employability and boost employee performance
• Transferable, to ensure mobility and knowledge transfer

Assistance is related to your financial situation and may cover up to 50% of costs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Aboriginal Business Financing Program

Native Commercial Credit Corporation

If you are a member of the First Nations in Quebec, you could receive up to $99,999 to cover eligible expenses, including:

• Startup or expansion of a business
• Marketing activities
• Management expertise
• Development of a business plan

Eligibility criteria:

• Have an equity of minimum 10% of the cost of the project
• Have financial resources of your own and a good credit rating
• Present a viable business project
• Have experience and training in the field of activities
• Mandatory full-time involvement in the business

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :

• Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
• Improve productivity.
• Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.

Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :

• The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
• Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
• Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
• Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.

Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.

Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021. 

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Aide au fonctionnement pour les médias communautaires

Ministère de la Culture et des Communications

Do you operate online or print community media, terrestrial radio or a conventional television channel? Then you may be eligible for funding of up to $60,000 to help you:

• Diversify your offering of Quebec local and regional information
• Promote community participation in your activities

The program targets not-for-profit entities (organizations, cooperatives) that:

• Have their head office in Quebec
• Offer optimal access conditions for their activities, goods and services

Other conditions apply.

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

Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:

• Increasing, modernizing or improving production
• Getting certified for conforming to a standard
• Technological innovation or design
• Marketing products outside Québec

You must:

• Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
• Have less than $35 million in total assets
• Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Dairy Farm Investment Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you are a licenced dairy farmer, you can apply for funding for up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $100,000, to improve the productivity and competiveness of your dairy farm.

Eligible activities include:

• Hiring experts to assess how to improve productivity
• Acquiring new equipment, including software and IT
• Training on new equipment
• Retrofitting facilities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Dairy Processing Investment Fund

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

As a dairy processor or cheese maker, you can apply for up to $10 million per year in non-repayable contributions to increase your organization's productivity and competitiveness, and prepare for market changes resulting from CETA.

Funds may be used for:

• Capital Investment in equipment and infrastructure
• Access to Expertise to engage private sector technical, managerial, and business expertise.

Eligible activities include:

• the application of technologies to make use of surplus skim milk
• increasing the facility's capacity to use milk or milk components

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF)

Government of Canada

The ECSF provides financial aid to charitable and non-profit organizations to help them adapt and increase front-line services offered to vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are being accepted and must be submitted by July 27, 2020 for activities taking place between April 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

For more information, consult the Applicant Guide.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial assistance for music production and variety programming

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a grant for activities linked to the production of records or variety shows, or for the management of artists.

The program includes the following components:

• Industrial sector
  • Comprehensive assistance
  • Business assistance
• Management support
• Para-industrial sector — Project assistance
• Additional tour support
• Additional support for new media activities

To be eligible your business must meet both the general and specific terms and conditions of the components.

Other conditions apply.

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

Financial support for aspiring farmers

La Financière agricole

If you are planning to take over an existing farm or start a new agriculture business, you could receive a grant of up to $50,000.

You could invest in activities that improve the productivity of your business, for example:

• Land improvement
• Equipment purchase

You must:

• Be 18 to 40 years old
• Have received recognized training
• Hold at least 20% of the business' shares
• Have at least one year of relevant experience in agriculture

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

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)

Fonds Jeunes Entreprises

PME MTL

You could receive a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $15,000 to fund business projects such as:

• Equipment purchase
• Leasehold improvements
• Marketing expenses
• Working capital

You must:

• Have your business and head office in Montreal
• Operate a business that is less than 5 years old
• Submit a business plan that demonstrates the viability of your project
• Work full-time in the business

This grant must be matched with a loan from the MTL SME Fund.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

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.

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

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.

Learn more (in French only)

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.

Learn more (in French only)

Grow Your Business Online

Grow Your Business Online provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that help small businesses that have not yet embraced digital technologies take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.

These NPOs must be able to offer businesses:

• Micro-grant benefits of up to $2,400 to help them cover the costs of adopting digital technologies;
• Advisory services;
• E-business training;
• Use of youth digital advisors.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Industrial agreement programs

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could receive financial assistance and support for your industrial, technological or service agreement projects in Europe. The programs can help you plan short-term missions for your business' directors or senior technical staff.

You could obtain:

• Local support in identifying and organizing meetings with potential partners
• A fixed payment of $1,500 for assistance with logistics

Your business must have been established for at least one year and have the technical and financial capacity to carry out the planned project.

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

Programme PME en action — Appui à la concrétisation de projets d'investissement

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If your for-profit business or social enterprise is part of the manufacturing or major services industries, you could receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible expenses including:

• Professional fees
• The purchase of specialized information

Eligible projects include:

• Market analysis
• Assessment of processes or technologies and usage rights
• Site selection analysis
• Analysis related to the regulatory and legal framework

The project implementation period may not exceed 12 months.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme PME en action — Appui à la productivité des PME

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If your for-profit business or social enterprise is part of the manufacturing or major services sector, you could receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible expenses, including:

• Professional fees
• Purchase of specialized information

Eligible projects include:

• Supply chain optimization
• Implementation of an integrated management system or a customer relationship management system
• Bring your operations into compliance with production standards
• Implementation of a cost accounting system

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme d'aide financière pour la promotion du français 2017-2021

Office québécois de la langue française

You can receive financial assistance up to $675,000 if your organization has a project that falls under one of the following streams:

• Valuing French fluency
• Promoting the use of French in your business

Priority is given to projects that target the following:

• Young adults aged 18 to 35
• Individuals who are not fluent in French, particularly immigrants and Allophone workers
• Management and employees in businesses with fewer than 50 employees

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Programme d'aide à l'adaptation numérique des entreprises de la presse d'information écrite

Ministère de la Culture et des Communications

Are you looking to adapt your print media business to the digital environment and new practices? If so, you may be eligible for funding.

Projects must target:

• Development of innovative strategies in marketing, creation or monetization of press content on matters of current general interest
• Innovation and experimentation in print media

Total funding may cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme de valorisation, d'aménagement et de restauration des habitats du saumon atlantique

Fondation de la faune du Québec

You could obtain financial assistance to fund your initiatives to conserve, improve or restore Atlantic salmon habitat.

With this financial support, you may be able to cover up to 80% of the eligible costs for:

• Pre-project studies or monitoring enhancements (maximum amount of $40,000 per project)
• Habitat enhancements (maximum amount of $150,000 per project)

You must sign a memorandum of understanding with the Fondation de la faune and obtain all required permits and permissions prior to starting this project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Regional Tourism Partnership Agreement (EPRT)

The Government of Québec has renewed the 2016-2020 EPRT for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to support tourism businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to stimulate the economy of different regions through tourism benefits.

4 parts of the EPRT:

• Support for tourism SMEs for the opening of the 2020 season (part 1)
• Support for collective projects among tourism SMEs to adapt to the new health realities (part 2)
• Support for development and structuring projects for the tourism offer (part 3)
• Support for strategic downtown tourism businesses for Quebec tourism gateways (part 4)

Eligible businesses:

For-profit organizations;

• NPOs;
• Cooperatives;
• Municipalities;
• Indigenous communities, businesses, nations and organizations;
• Sector, regional and representative tourism associations.

Financial aid, in the form of a non-repayable grant, varies by region and category of project.

For application dates, contact your regional tourism association. (In French only)

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Strategic Innovation Fund — Streams 1, 2 and 3

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your for-profit organization could be eligible for a financial contribution to enhance productivity and support R&D, investment, and growth.

You may submit an application for funding in one of 3 project streams:

1. R&D to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services
2. Firm expansion and growth within Canada
3. Attraction of large-scale high-quality investments and reinvestments to Canada

Applications for streams 1 to 3 are accepted on a continuing basis. There are no submission deadlines.

Conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Tourism Relief Fund - Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Tourism Relief Fund enables Canadian tourism businesses and organizations to attract more visitors by creating new or enhanced services and products and by improving positioning among foreign visitors.

Contributions to businesses will take the form of non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs) or repayable contributions of up to $500,000 (75% of eligible costs).

A company cannot receive both types of contributions.

Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous entities (that do not generate profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.

Eligible Applicants :

• Businesses;
• Not-for-profit organizations (e.g. tourism associations);
• Band Councils (or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives).

Eligibility Criteria (meet at least one of the criteria):

• Be a key provider or operator in the visitor experience;
• Be part of a defined tourism cluster or tourism dependent community;
• Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Develop a business plan
• Grow your existing business
• Market your product or service
• Develop new products or processes
• Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Learn more Find contacts

Clean Tech Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

If you create technology that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality, you could get funding to cover up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing your product.

To qualify, you need to:

• Have expertise in sustainable development technology
• Be part of a project consortium

Your product or process must be used to:

• Produce and distribute energy
• Create electricity (for example, solar power)
• Remove pollutants in certain industry sectors

Other conditions apply. You only need to repay the funds if you collect revenues related to the project or use project assets for business activities.

Learn more Find contacts

Fonds de développement des entreprises d'économie sociale

Centres locaux de développement (CLD) and RCM - Economic Development

You could receive a grant to help you finance plans to start, consolidate or expand your social economy business.

Your company must:

• be financially viable
• produce goods or offer services
• create sustainable jobs

Eligible expenses are:

• technology acquisition or patenting
• capital expenditures (land, building, equipment)
• working capital needs 

Please contact us for the organization in your region that oversees this fund.

Learn more Find contacts

Matching Investment Fund (dairy)

Canadian Dairy Commission

You could get up to $150,000 to create new or improved products made from milk. Up to $25,000 of that amount can be used for consultation services, while remaining funds must be applied to product development.

To qualify, you need to:

• Make foods, drinks or other products using milk
• Contribute 50% of the costs
• Create a product that increases the use of milk

Small businesses (fewer than 25 employees) are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 100% of eligible costs for the first $10,000 spent on a project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :

• Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
• Improve productivity.
• Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.

Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :

• The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
• Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
• Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
• Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.

Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.

Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021. 

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Dairy Farm Investment Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you are a licenced dairy farmer, you can apply for funding for up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $100,000, to improve the productivity and competiveness of your dairy farm.

Eligible activities include:

• Hiring experts to assess how to improve productivity
• Acquiring new equipment, including software and IT
• Training on new equipment
• Retrofitting facilities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Dairy Processing Investment Fund

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

As a dairy processor or cheese maker, you can apply for up to $10 million per year in non-repayable contributions to increase your organization's productivity and competitiveness, and prepare for market changes resulting from CETA.

Funds may be used for:

• Capital Investment in equipment and infrastructure
• Access to Expertise to engage private sector technical, managerial, and business expertise.

Eligible activities include:

• the application of technologies to make use of surplus skim milk
• increasing the facility's capacity to use milk or milk components

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial support for aspiring farmers

La Financière agricole

If you are planning to take over an existing farm or start a new agriculture business, you could receive a grant of up to $50,000.

You could invest in activities that improve the productivity of your business, for example:

• Land improvement
• Equipment purchase

You must:

• Be 18 to 40 years old
• Have received recognized training
• Hold at least 20% of the business' shares
• Have at least one year of relevant experience in agriculture

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Fonds Jeunes Entreprises

PME MTL

You could receive a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $15,000 to fund business projects such as:

• Equipment purchase
• Leasehold improvements
• Marketing expenses
• Working capital

You must:

• Have your business and head office in Montreal
• Operate a business that is less than 5 years old
• Submit a business plan that demonstrates the viability of your project
• Work full-time in the business

This grant must be matched with a loan from the MTL SME Fund.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

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.

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

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.

Learn more (in French only)

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.

Learn more (in French only)

Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

• The marketing of a product
• Improvements to services and infrastructure
• Conferences and cultural or sporting events
• Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

• Economic benefits
• Extra-regional outreach
• Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

PRAM-Business

City of Montreal

If you are the owner of a commercial building, located on an eligible street in Montreal, you could receive a grant for your design projects, facade renovations and store layout projects.

Financial support could cover:

• 1/3 of the cost of eligible work, up to $250,000
• 50% of the honoraria for layout design professional services, up to $20,000

Merchants located on 15 Montreal commercial arteries could be eligible for funding. Visit the website to identify the sectors where the program is in effect.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

PRAM-Major roadwork

City of Montreal

If you are a merchant established on a street where major underground infrastructure work is being carried out, you could receive funding for your facade renovation and store layout projects.

Financial support can cover:

• 40% of the cost of the eligible work, up to $300,000
• 50% of the honoraria for layout design professional services, up to $40,000

Merchants on 7 commercial arteries in the Montreal area could be eligible for funding. Visit the site to identify the sectors where the program is in effect.

Certain conditions apply.

Learn more

Programme Technoclimat

Transition énergétique Québec

Do you have innovative technology projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energies, bioenergies or GHG emissions reduction? If so, you could benefit from financial assistance.

The project must:

• Focus on a pre-commercialized technological innovation (level of technological readiness 4 to 7) that is not available in the Quebec market
• Be carried out in Quebec
• Have strong market potential
• Include measurement activities

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO)

If your business is in the technology sector, take advantage of this grant of up to $ 1.5M per project to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses.

The project must involve at least one public research partner and one industrial partner based in Quebec.

Examples of targeted technologies:

• Electric vehicles;
• Electric motors, batteries, BMS, power electronics;
• Terminals, charging stations and networks;
• Autonomous vehicles;
• Intelligent Ttransportation Ssystems;
• Materials and processes for vehicle lightening.

Other conditions apply.

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

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Tourist establishment accessibility program

Tourisme Québec

You could receive financial assistance to cover up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum amount of $100,000 per project for infrastructure improvement projects to increase the accessibility of your tourist establishment.

Eligible work includes:

• Barrier-free outdoor area and stair-free indoor area
• Barrier-free entrances — accessible to people in wheelchairs
• Accessible washrooms
• Barrier-free rooms

Work must be performed on an existing establishment and comply with Kéroul accessibility criteria.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s) (in French only)

Transportez vert – Section: Technology acquisition

Transition énergétique Québec

You could receive financial aid of up to $1M to acquire new vehicles or technology that improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions when transporting people and merchandise.

The following are eligible:

• Some new electric vehicles;
• Eelectric conversion of light vehicles and buses;
• other types of technologies.

Technologies must first receive their certification.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

AgriInvest

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

As an agricultural producer, you could get a matching amount from governments up to $15,000 per year if you set aside savings. This savings account allows you to set money aside which can be used to recover from small income shortfalls, or to make investments to reduce on-farm risks.

You should make deposits:

• Every year
• Up to 100% of your Allowable Net Sales
• Within 90 days of the issue date on your Deposit Notice

Other conditions apply.

In Quebec, the program is delivered by La Financière agricole.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Periodical Fund

Canadian Heritage

If you publish a Canadian magazine in print or in digital format, or a non-daily Canadian newspaper, you could get money to help you produce and distribute it.

Your company needs to be:

• Located in Canada
• Registered or incorporated in Canada
• Owned and controlled, in majority, by Canadians

You can apply to the “Aid for publishers” stream, the “Business Innovation” stream or the "Collective Initiatives" stream. Funding will depend on which one you choose.

Other conditions apply.

See the separate applicant guides for details.

Learn more

FACTOR funding for the sound recording industry

Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings

As a Canadian recording artist, song writer, artist manager, record label owner, music publisher, distributor, or event producer of English language content, you could qualify for funding.

Eligible activities include:

• Sound recording
• Business development
• Marketing and promotion
• Business travel and tours
• Creation of a music video
• Workshops for songwriters

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial Assistance Program for the Development of Private Woodlots

Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs

If you are a recognized forestry producer, you could get financial and technical assistance to carry out forestry operations in private forests.

Eligible activities are:

• Technical and silvicultural work
• Some activities related to certification

To receive financial assistance, you must enlist the aid of an accredited forestry consultant.

The maximum amount of the financial contribution and the nature of eligible activities vary depending on the regional agencies for private forest development in Quebec.

Other conditions apply.

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

Fonds de développement des entreprises d'économie sociale

Centres locaux de développement (CLD) and RCM - Economic Development

You could receive a grant to help you finance plans to start, consolidate or expand your social economy business.

Your company must:

• be financially viable
• produce goods or offer services
• create sustainable jobs

Eligible expenses are:

• technology acquisition or patenting
• capital expenditures (land, building, equipment)
• working capital needs 

Please contact us for the organization in your region that oversees this fund.

Learn more Find contacts

MUSICACTION

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, artist, or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

• Recordings and production
• Artistic development
• Marketing and promotion
• Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range, depending on the activity.

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

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Aboriginal Business Financing Program

Native Commercial Credit Corporation

If you are a member of the First Nations in Quebec, you could receive up to $99,999 to cover eligible expenses, including:

• Startup or expansion of a business
• Marketing activities
• Management expertise
• Development of a business plan

Eligibility criteria:

• Have an equity of minimum 10% of the cost of the project
• Have financial resources of your own and a good credit rating
• Present a viable business project
• Have experience and training in the field of activities
• Mandatory full-time involvement in the business

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

Canadian Heritage

Are you part of an incorporated not-for-profit organization or an Indigenous peoples organization that professionally presents arts festivals or performing arts series, or offers support to arts presenters? If so, you can apply for funding in 1 of 2 streams to cover a portion of the expenses related to some of your projects, including:

• Artists' fees and travel
• Administrative salaries
• Training and professional development activities
• Promotion
• Front of house

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Relevance of programming (30%)
• Impact on audiences, artists, and communities (40%)
• Management and financial health (30%)

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Council for the Arts — Funding

Canada Council for the Arts

If you are an artist, or arts organization, you may be eligible for grants and prizes for your works. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and recognized as a professional by other artists in your field.

Grants may be used for the creation, production, and presenting of works as well as:

• Professional development
• Residency
• Travel
• Development of the sector

Other conditions may apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Cultural Spaces Fund

Canadian Heritage

Get funding for up to 50% of the costs of construction or renovation of physical spaces used for arts and heritage related creation, presentation, preservation and exhibition.

Learn more Form(s)

Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program

Employment and Social Development Canada

Get a one-time grant for operational losses when a reservist employee takes time away from work to serve on military operations.

Eligibility criteria includes:

• Be a Canadian employer of a reservist
• Reservist must be deployed for a minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 18 months
• Provide documentation that reservist worked for you prior to their leave of absence
• Application must be received no later than 12 months following reservist’s return

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Financial assistance for music production and variety programming

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a grant for activities linked to the production of records or variety shows, or for the management of artists.

The program includes the following components:

• Industrial sector
  • Comprehensive assistance
  • Business assistance
• Management support
• Para-industrial sector — Project assistance
• Additional tour support
• Additional support for new media activities

To be eligible your business must meet both the general and specific terms and conditions of the components.

Other conditions apply.

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

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)

Fonds Jeunes Entreprises

PME MTL

You could receive a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $15,000 to fund business projects such as:

• Equipment purchase
• Leasehold improvements
• Marketing expenses
• Working capital

You must:

• Have your business and head office in Montreal
• Operate a business that is less than 5 years old
• Submit a business plan that demonstrates the viability of your project
• Work full-time in the business

This grant must be matched with a loan from the MTL SME Fund.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

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)

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.

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

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.

Learn more (in French only)

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.

Learn more (in French only)

Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

• The marketing of a product
• Improvements to services and infrastructure
• Conferences and cultural or sporting events
• Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

• Economic benefits
• Extra-regional outreach
• Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Regional Tourism Partnership Agreement (EPRT)

The Government of Québec has renewed the 2016-2020 EPRT for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to support tourism businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to stimulate the economy of different regions through tourism benefits.

4 parts of the EPRT:

• Support for tourism SMEs for the opening of the 2020 season (part 1)
• Support for collective projects among tourism SMEs to adapt to the new health realities (part 2)
• Support for development and structuring projects for the tourism offer (part 3)
• Support for strategic downtown tourism businesses for Quebec tourism gateways (part 4)

Eligible businesses:

For-profit organizations;

• NPOs;
• Cooperatives;
• Municipalities;
• Indigenous communities, businesses, nations and organizations;
• Sector, regional and representative tourism associations.

Financial aid, in the form of a non-repayable grant, varies by region and category of project.

For application dates, contact your regional tourism association. (In French only)

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Strategic Innovation Fund — Streams 1, 2 and 3

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your for-profit organization could be eligible for a financial contribution to enhance productivity and support R&D, investment, and growth.

You may submit an application for funding in one of 3 project streams:

1. R&D to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services
2. Firm expansion and growth within Canada
3. Attraction of large-scale high-quality investments and reinvestments to Canada

Applications for streams 1 to 3 are accepted on a continuing basis. There are no submission deadlines.

Conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Tourism Relief Fund - Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Tourism Relief Fund enables Canadian tourism businesses and organizations to attract more visitors by creating new or enhanced services and products and by improving positioning among foreign visitors.

Contributions to businesses will take the form of non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs) or repayable contributions of up to $500,000 (75% of eligible costs).

A company cannot receive both types of contributions.

Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous entities (that do not generate profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.

Eligible Applicants :

• Businesses;
• Not-for-profit organizations (e.g. tourism associations);
• Band Councils (or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives).

Eligibility Criteria (meet at least one of the criteria):

• Be a key provider or operator in the visitor experience;
• Be part of a defined tourism cluster or tourism dependent community;
• Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Develop a business plan
• Grow your existing business
• Market your product or service
• Develop new products or processes
• Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Book Fund

Canadian Heritage

If your business publishes books, you may qualify for a financial contribution toward:

• Production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books
• Publishing and technology internships
• Business planning activities

To qualify, your business must be Canadian-owned and controlled. Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

FACTOR funding for the sound recording industry

Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings

As a Canadian recording artist, song writer, artist manager, record label owner, music publisher, distributor, or event producer of English language content, you could qualify for funding.

Eligible activities include:

• Sound recording
• Business development
• Marketing and promotion
• Business travel and tours
• Creation of a music video
• Workshops for songwriters

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

MUSICACTION

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, artist, or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

• Recordings and production
• Artistic development
• Marketing and promotion
• Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range, depending on the activity.

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

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Aboriginal Business Financing Program

Native Commercial Credit Corporation

If you are a member of the First Nations in Quebec, you could receive up to $99,999 to cover eligible expenses, including:

• Startup or expansion of a business
• Marketing activities
• Management expertise
• Development of a business plan

Eligibility criteria:

• Have an equity of minimum 10% of the cost of the project
• Have financial resources of your own and a good credit rating
• Present a viable business project
• Have experience and training in the field of activities
• Mandatory full-time involvement in the business

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Council for the Arts — Funding

Canada Council for the Arts

If you are an artist, or arts organization, you may be eligible for grants and prizes for your works. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and recognized as a professional by other artists in your field.

Grants may be used for the creation, production, and presenting of works as well as:

• Professional development
• Residency
• Travel
• Development of the sector

Other conditions may apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 1: major festivals and tourist events

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The first component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of major festivals and tourist events.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria: 

• Attract a significant number of tourists;
• Have a proven economic impact;
• Have eligible costs of $6 million or more.

Financial aid forms (annual or three-year agreement):

• Financial aid for performance;
• Financial aid for growth.

Some of the eligible costs:

• Administration;
• Programming;
• Site management;
• Promotion.

Registration period:

• Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
• Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires on March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 2: tourist festivals and events

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The first component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of major festivals and tourist events.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

• Attract a significant number of tourists;
• Have a proven economic impact;
• Have eligible costs of $6 million or more.

Financial aid forms (annual or three-year agreement):

• Financial aid for performance;
• Financial aid for growth.

Some of the eligible costs:

• Administration;
• Programming;
• Site management;
• Promotion.

Registration period:

• Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
• Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires on March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 3: innovation and opportunity

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The third component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of innovative festivals and events that offer promising opportunities for promoting Quebec.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria: 

• Be developing the product;
• Demonstrate the exceptional character of the project;
• Be holding a one-time, non-recurring event;
• Have eligible costs of $1 million or more.

Characteristics of the financial aid: 

• One-time, non-recurring; 
• Not exceed 25% of the cost of the project (maximum of $500,000).

Some of the eligible costs:

• Administration;
• Programming; 
• Site management; 
• Promotion.

Registration period:

• Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
• Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Fonds Jeunes Entreprises

PME MTL

You could receive a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $15,000 to fund business projects such as:

• Equipment purchase
• Leasehold improvements
• Marketing expenses
• Working capital

You must:

• Have your business and head office in Montreal
• Operate a business that is less than 5 years old
• Submit a business plan that demonstrates the viability of your project
• Work full-time in the business

This grant must be matched with a loan from the MTL SME Fund.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Programme d'aide à l'adaptation numérique des entreprises de la presse d'information écrite

Ministère de la Culture et des Communications

Are you looking to adapt your print media business to the digital environment and new practices? If so, you may be eligible for funding.

Projects must target:

• Development of innovative strategies in marketing, creation or monetization of press content on matters of current general interest
• Innovation and experimentation in print media

Total funding may cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme d'appui au positionnement des alcools québécois dans le réseau de la SAQ

Ministère des Finances

Do you own a business that produces alcohol, such as fortified or non-fortified wine, cider or mead? You may qualify for a non-repayable government grant of up to $400,000 based on eligible retail sales.

You must:

• Hold an artisanal production permit issed by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux
• Have made sales in the SAQ distribution network

Products considered "regular" by the SAQ are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

• Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
• Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Regional Tourism Partnership Agreement (EPRT)

The Government of Québec has renewed the 2016-2020 EPRT for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to support tourism businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to stimulate the economy of different regions through tourism benefits.

4 parts of the EPRT:

• Support for tourism SMEs for the opening of the 2020 season (part 1)
• Support for collective projects among tourism SMEs to adapt to the new health realities (part 2)
• Support for development and structuring projects for the tourism offer (part 3)
• Support for strategic downtown tourism businesses for Quebec tourism gateways (part 4)

Eligible businesses:

For-profit organizations;

• NPOs;
• Cooperatives;
• Municipalities;
• Indigenous communities, businesses, nations and organizations;
• Sector, regional and representative tourism associations.

Financial aid, in the form of a non-repayable grant, varies by region and category of project.

For application dates, contact your regional tourism association. (In French only)

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Tourism Relief Fund - Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Tourism Relief Fund enables Canadian tourism businesses and organizations to attract more visitors by creating new or enhanced services and products and by improving positioning among foreign visitors.

Contributions to businesses will take the form of non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs) or repayable contributions of up to $500,000 (75% of eligible costs).

A company cannot receive both types of contributions.

Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous entities (that do not generate profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.

Eligible Applicants :

• Businesses;
• Not-for-profit organizations (e.g. tourism associations);
• Band Councils (or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives).

Eligibility Criteria (meet at least one of the criteria):

• Be a key provider or operator in the visitor experience;
• Be part of a defined tourism cluster or tourism dependent community;
• Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Vitrine technologique — Pré-commercialisation de l'innovation

Ville de Québec

If the head office of your business is located in the greater Quebec City area, you could benefit from a non-refundable contribution of up to $250,000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must take the form of a pilot project or a showcase to test or validate an innovative process or product within the operations of the City of Quebec or another organization elsewhere.

Eligible organizations include:

• Incorporated private businesses
• Social enterprises involved primarily in business transaction activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Develop a business plan
• Grow your existing business
• Market your product or service
• Develop new products or processes
• Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Periodical Fund

Canadian Heritage

If you publish a Canadian magazine in print or in digital format, or a non-daily Canadian newspaper, you could get money to help you produce and distribute it.

Your company needs to be:

• Located in Canada
• Registered or incorporated in Canada
• Owned and controlled, in majority, by Canadians

You can apply to the “Aid for publishers” stream, the “Business Innovation” stream or the "Collective Initiatives" stream. Funding will depend on which one you choose.

Other conditions apply.

See the separate applicant guides for details.

Learn more

Canadian International Innovation Program

Global Affairs Canada

If you are a for-profit Canadian business looking to collaborate with a foreign partner in Brazil, China, India, Israel or South Korea, you could get up to 50% of the costs associated with the commercialization of your innovation, including development, adaptation and validation of technology.

To qualify, you must have a project that:

• Could be a commercial success
• Is technologically feasible
• Is for non-military purposes

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Clean Tech Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

If you create technology that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality, you could get funding to cover up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing your product.

To qualify, you need to:

• Have expertise in sustainable development technology
• Be part of a project consortium

Your product or process must be used to:

• Produce and distribute energy
• Create electricity (for example, solar power)
• Remove pollutants in certain industry sectors

Other conditions apply. You only need to repay the funds if you collect revenues related to the project or use project assets for business activities.

Learn more Find contacts

Fonds de développement des entreprises d'économie sociale

Centres locaux de développement (CLD) and RCM - Economic Development

You could receive a grant to help you finance plans to start, consolidate or expand your social economy business.

Your company must:

• be financially viable
• produce goods or offer services
• create sustainable jobs

Eligible expenses are:

• technology acquisition or patenting
• capital expenditures (land, building, equipment)
• working capital needs 

Please contact us for the organization in your region that oversees this fund.

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MUSICACTION

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, artist, or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

• Recordings and production
• Artistic development
• Marketing and promotion
• Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range, depending on the activity.

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

Matching Investment Fund (dairy)

Canadian Dairy Commission

You could get up to $150,000 to create new or improved products made from milk. Up to $25,000 of that amount can be used for consultation services, while remaining funds must be applied to product development.

To qualify, you need to:

• Make foods, drinks or other products using milk
• Contribute 50% of the costs
• Create a product that increases the use of milk

Small businesses (fewer than 25 employees) are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 100% of eligible costs for the first $10,000 spent on a project.

Other conditions apply.

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NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

National Research Council Canada

Your small or medium-sized business could grow stronger, faster and bigger through innovation and technology. You could receive customized technical and business advice as well as non-repayable financial contributions to help you:

• Research, develop and commercialize new technologies
• Accelerate the adoption and adaptation of these technologies

To qualify, your business in Canada must:

• Be incorporated and profit-oriented
• Have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• Show the ability to grow and generate profits

Other conditions apply.

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Networks of Centres of Excellence

Government of Canada

Explore various funds available for your R&D activities, especially in the areas of engineering, health, and natural, social and biomedical science.

If your work responds to current research and innovation needs, there is a range of multi-stage competitions that are scheduled as funding becomes available. The programs address the needs that are specific to the different stages of the innovation process.

Application deadlines vary.

Learn more Find contacts

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Aboriginal Business Financing Program

Native Commercial Credit Corporation

If you are a member of the First Nations in Quebec, you could receive up to $99,999 to cover eligible expenses, including:

• Startup or expansion of a business
• Marketing activities
• Management expertise
• Development of a business plan

Eligibility criteria:

• Have an equity of minimum 10% of the cost of the project
• Have financial resources of your own and a good credit rating
• Present a viable business project
• Have experience and training in the field of activities
• Mandatory full-time involvement in the business

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

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Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :

• Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
• Improve productivity.
• Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.

Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :

• The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
• Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
• Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
• Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.

Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.

Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021. 

Conditions apply.

Learn more

AgriInnovate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Looking to fund your innovative agri-food or agri-based product or technology? You may be eligible for up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10 million.

Eligible activities include: commercialization, adoption or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes and services.

Examples of these activities may include:

• Expansion or modernization of a facility or site
• Purchase and installation of equipment
• Training and development of staff
• Marketing activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:

• Increasing, modernizing or improving production
• Getting certified for conforming to a standard
• Technological innovation or design
• Marketing products outside Québec

You must:

• Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
• Have less than $35 million in total assets
• Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000

Other conditions apply.

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CanExport program

Global Affairs Canada

You could get up to $75,000 to reimburse up to 75% of eligible expenses to promote your business in new international markets. Your for-profit business must:

• Be incorporated or a limited liability partnership
• Employ between one and 500 full-time employees
• Have an annual revenue between $100,000 and $100 million

Eligible activities include:

• Business travel
• Trade fairs
• Market research
• Marketing tools updates

Eligible expenses include travel costs, contractor or consultant fees, and legal fees.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $1 million towards the costs of an industry-led project that helps the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The project must focus on national or sector-wide priorities that help industry address emerging issues and capitalize on opportunities.

In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate the issue that is facing the sector, how the project results will benefit it, and how it aligns with 1 or more of the 4 priority areas identified:

• Adaptation to new technology
• Environmental sustainability
• Strategic planning and capacity building
• Emerging issues

Eligible applicants are:

• Not-for-profit organizations and associations, cooperatives, marketing boards
• Indigenous groups

Learn more Find contacts

Canadian Agriculture Partnership — AgriScience Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you own a not-for-profit corporation you may be eligible for non-repayable funding of at least $5 million to support:

• Pre-commercial science activities
• Research in the agriculture and agri-food sectors

You must provide a minimum of 30% of eligible costs.

Other conditions apply.

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Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN)

Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks

Are you looking to accelerate the commercialization of your innovative communications technology, products, applications or services? You may be eligible for commercialization support.

Qualifying fields include:

• Software Defined Network, Network Function Virtualization, SD-WAN
• Internet of Things/Smart City Applications
• Data Centre/Cloud
• Network transport, applications, or mobility
• Security

Additional services can help commercialize, test, certify, and validate next-generation communications.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Engage Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If your business operates in Canada, you could receive a grant of up to $25,000 when you partner with a college or university to develop valuable technology.

To qualify, your company must have:

• At least 2 full-time employees
• Been in operation for at least 2 years

You must demonstrate how the collaborative research will lead to significant economic benefit.  

The grant covers a project of 6 months or less, and you could get a maximum of 2 grants per year.

Other conditions apply.

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Financial assistance for music production and variety programming

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a grant for activities linked to the production of records or variety shows, or for the management of artists.

The program includes the following components:

• Industrial sector
  • Comprehensive assistance
  • Business assistance
• Management support
• Para-industrial sector — Project assistance
• Additional tour support
• Additional support for new media activities

To be eligible your business must meet both the general and specific terms and conditions of the components.

Other conditions apply.

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

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)

Fonds Jeunes Entreprises

PME MTL

You could receive a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $15,000 to fund business projects such as:

• Equipment purchase
• Leasehold improvements
• Marketing expenses
• Working capital

You must:

• Have your business and head office in Montreal
• Operate a business that is less than 5 years old
• Submit a business plan that demonstrates the viability of your project
• Work full-time in the business

This grant must be matched with a loan from the MTL SME Fund.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

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)

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.

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

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.

Learn more (in French only)

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.

Learn more (in French only)

Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

• The marketing of a product
• Improvements to services and infrastructure
• Conferences and cultural or sporting events
• Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

• Economic benefits
• Extra-regional outreach
• Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Going Global Innovation

Global Affairs Canada

Are you a Canadian researcher from a small or medium size enterprise, university, or a non-government research centre looking to solidify an international partnership needed to commercialize your technology? If so, you could receive up to 75% of the costs associated with partnership development activities.

You will need to demonstrate that your targeted partnership would enable you to develop or improve a product or service that is technologically feasible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Green infrastructure programs

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

If your business plans to carry out clean energy infrastructure projects, you could get help with deployment and market entry by participating in a variety of funding programs, including:

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations (EVID)
• Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative
• Smart Grids
• Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D
• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
• Emerging Renewable Power

Funding amounts vary, as do the application processes. Conditions apply.

Learn more

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Innovative Solutions Canada

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Is your business looking to come up with a novel solution to solve a specific challenge from a Government of Canada department or agency? Your business could receive up to $150,000 for the proof of concept and then, if approved, get up to $1 million to develop a prototype.

To be eligible your small business must:

• Be incorporated with a head office in Canada
• Have 499 or fewer full time employees
• Have 50% or more of employees working in Canada
• Have at least 50% of salary expenditures be on employees working in Canada
• Have 50% or more of senior executives with a principal residence in Canada

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Investments in Forest Industry Transformation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

Has your business developed highly innovative or first-in-kind technologies that could help Canada's forest industry become more competitive or sustainable? If so, you could get a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of the project's costs to demonstrate the technology at the pilot or commercial scale.

Eligible costs include:

• Capital expenses, materials, and supplies
• Salaries and professional fees
• Travel and training

Costs associated with the production or export of softwood lumber are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Programme Exportation — Volet Entreprises

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Want to increase your business opportunities? You could get financial assistance to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses, to:

• Hire an export specialist
• Develop an international business plan
• Exhibit at a trade show

Businesses in the following sectors are excluded:

• Personal services
• Accommodation and food services
• Performing arts, entertainment and recreation
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme Technoclimat

Transition énergétique Québec

Do you have innovative technology projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energies, bioenergies or GHG emissions reduction? If so, you could benefit from financial assistance.

The project must:

• Focus on a pre-commercialized technological innovation (level of technological readiness 4 to 7) that is not available in the Quebec market
• Be carried out in Quebec
• Have strong market potential
• Include measurement activities

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme d'aide à l'adaptation numérique des entreprises de la presse d'information écrite

Ministère de la Culture et des Communications

Are you looking to adapt your print media business to the digital environment and new practices? If so, you may be eligible for funding.

Projects must target:

• Development of innovative strategies in marketing, creation or monetization of press content on matters of current general interest
• Innovation and experimentation in print media

Total funding may cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme d'appui au positionnement des alcools québécois dans le réseau de la SAQ

Ministère des Finances

Do you own a business that produces alcohol, such as fortified or non-fortified wine, cider or mead? You may qualify for a non-repayable government grant of up to $400,000 based on eligible retail sales.

You must:

• Hold an artisanal production permit issed by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux
• Have made sales in the SAQ distribution network

Products considered "regular" by the SAQ are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Quantum Leap

CQDM — Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery

If you have a business in the biopharmaceutical industry, you may be eligible for funding to advance the discovery of preventative or remedial drugs.

Projects must last between 1 and 3 years and generally have a budget between $500,000 and $1,200,000.

The funding may come in the form of a grant or an equity investment.

You may be required to meet with the appropriate officials during the application process.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

• Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
• Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Retail Business Consolidation Fund

City of Montreal

Through PME MTL, the Ville de Montréal is providing eligible commercial enterprises with grants of up to $10,000, or 75% of the total cost of their business project.

Eligibility requirements (non-exhaustive):

• Be a business establishment in Montréal.
• Demonstrate that access to your business is closed due to COVID-19.
• Provide at least 10% in the total project cost.
• Be majority-owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Have a business project that falls under NAICS sectors 44 or 45 or sub-sectors 722 or 812.

Specific documents are required for the review of the funding request.

Conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Strategic Innovation Fund — Stream 4

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

If your organization operates in the health and biosciences sector, you could be eligible for a non-repayable financial contribution for a large-scale project that advances industrial research, development and technology demonstration.

To be eligible, you must:

• Partner with at least one academic organization to form a consortium (for corporations) or a network (for non-profits supporting businesses in more than one region)
• Clearly describe the anticipated innovation, economic or public benefits of your project/proposal

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Strategic Innovation Fund — Streams 1, 2 and 3

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your for-profit organization could be eligible for a financial contribution to enhance productivity and support R&D, investment, and growth.

You may submit an application for funding in one of 3 project streams:

1. R&D to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services
2. Firm expansion and growth within Canada
3. Attraction of large-scale high-quality investments and reinvestments to Canada

Applications for streams 1 to 3 are accepted on a continuing basis. There are no submission deadlines.

Conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Vitrine technologique — Pré-commercialisation de l'innovation

Ville de Québec

If the head office of your business is located in the greater Quebec City area, you could benefit from a non-refundable contribution of up to $250,000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must take the form of a pilot project or a showcase to test or validate an innovative process or product within the operations of the City of Quebec or another organization elsewhere.

Eligible organizations include:

• Incorporated private businesses
• Social enterprises involved primarily in business transaction activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Develop a business plan
• Grow your existing business
• Market your product or service
• Develop new products or processes
• Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Learn more Find contacts

Fonds de développement des entreprises d'économie sociale

Centres locaux de développement (CLD) and RCM - Economic Development

You could receive a grant to help you finance plans to start, consolidate or expand your social economy business.

Your company must:

• be financially viable
• produce goods or offer services
• create sustainable jobs

Eligible expenses are:

• technology acquisition or patenting
• capital expenditures (land, building, equipment)
• working capital needs 

Please contact us for the organization in your region that oversees this fund.

Learn more Find contacts

Jeunes Promoteurs

Centres locaux de développement (CLD) and RCM - Economic Development

If you are between 18 and 35 years of age, you could get technical and financial assistance to build your first business.

The program has three parts:

• Part 1 — Realizing plans for a business
• Part 2 — Building your first or second business
• Part 3 — Entrepreneurial training
• Part 4 — Relief/Succession

You need to:

• have a business plan that demonstrates the viability of the project
• have relevant experience or training
• make a financial investment
• commit to working full time for the company 

Loan amount varies.

Please contact us for the organization in your region that oversees this fund.

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Employment and Social Development Canada

If you are a person with a disability who wants to start a business, or an employer who would like to hire someone with a disability, you could qualify for funds.

Self-employment: You could receive financial assistance for training that can help you start a business if you:

• Have a permanent physical or mental disability
• Are not eligible for employment insurance benefits

Employers: You could get a wage subsidy to hire someone with a disability. The funding can cover a portion of the salary. Projects must normally involve a minimum of 8 participants.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Support for self-employment

Emploi Québec

You could get financial assistance and expert advice to start your own business or create your own job.

Eligible projects must:

• Be viable
• Meet a local need
• Not create unfair competition

You may be eligible for assistance if one of the following situations apply:

• You are receiving employment insurance benefits
• You are receiving social assistance
• You are unemployed and not receiving government income support
• You are working, but your job is at risk

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Aboriginal Business Financing Program

Native Commercial Credit Corporation

If you are a member of the First Nations in Quebec, you could receive up to $99,999 to cover eligible expenses, including:

• Startup or expansion of a business
• Marketing activities
• Management expertise
• Development of a business plan

Eligibility criteria:

• Have an equity of minimum 10% of the cost of the project
• Have financial resources of your own and a good credit rating
• Present a viable business project
• Have experience and training in the field of activities
• Mandatory full-time involvement in the business

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial support for aspiring farmers

La Financière agricole

If you are planning to take over an existing farm or start a new agriculture business, you could receive a grant of up to $50,000.

You could invest in activities that improve the productivity of your business, for example:

• Land improvement
• Equipment purchase

You must:

• Be 18 to 40 years old
• Have received recognized training
• Hold at least 20% of the business' shares
• Have at least one year of relevant experience in agriculture

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Fonds Jeunes Entreprises

PME MTL

You could receive a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $15,000 to fund business projects such as:

• Equipment purchase
• Leasehold improvements
• Marketing expenses
• Working capital

You must:

• Have your business and head office in Montreal
• Operate a business that is less than 5 years old
• Submit a business plan that demonstrates the viability of your project
• Work full-time in the business

This grant must be matched with a loan from the MTL SME Fund.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

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)

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.

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

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.

Learn more (in French only)

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.

Learn more (in French only)

Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

• The marketing of a product
• Improvements to services and infrastructure
• Conferences and cultural or sporting events
• Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

• Economic benefits
• Extra-regional outreach
• Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Jeunes entreprises collectives

PME MTL

If you operate a cooperative, you could receive funding of $23,000 or more, including a:

• $3,000 grant from the Caisse d'économie solidaire Desjardins
• $10,000 subsidy as part of the Fonds de développement de l'économie sociale
• $10,000 loan from PME MTL, the Caisse d'économie solidaire Desjardins or another partner

You must:

• Operate a new coperative on the Island of Montreal
• Be a member, or agree to become a member, of the Caisse d'économie solidaire
• Submit a viable business plan

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Programme Créavenir

Desjardins Group

If you’re between 18 and 35, you can receive up to $15,000 in loans and up to $5,000 in grants for your business projects. The support service is provided in partnership with a support organization in your area.

To qualify, you need to:

• Be or become a member of a participating Desjardins caisse;
• Live and start a business in an area served by a participating caisse;
• Not have access to conventional financing;
• Present a viable plan to start a business or consolidate an existing one that is less than three years old.

The maximum amount granted might not be the same in some regions. Please contact your local Desjardins caisse for details.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Programme de soutien à la reprise collective

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Do you want to sell your business? Do you own a co-operative and want to buy a business? If so, you may receive financial assistance.

The program includes 2 streams.

Stream 1 — Feasibility study

• Assess the investment potential of a group of workers
• Assess the organizational culture

Stream 2 — Implementation support

• Assess the value of the business and purchase price
• Conduct due diligence
• Complete a shareholder agreement or purchase contract

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Soutien à l'achat d'une première entreprise de pêche commerciale

Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec

Are you a young fisher looking to buy your first commercial fishing business? If so, you could receive funding up to a maximum of $25,000. Additional funding of up to $25,000 may be provided if you are a fisher less than 45 years of age.

You must:

• Live in Quebec
• Fish commercially
• Be registered with the Bureau d'accréditation des pêcheurs et des aides-pêcheurs

Other conditions apply.

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

Young volunteers

Emploi Québec

If you are between 16 and 29 years old, you can leverage the expertise offered by local resources. Benefit from support monitoring and validation of your entrepreneurial skills, and reimbursement of costs associated with exploring a business project.

To qualify you must:

• Have difficulty obtaining employment
• Devote at least 20 hours per week to your project
• Work no more than 20 hours per week at a job
• Not be a full time student

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Canada Book Fund

Canadian Heritage

If your business publishes books, you may qualify for a financial contribution toward:

• Production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books
• Publishing and technology internships
• Business planning activities

To qualify, your business must be Canadian-owned and controlled. Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

Career Focus

Service Canada

You could get financial assistance if you can offer career-related work experience to young people between the ages of 15 and 30.

To qualify, your business or non-profit organization needs to:

• Hire 8 or more recruits (exceptions for rural or remote regions)
• Offer between 6 and 12 months of work that improves the skills of recruits
• Provide coaching or mentoring
• Base the project in Canada

Other conditions apply.

Priority is given to work experience in growth sectors.

Learn more

Housing Internship Initiative for First Nations and Inuit Youth

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - CMHC

Do you operate a business in the housing industry? If so, you could be eligible to receive wage subsidies to hire and train First Nations or Inuit youths between the ages of 15 and 30.

In order to qualify, you must:

• Offer housing-related employment such as construction, renovation, administration or client counseling
• Hire the trainee for a minimum of 8 weeks, up to a maximum of 2 years
• Operate your business on a First Nations reserve or in an Inuit community, or be willing to cover the youth's travel and accommodation costs

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Mass layoffs

Emploi Québec

Does your business plan to lay off more than 50 employees? If so, you must reclassify them under An Act respecting labour standards.

This initiative will allow you to set up a reclassification assistance committee, which is an effective way of making it easier for laid-off persons to quickly re-enter the labour market.

In addition to receiving ongoing technical support, you could benefit from a contribution for eligible expenses related to committee operations and reclassification activities.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Employment and Social Development Canada

If you are a person with a disability who wants to start a business, or an employer who would like to hire someone with a disability, you could qualify for funds.

Self-employment: You could receive financial assistance for training that can help you start a business if you:

• Have a permanent physical or mental disability
• Are not eligible for employment insurance benefits

Employers: You could get a wage subsidy to hire someone with a disability. The funding can cover a portion of the salary. Projects must normally involve a minimum of 8 participants.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Support for hiring workers who have suffered employment injuries

Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail

You may be eligible for a grant, for a period of up to 1 year, to hire workers who have suffered employment injuries, or to create permanent positions for them.

The grant offers:

• Up to 80% of employees' weekly gross salaries
• Professional consulting services for job creation
• Reimbursement of position-creation costs when professional services are unavailable

You must:

• Be registered and have a file in good standing
• Offer jobs that are compatible with workers' functional abilities

Other conditions apply.

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

Valorisation Jeunesse — Place à la relève

Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion

If you are recruiting for summer jobs and paid internships, this measure can provide you with access to a pool of young dynamic Montrealers between 16 and 18 years of age, most of whom are members of visible minority groups.

You could also qualify for a grant of up to $2,500 per youth, as well as support and advice throughout the employment period.

The internships must:

• Last at least 7 consecutive weeks during the summer
• Offer compensation equal to the minimum wage plus $1 or more
• Allow for coaching, training and transfer of skills to young people
• Be covered by your insurance

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Workforce training measures

Emploi Québec

Your business could receive technical or financial assistance to define your training needs, to set up your project, and to assess its effectiveness.

You could also help your employees to better perform their jobs by providing professional training in customer service or any other field. The training activity should be:

• Qualifying, to ensure employability and boost employee performance
• Transferable, to ensure mobility and knowledge transfer

Assistance is related to your financial situation and may cover up to 50% of costs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :

• Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
• Improve productivity.
• Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.

Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :

• The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
• Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
• Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
• Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.

Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.

Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021. 

Conditions apply.

Learn more

AgriDiversity Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you run a not-for-profit organization in the agriculture or agri-food sectors, you may be eligible for a non-repayable contribution that covers up to 50% of eligible program costs.

Priority will be given to projects that help members of under-represented groups (youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities) to:

• Build their entrepreneurial capacity
• Better develop their leadership skills
• Enhance their involvement in the agriculture sector

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Alternate work arrangements and work hour reduction

Emploi Québec

You could receive advice and funding to draw up an alternate work arrangement and work hour reduction plan for your business.

The program will help you:

• Retain experienced employees during slow periods
• Keep staff who are interested in working fewer hours
• Take on new hires on a trial basis.

You must:

• Employ approximately 80 people
• Have good business potential
• Rethink work organization for technological or economic reasons

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Apollo13 startup support program

The Apollo13 startup support program enables the selected businesses to receive the assistance they need for their growth.

They can grow using the Lean approach.

When they take part in the program, entrepreneurs can expect:

• Frequent feedback and adjustments;
• Strategic, marketing and web support;
• Slow, sustained progress;
• Networks of professionals and experts.

To take part in the program, entrepreneurs need to provide details of their idea and their Lean Canvas.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRB, along with the CRCB and the CRSB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRB offers eligible workers a weekly income of $500.

If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 19 eligibility periods (38 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

To be eligible, workers must, in part:

• Not be an employee or self-employed worker during the period covered by the application (or have had a drop in income of 50% or more);
• Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
• Not be eligible for employment insurance;
• Reside and be present in Canada;
• Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Employment stabilization

Emploi Québec

You could receive financial assistance equivalent to 50% of the salary of staff whose employment has been stabilized, up to a maximum of $5,000 per position, for a period of 52 weeks.

Your project must:

• Fit into your company's business plan
• Continue after the implementation period
• Extend employment periods by diversifying products or services or by other means that lead to greater employment stability.

You must demonstrate that your business is well established and has growth potential.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

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)

Grow Your Business Online

Grow Your Business Online provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that help small businesses that have not yet embraced digital technologies take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.

These NPOs must be able to offer businesses:

• Micro-grant benefits of up to $2,400 to help them cover the costs of adopting digital technologies;
• Advisory services;
• E-business training;
• Use of youth digital advisors.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Human resources management support

Emploi Québec

Take advantage of HR management support services and obtain an analysis of your business' needs in the following areas:

• Staff recruitment and performance
• Salary structure and working conditions
• Diversity management
• Skills development

The services offered are:

• Business diagnostics
• Management coaching (advice and strategies)
• Support for setting up a consultation committee
• Management support (HR acquisition and retention)

You may receive financial assistance of up to 50% of the cost of professional fees.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Job integration contract

Emploi Québec

You could receive financial assistance to hire a person with a disability, along with technical support to ensure his/her integration and retention within your business.

You could benefit from renewable financing, namely:

• Salary support
• Reimbursement of expenses incurred to adjust the workstation to the needs of the person with a disability

You must offer the position in a standard working environment and ensure proper coaching for the employee.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Programme d'aide financière pour la promotion du français 2017-2021

Office québécois de la langue française

You can receive financial assistance up to $675,000 if your organization has a project that falls under one of the following streams:

• Valuing French fluency
• Promoting the use of French in your business

Priority is given to projects that target the following:

• Young adults aged 18 to 35
• Individuals who are not fluent in French, particularly immigrants and Allophone workers
• Management and employees in businesses with fewer than 50 employees

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO)

If your business is in the technology sector, take advantage of this grant of up to $ 1.5M per project to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses.

The project must involve at least one public research partner and one industrial partner based in Quebec.

Examples of targeted technologies:

• Electric vehicles;
• Electric motors, batteries, BMS, power electronics;
• Terminals, charging stations and networks;
• Autonomous vehicles;
• Intelligent Ttransportation Ssystems;
• Materials and processes for vehicle lightening.

Other conditions apply.

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

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Transportez vert – Section: Eco-driving training

Transition énergétique Québec

Take advantage of a grant of up to $30,000 to offer drivers and managers of your vehicle fleet eco-driving training.

This training shows how to adapt driving and behaviour to reduce energy consumption.

Financial aid can cover up to 50% of the following eligible expenses:

• fees, salaries and travel expenses for accredited trainers;
• expenses for rentals, travel and the use of equipment required for training.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Canada Book Fund

Canadian Heritage

If your business publishes books, you may qualify for a financial contribution toward:

• Production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books
• Publishing and technology internships
• Business planning activities

To qualify, your business must be Canadian-owned and controlled. Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

FACTOR funding for the sound recording industry

Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings

As a Canadian recording artist, song writer, artist manager, record label owner, music publisher, distributor, or event producer of English language content, you could qualify for funding.

Eligible activities include:

• Sound recording
• Business development
• Marketing and promotion
• Business travel and tours
• Creation of a music video
• Workshops for songwriters

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

MUSICACTION

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, artist, or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

• Recordings and production
• Artistic development
• Marketing and promotion
• Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range, depending on the activity.

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

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

AgriAssurance: Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Component

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If your business operates in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, including fish and seafood, you can apply for funding in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of project costs to help you implement assurance projects that address market and regulatory requirements.

You will receive assistance implementing third-party assurance certification projects that address international market requirements, thereby increasing export opportunities for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:

• Increasing, modernizing or improving production
• Getting certified for conforming to a standard
• Technological innovation or design
• Marketing products outside Québec

You must:

• Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
• Have less than $35 million in total assets
• Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

CanExport program

Global Affairs Canada

You could get up to $75,000 to reimburse up to 75% of eligible expenses to promote your business in new international markets. Your for-profit business must:

• Be incorporated or a limited liability partnership
• Employ between one and 500 full-time employees
• Have an annual revenue between $100,000 and $100 million

Eligible activities include:

• Business travel
• Trade fairs
• Market research
• Marketing tools updates

Eligible expenses include travel costs, contractor or consultant fees, and legal fees.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Canada Council for the Arts — Funding

Canada Council for the Arts

If you are an artist, or arts organization, you may be eligible for grants and prizes for your works. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and recognized as a professional by other artists in your field.

Grants may be used for the creation, production, and presenting of works as well as:

• Professional development
• Residency
• Travel
• Development of the sector

Other conditions may apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 1: major festivals and tourist events

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The first component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of major festivals and tourist events.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria: 

• Attract a significant number of tourists;
• Have a proven economic impact;
• Have eligible costs of $6 million or more.

Financial aid forms (annual or three-year agreement):

• Financial aid for performance;
• Financial aid for growth.

Some of the eligible costs:

• Administration;
• Programming;
• Site management;
• Promotion.

Registration period:

• Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
• Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires on March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 2: tourist festivals and events

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The first component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of major festivals and tourist events.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria:

• Attract a significant number of tourists;
• Have a proven economic impact;
• Have eligible costs of $6 million or more.

Financial aid forms (annual or three-year agreement):

• Financial aid for performance;
• Financial aid for growth.

Some of the eligible costs:

• Administration;
• Programming;
• Site management;
• Promotion.

Registration period:

• Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
• Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires on March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Financial aid program for festivals and tourist events – component 3: innovation and opportunity

Tourisme Québec

PLEASE NOTE!

HERE (IN FRENCH ONLY) ARE THE DETAILS OF THIS FUNDING PROGRAM FOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The third component of financial aid for festivals and tourist events is for organizers of innovative festivals and events that offer promising opportunities for promoting Quebec.

Non-exhaustive eligibility criteria: 

• Be developing the product;
• Demonstrate the exceptional character of the project;
• Be holding a one-time, non-recurring event;
• Have eligible costs of $1 million or more.

Characteristics of the financial aid: 

• One-time, non-recurring; 
• Not exceed 25% of the cost of the project (maximum of $500,000).

Some of the eligible costs:

• Administration;
• Programming; 
• Site management; 
• Promotion.

Registration period:

• Festivals and events taking place between November 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021: one month in Spring 2020 (usually in June);
• Festivals and events taking place between May 1 and October 31, 2021: one month in the fall of 2020 (usually in November).

The program expires March 31, 2022.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Financial assistance for music production and variety programming

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a grant for activities linked to the production of records or variety shows, or for the management of artists.

The program includes the following components:

• Industrial sector
  • Comprehensive assistance
  • Business assistance
• Management support
• Para-industrial sector — Project assistance
• Additional tour support
• Additional support for new media activities

To be eligible your business must meet both the general and specific terms and conditions of the components.

Other conditions apply.

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

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Industrial agreement programs

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could receive financial assistance and support for your industrial, technological or service agreement projects in Europe. The programs can help you plan short-term missions for your business' directors or senior technical staff.

You could obtain:

• Local support in identifying and organizing meetings with potential partners
• A fixed payment of $1,500 for assistance with logistics

Your business must have been established for at least one year and have the technical and financial capacity to carry out the planned project.

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

Programme Exportation — Volet Entreprises

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Want to increase your business opportunities? You could get financial assistance to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses, to:

• Hire an export specialist
• Develop an international business plan
• Exhibit at a trade show

Businesses in the following sectors are excluded:

• Personal services
• Accommodation and food services
• Performing arts, entertainment and recreation
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme d'aide à l'exportation et au rayonnement culturel des œuvres cinématographiques, télévisuelles et interactives québécoise

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get up to $125,000 in funding for export projects, if you are engaged in the production of film, television, or interactive works, or in commercial activities related to books, arts and crafts, music or variety shows.

The program has 5 components:

• Strategic development abroad — New markets, new works
• Support for one-time projects
• Sodexport — Collective presence in markets and trade fairs, and other export activities
  • Festivals and awards
  • Search for funding and partnership abroad
  • Support for innovative promotion strategies
• International relations

Other conditions apply.

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

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

• Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
• Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :

• Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
• Improve productivity.
• Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.

Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :

• The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
• Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
• Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
• Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.

Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.

Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021. 

Conditions apply.

Learn more

AgriAssurance Program: National Industry Association Component

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If your not-for-profit organization operates in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, including fish and seafood, you could receive funding in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to 75% of eligible program costs.

Assistance will be provided to help you develop and adopt assurance systems, standards and tools to support health and safety claims regarding your agricultural and agri-food products.

Conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

AgriAssurance: Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Component

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If your business operates in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, including fish and seafood, you can apply for funding in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of project costs to help you implement assurance projects that address market and regulatory requirements.

You will receive assistance implementing third-party assurance certification projects that address international market requirements, thereby increasing export opportunities for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Appui pour la conversion à l'agriculture biologique

Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec

You could receive financial assistance of up to $40,000 to stimulate production and adopt organic farming practices.

The program is divided into two parts:

• Support for converting plant, maple, and honey production
• Support for constructing or modifying livestock facilities to meet organic standards

Companies who have discontinued their certification or whose certification has been revoked during the past 5 years are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

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

Assistance for Businesses in Regions Under Maximum Alert (ABRUMA)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

The ABRUMA is an enhancement to the CTAPB and the EASMSB to support businesses that have to cease operations in whole or in part because they are located in a red zone (maximum alert).

A new enhancement offers non-repayable aid (loan forgiveness) applicable to loans granted as part of one of these two programs.

The enhancement covers certain fixed costs that have to be paid during the closing period.

Loan forgiveness can reach up to 80% (or $15,000 per month) of eligible expenses.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:

• Increasing, modernizing or improving production
• Getting certified for conforming to a standard
• Technological innovation or design
• Marketing products outside Québec

You must:

• Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
• Have less than $35 million in total assets
• Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Community Revitalization Fund - Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

CRFC is helping communities recover from the effects of the pandemic through community infrastructure projects.

Eligible applicants:

• NPO;
• Municipal or regional governments;
• Aboriginal organizations.

Eligible activities:

• Adaptation of community spaces and assets for safe use in accordance with local public health guidelines;
• Building or improving community infrastructure to encourage Canadians to re-engage with and explore their communities and regions.

The CRFC contribution could be up to 75% of total eligible costs or $750,000. For recipients in the territories, this amount may be as high as $1 million.

The Fund is delivered by Canada's regional development agencies.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRCB, along with the CRB and the CRSB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRCB offers eligible workers who are caregivers weekly income of $500.

If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again. Each household may apply up to a total of 38 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

To be eligible, the caregiver must, in part:

• Be unable to work at least 50% of their work week because they are caring for a family member;
• Be caring for a child under 12 years old or a family member whose school, daycare, or care establishment is closed because of COVID-19 or because that person is suffering from COVID-19, is in quarantine, or is at risk of serious complications;
• Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
• Not be on paid leave for this period;
• Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
• Reside and be present in Canada.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The CRSB, along with the CRB and the CRCB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.

The CRSB offers eligible workers a weekly income of $500.

If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 4 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021. You cannot apply for periods that are closed.

To be eligible, workers must, in part:

• Be unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they may or do have COVID-19, they have received the recommendation to self-isolate, or they are at risk of serious complications in case of contagion;
• Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
• Not receive paid leave for this period;
• Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
• Reside and be present in Canada.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $1 million towards the costs of an industry-led project that helps the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The project must focus on national or sector-wide priorities that help industry address emerging issues and capitalize on opportunities.

In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate the issue that is facing the sector, how the project results will benefit it, and how it aligns with 1 or more of the 4 priority areas identified:

• Adaptation to new technology
• Environmental sustainability
• Strategic planning and capacity building
• Emerging issues

Eligible applicants are:

• Not-for-profit organizations and associations, cooperatives, marketing boards
• Indigenous groups

Learn more Find contacts

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Fonds Moins c'est plus

The Moins c'est plus Fund is a joint initiative of RECYC-QUÉBEC and La Ruche to reduce waste at the source by promoting innovative projects that support waste management (source reduction, reuse and waste prevention).

Accepted projects will have access to a participatory financing campaign on La Ruche's website.

The Fund will contribute up to $25,000 to the amount raised through this campaign.

Non-exhaustive project eligibility criteria:

• Meet at least one of the following objectives:
  • Waste reduction at the source.
  • Reuse.
  • Prevention, reduction or elimination of releases to the environment;
• Be new and focused;
• The financial objective of the campaign must be achieved through individual financial contributions;
• Not have received additional national public funding for the same project;
• Not have received support from RECYC-QUÉBEC for the same project;
• The expenses must be credible and related to the impact of the project.

Conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Programme PME en action — Appui à la productivité des PME

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If your for-profit business or social enterprise is part of the manufacturing or major services sector, you could receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible expenses, including:

• Professional fees
• Purchase of specialized information

Eligible projects include:

• Supply chain optimization
• Implementation of an integrated management system or a customer relationship management system
• Bring your operations into compliance with production standards
• Implementation of a cost accounting system

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO)

If your business is in the technology sector, take advantage of this grant of up to $ 1.5M per project to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses.

The project must involve at least one public research partner and one industrial partner based in Quebec.

Examples of targeted technologies:

• Electric vehicles;
• Electric motors, batteries, BMS, power electronics;
• Terminals, charging stations and networks;
• Autonomous vehicles;
• Intelligent Ttransportation Ssystems;
• Materials and processes for vehicle lightening.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme de valorisation, d'aménagement et de restauration des habitats du saumon atlantique

Fondation de la faune du Québec

You could obtain financial assistance to fund your initiatives to conserve, improve or restore Atlantic salmon habitat.

With this financial support, you may be able to cover up to 80% of the eligible costs for:

• Pre-project studies or monitoring enhancements (maximum amount of $40,000 per project)
• Habitat enhancements (maximum amount of $150,000 per project)

You must sign a memorandum of understanding with the Fondation de la faune and obtain all required permits and permissions prior to starting this project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Regional Tourism Partnership Agreement (EPRT)

The Government of Québec has renewed the 2016-2020 EPRT for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to support tourism businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to stimulate the economy of different regions through tourism benefits.

4 parts of the EPRT:

• Support for tourism SMEs for the opening of the 2020 season (part 1)
• Support for collective projects among tourism SMEs to adapt to the new health realities (part 2)
• Support for development and structuring projects for the tourism offer (part 3)
• Support for strategic downtown tourism businesses for Quebec tourism gateways (part 4)

Eligible businesses:

For-profit organizations;

• NPOs;
• Cooperatives;
• Municipalities;
• Indigenous communities, businesses, nations and organizations;
• Sector, regional and representative tourism associations.

Financial aid, in the form of a non-repayable grant, varies by region and category of project.

For application dates, contact your regional tourism association. (In French only)

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Retail Business Consolidation Fund

City of Montreal

Through PME MTL, the Ville de Montréal is providing eligible commercial enterprises with grants of up to $10,000, or 75% of the total cost of their business project.

Eligibility requirements (non-exhaustive):

• Be a business establishment in Montréal.
• Demonstrate that access to your business is closed due to COVID-19.
• Provide at least 10% in the total project cost.
• Be majority-owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Have a business project that falls under NAICS sectors 44 or 45 or sub-sectors 722 or 812.

Specific documents are required for the review of the funding request.

Conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Temporary aid program for music and variety show performances

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

This program is designed to compensate for revenue losses for artistic performances that were scheduled between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and that have been cancelled or postponed because of government public safety guidelines.

Eligibility conditions:

• Be a company legally constituted whose primary activities are presenting music and variety shows;
• Have a head office and main place of business in Quebec.

For complete details about the program: Program Guide ​(French only)

Some conditions apply.

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

Tourism Relief Fund - Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Tourism Relief Fund enables Canadian tourism businesses and organizations to attract more visitors by creating new or enhanced services and products and by improving positioning among foreign visitors.

Contributions to businesses will take the form of non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs) or repayable contributions of up to $500,000 (75% of eligible costs).

A company cannot receive both types of contributions.

Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous entities (that do not generate profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.

Eligible Applicants :

• Businesses;
• Not-for-profit organizations (e.g. tourism associations);
• Band Councils (or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives).

Eligibility Criteria (meet at least one of the criteria):

• Be a key provider or operator in the visitor experience;
• Be part of a defined tourism cluster or tourism dependent community;
• Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Tourist establishment accessibility program

Tourisme Québec

You could receive financial assistance to cover up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum amount of $100,000 per project for infrastructure improvement projects to increase the accessibility of your tourist establishment.

Eligible work includes:

• Barrier-free outdoor area and stair-free indoor area
• Barrier-free entrances — accessible to people in wheelchairs
• Accessible washrooms
• Barrier-free rooms

Work must be performed on an existing establishment and comply with Kéroul accessibility criteria.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s) (in French only)

Clean Tech Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

If you create technology that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality, you could get funding to cover up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing your product.

To qualify, you need to:

• Have expertise in sustainable development technology
• Be part of a project consortium

Your product or process must be used to:

• Produce and distribute energy
• Create electricity (for example, solar power)
• Remove pollutants in certain industry sectors

Other conditions apply. You only need to repay the funds if you collect revenues related to the project or use project assets for business activities.

Learn more Find contacts

Fonds de développement des entreprises d'économie sociale

Centres locaux de développement (CLD) and RCM - Economic Development

You could receive a grant to help you finance plans to start, consolidate or expand your social economy business.

Your company must:

• be financially viable
• produce goods or offer services
• create sustainable jobs

Eligible expenses are:

• technology acquisition or patenting
• capital expenditures (land, building, equipment)
• working capital needs 

Please contact us for the organization in your region that oversees this fund.

Learn more Find contacts

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

National Research Council Canada

Your small or medium-sized business could grow stronger, faster and bigger through innovation and technology. You could receive customized technical and business advice as well as non-repayable financial contributions to help you:

• Research, develop and commercialize new technologies
• Accelerate the adoption and adaptation of these technologies

To qualify, your business in Canada must:

• Be incorporated and profit-oriented
• Have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• Show the ability to grow and generate profits

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Partnerships Options for Companies

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If you are a Canadian business with an R&D project in natural sciences or engineering, you could partner with Canadian colleges and universities to access their facilities and students.

With a financial or in-kind contribution, you could participate in programs that can help you:

• Undertake short-term R&D projects
• Develop new products or services, or improve processes
• Increase your R&D capability
• Gain research insights into a longer-term industry challenge

See website for more details.

Learn more Find contacts

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

AgriInnovate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Looking to fund your innovative agri-food or agri-based product or technology? You may be eligible for up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10 million.

Eligible activities include: commercialization, adoption or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes and services.

Examples of these activities may include:

• Expansion or modernization of a facility or site
• Purchase and installation of equipment
• Training and development of staff
• Marketing activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Artificial Intelligence Innovation Program – Electric Energy

You could receive a grant of up to $600,000 to develop your artificial intelligence innovation projects in the electrical energy and smart transportation sectors.

The financial aid could cover up to 50% of eligible expenses per business partner operating in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria:

• At least two (2) industry partners (including one SME);
• At least one (1) public research centre;
• A technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 completed by the end of the project. 

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

CIETECH digital transformation grant program

This grant program will provide financial support to merchants involved in the CIETECH support program as they implement efforts for a digital transformation.

The implementation of technologies to improve the client experience will be eligible for a 20% grant of up to $1,500, after implementing the digital solution in your company.

This program is available for a limited time.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Clean Transportation System — Research and Development Program

Transport Canada

You could get a grant of $100,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for a project that advances a new clean technology innovation, practice or research in the marine, rail and aviation sectors.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Contribute to the overall improvement of the transportation system
• Contribute to reducing, measuring or reducing the intensity of GHG's and/or air pollutant emissions
• Establish technology, knowledge or practices that others can use
• Identify potential risks

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Community Interaction Program: St. Lawrence Action Plan

Environment and Climate Change Canada

If you are a non-profit, non-governmental organization, you could be eligible for funding of up to $200,000 to help improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Projects focus on specific environmental issues requiring action, and include:

• Awareness raising and educational activities
• Studies to identify specific action
• Implementation of restoration actions such as shoreline cleanup, stabilization and revegetation; or
• Measures to protect species at risk

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

• The marketing of a product
• Improvements to services and infrastructure
• Conferences and cultural or sporting events
• Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

• Economic benefits
• Extra-regional outreach
• Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Fonds Écoleader financing – component 1: Business

Fonds Écoleader

The Business portion of this program offers financial aid to businesses that want to hire experts to help them introduce environmentally responsible practices or prepare for the acquisition of clean technologies.

Eligible projects for adopting environmentally responsible practices and financing available:

• Realization of studies and analyses – up to $10,000
• Development of concrete action plans – up to $10,000
• Implementation support – up to $10,000

Financial aid of up to $30,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

Eligible projects for preparing to adopt clean technology and financing available:

• Realization of studies and action plans – $35,000
• Support prior to acquisition – $15,000

Financial aid of up to $50,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

The application deadline is September 30, 2022.

Some conditions apply. 

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

Fonds Écoleader financing – part 2: Cohort of Businesses

Fonds Écoleader

The Cohort of Businesses portion of this program offers financial aid to cohorts of businesses that want to hire experts to help them introduce environmentally responsible practices or prepare to acquire clean technology.

Eligible projects for adopting environmentally responsible practices and financing available:

• Realization of studies and analyses – up to $10,000
• Development of concrete action plans – up to $10,000
• Implementation support – up to $10,000

Financial aid of up to $30,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

Eligible projects for preparing to adopt clean technology and financing available:

• Realization of studies and action plans – $35,000
• Support prior to acquisition – $15,000

Financial aid of up to $50,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

The amounts described above apply to each business in the cohort. The maximum aid per project is $300,000 for environmentally responsible practices and $500,000 for clean technology. These amounts do not limit the number of businesses that can be members of a given cohort.

The application deadline is September 30, 2022.

Some conditions apply. 

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

Green Freight Assessment Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could receive funding of up to $10,000 to review the state of your fleets to help make informed decisions to reduce your fuel costs, and your greenhouse gas emissions.

The application form consists of 4 sections:

• Company information
• Business operation
• Fleet portrait
• Previous assessment experience and readiness

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Green infrastructure programs

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

If your business plans to carry out clean energy infrastructure projects, you could get help with deployment and market entry by participating in a variety of funding programs, including:

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations (EVID)
• Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative
• Smart Grids
• Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D
• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
• Emerging Renewable Power

Funding amounts vary, as do the application processes. Conditions apply.

Learn more

Grow Your Business Online

Grow Your Business Online provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that help small businesses that have not yet embraced digital technologies take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.

These NPOs must be able to offer businesses:

• Micro-grant benefits of up to $2,400 to help them cover the costs of adopting digital technologies;
• Advisory services;
• E-business training;
• Use of youth digital advisors.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Industry audit 4.0

Investissement Québec

The Government of Québec, through Investissement Québec, offers financial aid for eligible businesses that want to make a digital shift (diagnosis and digital plan, followed by the selection of solutions and change management planning).

This aid has two parts:

• Part 1 – Diagnosis and digital plan 
• Part 2 – Implementation plan (selection of solutions and change management planning for priority digital projects)

Financial aid for each part will cover up to 50% of eligible expenses. It can be up to $20,000 for part 1 and up to $10,000 for part 2.

For each part, the project may not exceed six months.

For more information, contact the regional office for your area. (In French only)

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Investments in Forest Industry Transformation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

Has your business developed highly innovative or first-in-kind technologies that could help Canada's forest industry become more competitive or sustainable? If so, you could get a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of the project's costs to demonstrate the technology at the pilot or commercial scale.

Eligible costs include:

• Capital expenses, materials, and supplies
• Salaries and professional fees
• Travel and training

Costs associated with the production or export of softwood lumber are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

National Trade Corridors Fund

Transport Canada

Your non-profit organization could get a financial contribution of up to 75% of eligible costs for a transportation infrastructure project in Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut. The project must improve transportation-related infrastructure or advance the efficient movement of goods or people.

Contributions to for-profit private sector organizations may also be considered, but only when the contribution will provide wider benefits, rather than to the recipient alone.

The proposed project must be completed by December 31, 2027.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Partenar.IA: Financing collaborative R&D projects in AI

Take advantage of a subsidy for collaborative R&D projects in AI of up to $350,000 per project.

The maximum rate of financial aid is 40% of eligible expenses.

Total government spending cannot exceed 60% of eligible expenses for the project.

Other conditions apply.

Deadline for submitting applications : April 15th, 2021

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

Programme PME en action — Appui à la productivité des PME

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If your for-profit business or social enterprise is part of the manufacturing or major services sector, you could receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible expenses, including:

• Professional fees
• Purchase of specialized information

Eligible projects include:

• Supply chain optimization
• Implementation of an integrated management system or a customer relationship management system
• Bring your operations into compliance with production standards
• Implementation of a cost accounting system

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme Technoclimat

Transition énergétique Québec

Do you have innovative technology projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energies, bioenergies or GHG emissions reduction? If so, you could benefit from financial assistance.

The project must:

• Focus on a pre-commercialized technological innovation (level of technological readiness 4 to 7) that is not available in the Quebec market
• Be carried out in Quebec
• Have strong market potential
• Include measurement activities

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme d'aide à l'adaptation numérique des entreprises de la presse d'information écrite

Ministère de la Culture et des Communications

Are you looking to adapt your print media business to the digital environment and new practices? If so, you may be eligible for funding.

Projects must target:

• Development of innovative strategies in marketing, creation or monetization of press content on matters of current general interest
• Innovation and experimentation in print media

Total funding may cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO)

If your business is in the technology sector, take advantage of this grant of up to $ 1.5M per project to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses.

The project must involve at least one public research partner and one industrial partner based in Quebec.

Examples of targeted technologies:

• Electric vehicles;
• Electric motors, batteries, BMS, power electronics;
• Terminals, charging stations and networks;
• Autonomous vehicles;
• Intelligent Ttransportation Ssystems;
• Materials and processes for vehicle lightening.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme innovation — volet 1 : soutien aux projets d'innovation

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Your business or business cluster could receive financing in the form of a non-refundable contribution for an innovation project for a product or a manufacturing process developed in Quebec. Contributions range from $50,000 to $350,000 and cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must:

• Focus on the development of a new product or manufacturing process or on the improvement of an existing product or manufacturing process
• Demonstrate the level of innovation required
• Involve a technological or business uncertainty facing your company
• Require R&D efforts
• Demonstrate the business potential if it is intended for sale

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

• Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
• Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Strategic Innovation Fund — Stream 4

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

If your organization operates in the health and biosciences sector, you could be eligible for a non-repayable financial contribution for a large-scale project that advances industrial research, development and technology demonstration.

To be eligible, you must:

• Partner with at least one academic organization to form a consortium (for corporations) or a network (for non-profits supporting businesses in more than one region)
• Clearly describe the anticipated innovation, economic or public benefits of your project/proposal

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Transportez vert – Section: DC electric vehicle charging stations

Transition énergétique Québec

Take advantage of a grant for up to 50% of your expenses or up to $60,000 to help you acquire and install DC electric vehicle charging stations for your fleet of vehicles.

Eligibility criteria for charging stations:

• New;
• Qualified as DC electric vehicle charging stations;
• Used for charging electric vehicles that belong to the eligible applicant or their employees.

List of eligible charging stations (In French only)

Eligible expenses:

• Acquisition costs;
• Labour and equipment installation costs;
• Professional services fees;
• Energy storage and conversion devices;
• Energy management devices and software.

The financial assistance will be based on the power output of the charging station.

For the detailed procedure: Applicant Guide (In French only)

For more details: Regulatory Framework for the Program (In French only)

Some conditions apply. 

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts

Transportez vert – Section: Technology acquisition

Transition énergétique Québec

You could receive financial aid of up to $1M to acquire new vehicles or technology that improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions when transporting people and merchandise.

The following are eligible:

• Some new electric vehicles;
• Eelectric conversion of light vehicles and buses;
• other types of technologies.

Technologies must first receive their certification.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Vitrine technologique — Pré-commercialisation de l'innovation

Ville de Québec

If the head office of your business is located in the greater Quebec City area, you could benefit from a non-refundable contribution of up to $250,000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must take the form of a pilot project or a showcase to test or validate an innovative process or product within the operations of the City of Quebec or another organization elsewhere.

Eligible organizations include:

• Incorporated private businesses
• Social enterprises involved primarily in business transaction activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Develop a business plan
• Grow your existing business
• Market your product or service
• Develop new products or processes
• Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Learn more Find contacts

Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence

National Research Council Canada

If you create a network of skilled partners in industry and academia to address real-world challenges and stimulate innovation, you could receive funding for research costs.

Priority research areas include:

• Environmental science
• Natural resources and energy
• Health and life sciences
• ICT
• Management, business or finance

Your network should be able to:

• Market or generate business applications for the proposed research
• Create, grow and retain companies in Canada
• Capture new markets
• Increase domestic collaborations

Your network must incorporate as a federal not-for-profit organization to receive funding for up to a maximum of five years.

Learn more Form(s)

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

Canadian International Innovation Program

Global Affairs Canada

If you are a for-profit Canadian business looking to collaborate with a foreign partner in Brazil, China, India, Israel or South Korea, you could get up to 50% of the costs associated with the commercialization of your innovation, including development, adaptation and validation of technology.

To qualify, you must have a project that:

• Could be a commercial success
• Is technologically feasible
• Is for non-military purposes

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Clean Tech Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

If you create technology that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality, you could get funding to cover up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing your product.

To qualify, you need to:

• Have expertise in sustainable development technology
• Be part of a project consortium

Your product or process must be used to:

• Produce and distribute energy
• Create electricity (for example, solar power)
• Remove pollutants in certain industry sectors

Other conditions apply. You only need to repay the funds if you collect revenues related to the project or use project assets for business activities.

Learn more Find contacts

Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If you are undertaking a research project in natural sciences or engineering, you could have part of the project costs paid for you by partnering with a university. To be eligible, you should:

• Contribute at least half the costs
• Have a project that is scientifically and technically feasible
• Have the expertise, with the help of your partner, to complete the project
• Have a project that benefits Canada
• Provide training to university students who work on the project

Other conditions apply. See the website for details.

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MUSICACTION

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, artist, or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

• Recordings and production
• Artistic development
• Marketing and promotion
• Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range, depending on the activity.

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

Matching Investment Fund (dairy)

Canadian Dairy Commission

You could get up to $150,000 to create new or improved products made from milk. Up to $25,000 of that amount can be used for consultation services, while remaining funds must be applied to product development.

To qualify, you need to:

• Make foods, drinks or other products using milk
• Contribute 50% of the costs
• Create a product that increases the use of milk

Small businesses (fewer than 25 employees) are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 100% of eligible costs for the first $10,000 spent on a project.

Other conditions apply.

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NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

National Research Council Canada

Your small or medium-sized business could grow stronger, faster and bigger through innovation and technology. You could receive customized technical and business advice as well as non-repayable financial contributions to help you:

• Research, develop and commercialize new technologies
• Accelerate the adoption and adaptation of these technologies

To qualify, your business in Canada must:

• Be incorporated and profit-oriented
• Have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• Show the ability to grow and generate profits

Other conditions apply.

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Networks of Centres of Excellence

Government of Canada

Explore various funds available for your R&D activities, especially in the areas of engineering, health, and natural, social and biomedical science.

If your work responds to current research and innovation needs, there is a range of multi-stage competitions that are scheduled as funding becomes available. The programs address the needs that are specific to the different stages of the innovation process.

Application deadlines vary.

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Partnerships Options for Companies

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If you are a Canadian business with an R&D project in natural sciences or engineering, you could partner with Canadian colleges and universities to access their facilities and students.

With a financial or in-kind contribution, you could participate in programs that can help you:

• Undertake short-term R&D projects
• Develop new products or services, or improve processes
• Increase your R&D capability
• Gain research insights into a longer-term industry challenge

See website for more details.

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Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Space Technology Development Program

Canadian Space Agency

Your organization (industry or academia) could receive financial and technical support to perform R&D on space technologies. This support covers proposals solicitation (through regular Request for Proposals), evaluation and selection, as well as rigorous project management.

Technologies should help:

• Reduce risk for future Canadian space activities
• Improve industrial processes and infrastructure
• Create knowledge through innovation

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Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

If your Canadian corporation does R&D in the aerospace, defence, space or security industries, you could receive funding for up to 40% of the cost of your project.

You may be eligible if your project:

• Creates opportunities to contribute to a highly skilled and knowledge-based workforce
• Involves industrial research
• Includes strategic R&D activities
• Requires support essential to its location, scope and/or timing
• Has R&D that takes place in Canada
• Involves collaboration with academia in Canada

Funding is in the form of conditionally or unconditionally repayable contributions.

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Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

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Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :

• Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
• Improve productivity.
• Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.

Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :

• The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
• Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
• Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
• Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.

Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.

Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021. 

Conditions apply.

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AgriInnovate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Looking to fund your innovative agri-food or agri-based product or technology? You may be eligible for up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10 million.

Eligible activities include: commercialization, adoption or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes and services.

Examples of these activities may include:

• Expansion or modernization of a facility or site
• Purchase and installation of equipment
• Training and development of staff
• Marketing activities

Other conditions apply.

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AgriRisk Initiatives (ARI): Research and Development Contribution Funding stream

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

AgriRisk Initiatives (ARI) make up a five-year program of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The goal of this program is to increase the capacity of producers to deal with risk by enabling the development and adoption of new risk management tools.

This stream prioritizes projects that include new financial tools that enable producers to manage a defined business risk. It is open to for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Eligible activities:

• Data collection, analysis, and modelling;
• Actuarial work on possible financial tools;
• Testing or feasibility evaluation of implementing financial tools, including those available in other administrations.

The projects must:

• include the applicant’s financial support
• show the appropriate participation and support of parties;
• focus on the risks identified;
• focus on major risks other than those considered normal operational risks or risks at the farm.

For more details: Applicant guide

Some conditions apply.

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Applied Research and Development Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

You could receive funding of up to $150,000 when you partner with an eligible Canadian college to develop clean technologies.

Your grant could total:

• $150,000 when you cover 50% or more of the project cost
• $75,000 when you cover 50% or less of the project cost

Your business or consortium must be Canadian-based and you must make use of the research. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada will determine your financial contribution to a project.

Other conditions apply.

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Artificial Intelligence Innovation Program – Electric Energy

You could receive a grant of up to $600,000 to develop your artificial intelligence innovation projects in the electrical energy and smart transportation sectors.

The financial aid could cover up to 50% of eligible expenses per business partner operating in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria:

• At least two (2) industry partners (including one SME);
• At least one (1) public research centre;
• A technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 completed by the end of the project. 

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:

• Increasing, modernizing or improving production
• Getting certified for conforming to a standard
• Technological innovation or design
• Marketing products outside Québec

You must:

• Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
• Have less than $35 million in total assets
• Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000

Other conditions apply.

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Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $1 million towards the costs of an industry-led project that helps the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The project must focus on national or sector-wide priorities that help industry address emerging issues and capitalize on opportunities.

In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate the issue that is facing the sector, how the project results will benefit it, and how it aligns with 1 or more of the 4 priority areas identified:

• Adaptation to new technology
• Environmental sustainability
• Strategic planning and capacity building
• Emerging issues

Eligible applicants are:

• Not-for-profit organizations and associations, cooperatives, marketing boards
• Indigenous groups

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Canadian Agriculture Partnership — AgriScience Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you own a not-for-profit corporation you may be eligible for non-repayable funding of at least $5 million to support:

• Pre-commercial science activities
• Research in the agriculture and agri-food sectors

You must provide a minimum of 30% of eligible costs.

Other conditions apply.

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Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN)

Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks

Are you looking to accelerate the commercialization of your innovative communications technology, products, applications or services? You may be eligible for commercialization support.

Qualifying fields include:

• Software Defined Network, Network Function Virtualization, SD-WAN
• Internet of Things/Smart City Applications
• Data Centre/Cloud
• Network transport, applications, or mobility
• Security

Additional services can help commercialize, test, certify, and validate next-generation communications.

Other conditions apply.

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Clean Growth Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You may be eligible for funding if you operate a natural resources or clean technology business and are working on cleantech projects in the areas of energy, mining and forestry.

Eligible activities in natural resource operations include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas and air emissions
• Minimizing landscape disturbances and improving waste management
• The production and use of advanced materials and bioproducts
• Efficient energy use and productivity
• Reducing water use and impacts on aquatic ecosystems

All projects will be required to secure provincial/territorial support.

Other conditions apply.

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Clean Transportation System — Research and Development Program

Transport Canada

You could get a grant of $100,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for a project that advances a new clean technology innovation, practice or research in the marine, rail and aviation sectors.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Contribute to the overall improvement of the transportation system
• Contribute to reducing, measuring or reducing the intensity of GHG's and/or air pollutant emissions
• Establish technology, knowledge or practices that others can use
• Identify potential risks

Other conditions apply.

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Community Interaction Program: St. Lawrence Action Plan

Environment and Climate Change Canada

If you are a non-profit, non-governmental organization, you could be eligible for funding of up to $200,000 to help improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Projects focus on specific environmental issues requiring action, and include:

• Awareness raising and educational activities
• Studies to identify specific action
• Implementation of restoration actions such as shoreline cleanup, stabilization and revegetation; or
• Measures to protect species at risk

Other conditions apply.

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Community Investment Program

Canadian Internet Registration Authority

Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a grant of up to $100,000 to develop an innovative community project that will help build a safer and more accessible Internet for Canadians.  

Types of projects which may be funded are:

• Community access to the Internet
• Online services for disadvantaged groups
• Digital literacy
• Infrastructure security
• Research focused on technological aspect of the Internet
• Activities that lead to more effective Internet governance
• Increase public participation in policy making
• Address social, economic or environmental needs.

Other conditions apply.

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ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

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Emerging Renewable Power Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could be eligible for funding for your business to expand the portfolio of commercially viable renewable energy sources available to provinces and territories as they work to reduce GHG emissions from their electricity sectors.

The program will establish new industries in Canada by supporting renewable power technologies that are:

• Already established at the commercial level abroad, but not yet in Canada
• Demonstrated in Canada, but not yet deployed at utility scale

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Engage Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If your business operates in Canada, you could receive a grant of up to $25,000 when you partner with a college or university to develop valuable technology.

To qualify, your company must have:

• At least 2 full-time employees
• Been in operation for at least 2 years

You must demonstrate how the collaborative research will lead to significant economic benefit.  

The grant covers a project of 6 months or less, and you could get a maximum of 2 grants per year.

Other conditions apply.

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Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Do you undertake activities such as wild capture harvesting, or have operations in aquaculture facilities or processing plants in the fish or seafood sectors? If so, you could be eligible for funding to reduce the environmental impacts of your activities by implementing clean technologies.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit a project proposal, which must include a minimum of 10% provincial or territorial funding (cash or in-kind). The program provides funding for up to 75% of eligible project costs.

Other conditions apply.

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Fonds Moins c'est plus

The Moins c'est plus Fund is a joint initiative of RECYC-QUÉBEC and La Ruche to reduce waste at the source by promoting innovative projects that support waste management (source reduction, reuse and waste prevention).

Accepted projects will have access to a participatory financing campaign on La Ruche's website.

The Fund will contribute up to $25,000 to the amount raised through this campaign.

Non-exhaustive project eligibility criteria:

• Meet at least one of the following objectives:
  • Waste reduction at the source.
  • Reuse.
  • Prevention, reduction or elimination of releases to the environment;
• Be new and focused;
• The financial objective of the campaign must be achieved through individual financial contributions;
• Not have received additional national public funding for the same project;
• Not have received support from RECYC-QUÉBEC for the same project;
• The expenses must be credible and related to the impact of the project.

Conditions apply.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

• The marketing of a product
• Improvements to services and infrastructure
• Conferences and cultural or sporting events
• Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

• Economic benefits
• Extra-regional outreach
• Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

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Going Global Innovation

Global Affairs Canada

Are you a Canadian researcher from a small or medium size enterprise, university, or a non-government research centre looking to solidify an international partnership needed to commercialize your technology? If so, you could receive up to 75% of the costs associated with partnership development activities.

You will need to demonstrate that your targeted partnership would enable you to develop or improve a product or service that is technologically feasible.

Other conditions apply.

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Green Freight Assessment Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could receive funding of up to $10,000 to review the state of your fleets to help make informed decisions to reduce your fuel costs, and your greenhouse gas emissions.

The application form consists of 4 sections:

• Company information
• Business operation
• Fleet portrait
• Previous assessment experience and readiness

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Green infrastructure programs

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

If your business plans to carry out clean energy infrastructure projects, you could get help with deployment and market entry by participating in a variety of funding programs, including:

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations (EVID)
• Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative
• Smart Grids
• Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D
• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
• Emerging Renewable Power

Funding amounts vary, as do the application processes. Conditions apply.

Learn more

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

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Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

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Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

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Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

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Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

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Industrial agreement programs

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could receive financial assistance and support for your industrial, technological or service agreement projects in Europe. The programs can help you plan short-term missions for your business' directors or senior technical staff.

You could obtain:

• Local support in identifying and organizing meetings with potential partners
• A fixed payment of $1,500 for assistance with logistics

Your business must have been established for at least one year and have the technical and financial capacity to carry out the planned project.

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Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Department of National Defence

If you are an innovator with ideas about solving specific defence and security challenges, you could get a maximum of 100% of eligible costs.

To submit your idea, you must first understand the current challenges being faced, under one of 3 themes:

• People and enhanced human performance
• Anticipate threat
• Adapt to a changing environment

Other conditions apply.

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Innovative Solutions Canada

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Is your business looking to come up with a novel solution to solve a specific challenge from a Government of Canada department or agency? Your business could receive up to $150,000 for the proof of concept and then, if approved, get up to $1 million to develop a prototype.

To be eligible your small business must:

• Be incorporated with a head office in Canada
• Have 499 or fewer full time employees
• Have 50% or more of employees working in Canada
• Have at least 50% of salary expenditures be on employees working in Canada
• Have 50% or more of senior executives with a principal residence in Canada

Other conditions apply.

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Investments in Forest Industry Transformation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

Has your business developed highly innovative or first-in-kind technologies that could help Canada's forest industry become more competitive or sustainable? If so, you could get a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of the project's costs to demonstrate the technology at the pilot or commercial scale.

Eligible costs include:

• Capital expenses, materials, and supplies
• Salaries and professional fees
• Travel and training

Costs associated with the production or export of softwood lumber are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Mitacs Accelerate International

Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (Mitacs)

If you are a for-profit business with offices or facilities in Canada, you may get a grant of up to $15,000 in matching funds for a research project if you partner with a international graduate student.

The project can help you strengthen your networks, create joint ventures, and stay on top of global trends in your sector.

To participate, you must:

• Provide support, and hands-on training in the student's field of study
• Contribute half of the funding

Other conditions apply.

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National Trade Corridors Fund

Transport Canada

Your non-profit organization could get a financial contribution of up to 75% of eligible costs for a transportation infrastructure project in Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut. The project must improve transportation-related infrastructure or advance the efficient movement of goods or people.

Contributions to for-profit private sector organizations may also be considered, but only when the contribution will provide wider benefits, rather than to the recipient alone.

The proposed project must be completed by December 31, 2027.

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Partenar.IA: Financing collaborative R&D projects in AI

Take advantage of a subsidy for collaborative R&D projects in AI of up to $350,000 per project.

The maximum rate of financial aid is 40% of eligible expenses.

Total government spending cannot exceed 60% of eligible expenses for the project.

Other conditions apply.

Deadline for submitting applications : April 15th, 2021

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Programme Technoclimat

Transition énergétique Québec

Do you have innovative technology projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energies, bioenergies or GHG emissions reduction? If so, you could benefit from financial assistance.

The project must:

• Focus on a pre-commercialized technological innovation (level of technological readiness 4 to 7) that is not available in the Quebec market
• Be carried out in Quebec
• Have strong market potential
• Include measurement activities

Other conditions apply.

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Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO)

If your business is in the technology sector, take advantage of this grant of up to $ 1.5M per project to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses.

The project must involve at least one public research partner and one industrial partner based in Quebec.

Examples of targeted technologies:

• Electric vehicles;
• Electric motors, batteries, BMS, power electronics;
• Terminals, charging stations and networks;
• Autonomous vehicles;
• Intelligent Ttransportation Ssystems;
• Materials and processes for vehicle lightening.

Other conditions apply.

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Programme innovation — volet 1 : soutien aux projets d'innovation

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Your business or business cluster could receive financing in the form of a non-refundable contribution for an innovation project for a product or a manufacturing process developed in Quebec. Contributions range from $50,000 to $350,000 and cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must:

• Focus on the development of a new product or manufacturing process or on the improvement of an existing product or manufacturing process
• Demonstrate the level of innovation required
• Involve a technological or business uncertainty facing your company
• Require R&D efforts
• Demonstrate the business potential if it is intended for sale

Other conditions apply.

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Quantum Leap

CQDM — Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery

If you have a business in the biopharmaceutical industry, you may be eligible for funding to advance the discovery of preventative or remedial drugs.

Projects must last between 1 and 3 years and generally have a budget between $500,000 and $1,200,000.

The funding may come in the form of a grant or an equity investment.

You may be required to meet with the appropriate officials during the application process.

Other conditions apply.

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Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

• Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
• Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

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Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

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Strategic Innovation Fund — Stream 4

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

If your organization operates in the health and biosciences sector, you could be eligible for a non-repayable financial contribution for a large-scale project that advances industrial research, development and technology demonstration.

To be eligible, you must:

• Partner with at least one academic organization to form a consortium (for corporations) or a network (for non-profits supporting businesses in more than one region)
• Clearly describe the anticipated innovation, economic or public benefits of your project/proposal

Other conditions apply.

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Strategic Innovation Fund — Streams 1, 2 and 3

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your for-profit organization could be eligible for a financial contribution to enhance productivity and support R&D, investment, and growth.

You may submit an application for funding in one of 3 project streams:

1. R&D to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services
2. Firm expansion and growth within Canada
3. Attraction of large-scale high-quality investments and reinvestments to Canada

Applications for streams 1 to 3 are accepted on a continuing basis. There are no submission deadlines.

Conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Technology Demonstration Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

You could receive funding of up to 50% of the costs (up to $54 million) of one large-scale aerospace and defense R&D project per year.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a for-profit corporation (or university, college or research institute) operating in Canada
• Be an Original Equipment Manufacturer or a Tier 1 supplier to one
• Demonstrate the ability to lead a large-scale multi-member project
• Have sufficient resources to fund the R&D
• Partner with at least 1 SME corporation and 1 academic institute

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Tourism Relief Fund - Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Tourism Relief Fund enables Canadian tourism businesses and organizations to attract more visitors by creating new or enhanced services and products and by improving positioning among foreign visitors.

Contributions to businesses will take the form of non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs) or repayable contributions of up to $500,000 (75% of eligible costs).

A company cannot receive both types of contributions.

Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous entities (that do not generate profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.

Eligible Applicants :

• Businesses;
• Not-for-profit organizations (e.g. tourism associations);
• Band Councils (or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives).

Eligibility Criteria (meet at least one of the criteria):

• Be a key provider or operator in the visitor experience;
• Be part of a defined tourism cluster or tourism dependent community;
• Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Vitrine technologique — Pré-commercialisation de l'innovation

Ville de Québec

If the head office of your business is located in the greater Quebec City area, you could benefit from a non-refundable contribution of up to $250,000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must take the form of a pilot project or a showcase to test or validate an innovative process or product within the operations of the City of Quebec or another organization elsewhere.

Eligible organizations include:

• Incorporated private businesses
• Social enterprises involved primarily in business transaction activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

By attending customized workshops, you can learn how to help your organization increase its energy efficiency and reduce costs. Other tools and services can help you calculate and reduce energy consumption.

If you choose to implement the ISO 50001 Standard at your facilities, you may be eligible to receive up to $40,000 to help cover implementation costs and those of related studies.

To be eligible, you must:

• Register your facility with NRCan as a CIPEC Leader
• Have your proposal approved before work begins

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Clean Tech Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

If you create technology that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality, you could get funding to cover up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing your product.

To qualify, you need to:

• Have expertise in sustainable development technology
• Be part of a project consortium

Your product or process must be used to:

• Produce and distribute energy
• Create electricity (for example, solar power)
• Remove pollutants in certain industry sectors

Other conditions apply. You only need to repay the funds if you collect revenues related to the project or use project assets for business activities.

Learn more Find contacts

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :

• Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
• Improve productivity.
• Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.

Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :

• The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
• Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
• Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
• Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.

Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.

Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021. 

Conditions apply.

Learn more

Applied Research and Development Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

You could receive funding of up to $150,000 when you partner with an eligible Canadian college to develop clean technologies.

Your grant could total:

• $150,000 when you cover 50% or more of the project cost
• $75,000 when you cover 50% or less of the project cost

Your business or consortium must be Canadian-based and you must make use of the research. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada will determine your financial contribution to a project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Bioénergies

Transition énergétique Québec

If you have plans to convert the energy source used by your business to residual forest biomass, you could be eligible for financial aid of up to $5 million, per site. Eligible expenses include:

Analysis component

• Fees for internal specialists and consultants
• Measurement equipment rental costs

Implementation component

• Cost of purchasing and refurbishing equipment
• Engineering, installation and activation work
• Measurement, quantification and verification costs

Other conditions apply.

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

Branché au travail

Ministère de l'Énergie et des Ressources naturelles

You could get financial assistance of up to $25,000 to buy and install charging stations for electric vehicles at your workplace.

Each station must:

• Be new
• Be powered by an electric current of 120 or 240 volts, or both
• Have a connector to be fastened to the vehicle
• Be approved by an established organization, as prescribed by the Building Act

Charging stations must remain operational for at least 3 years and be available to employees free of charge.

Other conditions apply.

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

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $1 million towards the costs of an industry-led project that helps the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The project must focus on national or sector-wide priorities that help industry address emerging issues and capitalize on opportunities.

In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate the issue that is facing the sector, how the project results will benefit it, and how it aligns with 1 or more of the 4 priority areas identified:

• Adaptation to new technology
• Environmental sustainability
• Strategic planning and capacity building
• Emerging issues

Eligible applicants are:

• Not-for-profit organizations and associations, cooperatives, marketing boards
• Indigenous groups

Learn more Find contacts

Clean Growth Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You may be eligible for funding if you operate a natural resources or clean technology business and are working on cleantech projects in the areas of energy, mining and forestry.

Eligible activities in natural resource operations include:

• Reducing greenhouse gas and air emissions
• Minimizing landscape disturbances and improving waste management
• The production and use of advanced materials and bioproducts
• Efficient energy use and productivity
• Reducing water use and impacts on aquatic ecosystems

All projects will be required to secure provincial/territorial support.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Clean Transportation System — Research and Development Program

Transport Canada

You could get a grant of $100,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for a project that advances a new clean technology innovation, practice or research in the marine, rail and aviation sectors.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Contribute to the overall improvement of the transportation system
• Contribute to reducing, measuring or reducing the intensity of GHG's and/or air pollutant emissions
• Establish technology, knowledge or practices that others can use
• Identify potential risks

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Community Interaction Program: St. Lawrence Action Plan

Environment and Climate Change Canada

If you are a non-profit, non-governmental organization, you could be eligible for funding of up to $200,000 to help improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Projects focus on specific environmental issues requiring action, and include:

• Awareness raising and educational activities
• Studies to identify specific action
• Implementation of restoration actions such as shoreline cleanup, stabilization and revegetation; or
• Measures to protect species at risk

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Emerging Renewable Power Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could be eligible for funding for your business to expand the portfolio of commercially viable renewable energy sources available to provinces and territories as they work to reduce GHG emissions from their electricity sectors.

The program will establish new industries in Canada by supporting renewable power technologies that are:

• Already established at the commercial level abroad, but not yet in Canada
• Demonstrated in Canada, but not yet deployed at utility scale

Learn more

Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Do you undertake activities such as wild capture harvesting, or have operations in aquaculture facilities or processing plants in the fish or seafood sectors? If so, you could be eligible for funding to reduce the environmental impacts of your activities by implementing clean technologies.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit a project proposal, which must include a minimum of 10% provincial or territorial funding (cash or in-kind). The program provides funding for up to 75% of eligible project costs.

Other conditions apply.

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Fonds Moins c'est plus

The Moins c'est plus Fund is a joint initiative of RECYC-QUÉBEC and La Ruche to reduce waste at the source by promoting innovative projects that support waste management (source reduction, reuse and waste prevention).

Accepted projects will have access to a participatory financing campaign on La Ruche's website.

The Fund will contribute up to $25,000 to the amount raised through this campaign.

Non-exhaustive project eligibility criteria:

• Meet at least one of the following objectives:
  • Waste reduction at the source.
  • Reuse.
  • Prevention, reduction or elimination of releases to the environment;
• Be new and focused;
• The financial objective of the campaign must be achieved through individual financial contributions;
• Not have received additional national public funding for the same project;
• Not have received support from RECYC-QUÉBEC for the same project;
• The expenses must be credible and related to the impact of the project.

Conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Fonds Écoleader financing – component 1: Business

Fonds Écoleader

The Business portion of this program offers financial aid to businesses that want to hire experts to help them introduce environmentally responsible practices or prepare for the acquisition of clean technologies.

Eligible projects for adopting environmentally responsible practices and financing available:

• Realization of studies and analyses – up to $10,000
• Development of concrete action plans – up to $10,000
• Implementation support – up to $10,000

Financial aid of up to $30,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

Eligible projects for preparing to adopt clean technology and financing available:

• Realization of studies and action plans – $35,000
• Support prior to acquisition – $15,000

Financial aid of up to $50,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

The application deadline is September 30, 2022.

Some conditions apply. 

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

Fonds Écoleader financing – part 2: Cohort of Businesses

Fonds Écoleader

The Cohort of Businesses portion of this program offers financial aid to cohorts of businesses that want to hire experts to help them introduce environmentally responsible practices or prepare to acquire clean technology.

Eligible projects for adopting environmentally responsible practices and financing available:

• Realization of studies and analyses – up to $10,000
• Development of concrete action plans – up to $10,000
• Implementation support – up to $10,000

Financial aid of up to $30,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

Eligible projects for preparing to adopt clean technology and financing available:

• Realization of studies and action plans – $35,000
• Support prior to acquisition – $15,000

Financial aid of up to $50,000 or 50% of eligible expenses.

The amounts described above apply to each business in the cohort. The maximum aid per project is $300,000 for environmentally responsible practices and $500,000 for clean technology. These amounts do not limit the number of businesses that can be members of a given cohort.

The application deadline is September 30, 2022.

Some conditions apply. 

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

Funding for Great Lakes protection

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Your business, non-profit, or Indigenous organization may be eligible for funding under the Great Lakes Protection Initiative.

The 5 funding streams are aimed at:

• Preventing toxic and nuisance algae
• Reducing releases of harmful chemicals
• Engaging Indigenous Peoples in addressing Great Lakes issues
• Increasing public engagement through citizen science
• Restoring Great Lakes areas of concern

Eligible costs must be directly attributed to carrying out the project; they include:

• Human resources
• Travel
• Material, supplies, and equipment
• Vehicle rental and operation
• Overhead and/or administrative costs

Learn more

Green Freight Assessment Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could receive funding of up to $10,000 to review the state of your fleets to help make informed decisions to reduce your fuel costs, and your greenhouse gas emissions.

The application form consists of 4 sections:

• Company information
• Business operation
• Fleet portrait
• Previous assessment experience and readiness

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Green infrastructure programs

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

If your business plans to carry out clean energy infrastructure projects, you could get help with deployment and market entry by participating in a variety of funding programs, including:

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations (EVID)
• Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative
• Smart Grids
• Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D
• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
• Emerging Renewable Power

Funding amounts vary, as do the application processes. Conditions apply.

Learn more

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Investments in Forest Industry Transformation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

Has your business developed highly innovative or first-in-kind technologies that could help Canada's forest industry become more competitive or sustainable? If so, you could get a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of the project's costs to demonstrate the technology at the pilot or commercial scale.

Eligible costs include:

• Capital expenses, materials, and supplies
• Salaries and professional fees
• Travel and training

Costs associated with the production or export of softwood lumber are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Programme Technoclimat

Transition énergétique Québec

Do you have innovative technology projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energies, bioenergies or GHG emissions reduction? If so, you could benefit from financial assistance.

The project must:

• Focus on a pre-commercialized technological innovation (level of technological readiness 4 to 7) that is not available in the Quebec market
• Be carried out in Quebec
• Have strong market potential
• Include measurement activities

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme de soutien aux organismes de recherche et d’innovation (PSO)

If your business is in the technology sector, take advantage of this grant of up to $ 1.5M per project to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses.

The project must involve at least one public research partner and one industrial partner based in Quebec.

Examples of targeted technologies:

• Electric vehicles;
• Electric motors, batteries, BMS, power electronics;
• Terminals, charging stations and networks;
• Autonomous vehicles;
• Intelligent Ttransportation Ssystems;
• Materials and processes for vehicle lightening.

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme de soutien aux projets de développement urbain durable

Hydro-Québec

You could receive financial assistance of up to 45 cents per kWh in electricity savings for your building projects of at least 50 eco-friendly homes.

The program has two components:

• Optimization of energy consumption in buildings
• Community heating from renewable energy

The project must:

• Promote urban density and diversity of buildings
• Be approved by the municipality.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Programme de valorisation, d'aménagement et de restauration des habitats du saumon atlantique

Fondation de la faune du Québec

You could obtain financial assistance to fund your initiatives to conserve, improve or restore Atlantic salmon habitat.

With this financial support, you may be able to cover up to 80% of the eligible costs for:

• Pre-project studies or monitoring enhancements (maximum amount of $40,000 per project)
• Habitat enhancements (maximum amount of $150,000 per project)

You must sign a memorandum of understanding with the Fondation de la faune and obtain all required permits and permissions prior to starting this project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Programme ÉcoPerformance

Transition énergétique Québec

You could receive financial assistance to cover up to 75% of eligible expenses related to the analysis, management and implementation of projects that aim to reduce your business' greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy consumption.

Eligible expenses include:

• Equipment purchase or replacement
• Engineering and installation costs
• Costs of measuring and quantifying GHG
• Consultant and specialist fees

Other conditions apply.

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

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more

Transportez vert – Section: DC electric vehicle charging stations

Transition énergétique Québec

Take advantage of a grant for up to 50% of your expenses or up to $60,000 to help you acquire and install DC electric vehicle charging stations for your fleet of vehicles.

Eligibility criteria for charging stations:

• New;
• Qualified as DC electric vehicle charging stations;
• Used for charging electric vehicles that belong to the eligible applicant or their employees.

List of eligible charging stations (In French only)

Eligible expenses:

• Acquisition costs;
• Labour and equipment installation costs;
• Professional services fees;
• Energy storage and conversion devices;
• Energy management devices and software.

The financial assistance will be based on the power output of the charging station.

For the detailed procedure: Applicant Guide (In French only)

For more details: Regulatory Framework for the Program (In French only)

Some conditions apply. 

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Transportez vert – Section: Eco-driving training

Transition énergétique Québec

Take advantage of a grant of up to $30,000 to offer drivers and managers of your vehicle fleet eco-driving training.

This training shows how to adapt driving and behaviour to reduce energy consumption.

Financial aid can cover up to 50% of the following eligible expenses:

• fees, salaries and travel expenses for accredited trainers;
• expenses for rentals, travel and the use of equipment required for training.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Transportez vert – Section: Support for energy management

Transition énergétique Québec

Receive a grant of up to $150,000 to assess the profitability of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions and to plan the implementation and monitoring of those efforts.

Financial aid can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, such as:

• consultant fees
• employee expenses for eligible activities
• the cost of leasing measurement equipment for energy management

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Transportez vert – Section: Technology acquisition

Transition énergétique Québec

You could receive financial aid of up to $1M to acquire new vehicles or technology that improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions when transporting people and merchandise.

The following are eligible:

• Some new electric vehicles;
• Eelectric conversion of light vehicles and buses;
• other types of technologies.

Technologies must first receive their certification.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

• Component 1: Growth support;
• Component 2: Growth support plus;
• Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land;
• Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Programme de soutien à la reprise collective

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Do you want to sell your business? Do you own a co-operative and want to buy a business? If so, you may receive financial assistance.

The program includes 2 streams.

Stream 1 — Feasibility study

• Assess the investment potential of a group of workers
• Assess the organizational culture

Stream 2 — Implementation support

• Assess the value of the business and purchase price
• Conduct due diligence
• Complete a shareholder agreement or purchase contract

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

• an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
• a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more