Finance your marketing

Financing program for cultural businesses

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

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

Your business must:

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds afro-entrepreneurs — Loans to Afro-Québécois businesspeople

Filaction

Are you a member of one of Quebec's black communities? You could receive a loan or loan guarantee of $50,000 to $500,000 to:

Start up or expand your business
Purchase equipment
Meet your cash flow needs
Increase your working capital

Your business must have been in existence for no more than 5 years or be in the process of starting up.

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

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

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

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

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support is primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Local investment fund

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

Capital expenditures
Technology acquisition
Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

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

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

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

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

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

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

Canada Media Fund

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

There are two streams:

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

Conditions apply.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

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

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

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

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

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

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Financing program for cultural businesses

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

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

Your business must:

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

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

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

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

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support is primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

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

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

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

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

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

Other conditions apply.

Programme BioMed Propulsion

Investissement Québec

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

The business must:

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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

Help with your business plan
Business counseling
Training
Loans or share capital ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the financing program

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

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

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Women in Technology Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

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

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Le Fonds ADM / 375 idées

Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal (JCCM)

Are you a Montreal entrepreneur aged 18 to 40? If so, you may receive a $7,500 loan at a rate of 2% if you have a project at the pre-start-up or start-up stage, or that has been growing for less than two years.

You must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Have your head office in Montreal
Have met 100% of your crowdfunding objective of at least $7,500 on Quebec's La Ruche platform since January 1, 2017
Demonstrate your project's viability and profit potential

Other conditions apply.

PME MTL Fund

PME MTL

You could receive up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the start-up or development of your business establishment in Montreal, including:

Working capital
Capital assets
Marketing costs
Purchase of equipment
Acquisition of a business (succession or transfer)
Costs for patents or the protection of intellectual property
Prototyping

You must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Submit a business plan or a summary of projected financial statements
Provide an investment of at least 20% of the total project cost

Other conditions apply.

BDC business loans

Business Development Bank of Canada

Whether you are launching a business or looking to expand and grow an existing one, you could get a term loan to help you:

Start or buy a business
Buy, build or renovate your facilities
Buy equipment
Research and develop new products
Develop new markets for your products
Acquire information and communications technology
Sell your business

The loan comes with flexible terms.

You may need to provide credit references and to have invested money in your business. Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

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

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

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

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

BDC Small Business Loan - for existing business

Business Development Bank of Canada

Keep your cash flow. Rather than using the money you need for day-to-day activities, consider applying for additional financing. With the BDC Small Business Loan, you could get up to $100,000 within 5 business days, no application fees or hassles. The entire process is completed online.

You need to have been operating your business for the past 24 months.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Xpansion Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

If you are looking to expand into new domestic or foreign markets, this loan could provide you with funding to:

Invest in technology or develop new products
Launch a new marketing campaign
Purchase licenses, patents or trademarks
Hire and train additional employees
Obtain a certification

Conditions apply.

Canada Media Fund

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

There are two streams:

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

Conditions apply.

Chantier de l'économie sociale Trust

Réseau d'investissement social du Québec (RISQ)

Your social economy business, non-profit organization or cooperative could get a loan with a 15-year capital repayment moratorium. Trust funding ranges from $50,000 to $1,500,000 and can cover up to 35% of eligible expenses.

You could fund:

working capital-related costs
launch of new products
equipment purchases
acquisition, construction or renovation of a building

Your business must have fewer than 200 employees.

Community Futures Program (Quebec)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

If you live in a rural area or in a region that doesn't have many job opportunities, you may be able to get a loan to start or grow a business. The amount of funding available and the eligibility criteria depend on the region where you live.

You will need to create a business plan and describe any financing you have received or expect to receive through any other government or municipal program. The funding is a loan that must be repaid.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

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

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

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

FIJE Fund

Centre d'Aide aux Entreprises Haute-Yamaska et région

You may be eligible for up to $50,000 in funding to start or grow your business.

The program is aimed at:

Women
Youth between 18 and 39 years of age
Immigrants, including:
- Permanent residents
- Qualified workers
- Canadian citizens since less than 5 years

You must:

Have a mentor
Present a business plan demonstrating the viability of the project
Have a good credit rating
Create at least one full-time job
Provide a down payment of 10% of the cost of the project
Be in the Haute-Yamaska region of Quebec

Other conditions apply.

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

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

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

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

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

Financing for sustainable agri-food businesses

Fondaction

You could benefit from financing and support for projects designed to grow and develop your agribusiness through innovation

To be eligible, you must:

Demonstrate the skills and experience of your management team
Ensure that the majority of jobs are created in Quebec
Establish the sustainability and profitability of the project
Illustrate the potential for social and environmental benefits

You could benefit from:

Progressive repayment schedules based on the implementation of your business plan
Diagnostics
Matchmaking-coaching meetings
Financial advice

Other conditions apply.

Financing program for cultural businesses

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

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

Your business must:

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds afro-entrepreneurs — Loans to Afro-Québécois businesspeople

Filaction

Are you a member of one of Quebec's black communities? You could receive a loan or loan guarantee of $50,000 to $500,000 to:

Start up or expand your business
Purchase equipment
Meet your cash flow needs
Increase your working capital

Your business must have been in existence for no more than 5 years or be in the process of starting up.

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

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

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

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

Fonds d'investissement en agroalimentaire Nicolet-Yamaska

Service de développement économique de la MRC de Nicolet-Yamaska

Do you own a non-conventional-sized agri-food business or small farm in the Regional County Municipality of Nicolet-Yamaska? You could receive an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 for a start-up, expansion, take-over or acquisition project in the areas of agri-food production, transformation or marketing.

The project must:

Create at least one sustainable position
Be based on a comprehensive business plan
Demonstrate a viable market

You must invest a minimum of 20% of the total cost in the project.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

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

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support is primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

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

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Innovative Manufacturer Financing

Investissement Québec

See how your Quebec manufacturing business can benefit from a term loan of up to $250,000 to cover up to 100% of project costs, such as:

Consultation fees to initiate an innovation process
Working capital expenditures to support the commercialization of a new innovative product or the hiring of experts

You must have:

Been in operation for at least 3 years
Sales figures of $2 million or more
At least 15 employees
A sound financial and operational structure

Other conditions apply.

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

Le Fonds ADM / 375 idées

Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal (JCCM)

Are you a Montreal entrepreneur aged 18 to 40? If so, you may receive a $7,500 loan at a rate of 2% if you have a project at the pre-start-up or start-up stage, or that has been growing for less than two years.

You must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Have your head office in Montreal
Have met 100% of your crowdfunding objective of at least $7,500 on Quebec's La Ruche platform since January 1, 2017
Demonstrate your project's viability and profit potential

Other conditions apply.

Local investment fund

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

Capital expenditures
Technology acquisition
Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

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

PME MTL Fund

PME MTL

You could receive up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the start-up or development of your business establishment in Montreal, including:

Working capital
Capital assets
Marketing costs
Purchase of equipment
Acquisition of a business (succession or transfer)
Costs for patents or the protection of intellectual property
Prototyping

You must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Submit a business plan or a summary of projected financial statements
Provide an investment of at least 20% of the total project cost

Other conditions apply.

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

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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

Help with your business plan
Business counseling
Training
Loans or share capital ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the financing program

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

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

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

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

Other conditions apply.

BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you could get up to $150,000 to start a business, or up to $250,000 to grow your existing business.

Operations can be on or off reserve.

You can use the loan to:

Acquire fixed assets
Finance franchise fees
Cover start-up costs
Start exporting
Replenish working capital to support your company's growth

Soft Landing program

Canadian Digital Media Network

Are you ready to introduce your ICT product or service to international markets? If you have existing revenues and are a client of the Canadian Digital Media Network's hub partners, you could be eligible for reimbursements of:

Up to $4,000 towards transportation and accommodation costs
Up to 3 months of desk space at a co-working location, accelerator or incubator

To be eligible, your ICT product or service must be market ready and there must be potential for growth in foreign markets.

Other conditions apply.

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

Tax credit for multimedia event or environment productions sponsored outside Quebec

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a tax credit of up to $350,000 to cover eligible labour costs and production expenses to help you showcase your multimedia projects outside Quebec.

You must:

Provide an informative and cultural experience for entertainment purposes, not for advertising purposes
Showcase your production in a place of entertainment based outside Quebec
Comply with a scoring grid for Quebec-based employees who hold a creative position in the production of the event

Other conditions apply.

Tax Credit for Salaries and Wages (R&D)

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a tax credit rate of 14% to 37.5% of your payroll, if your business:

Performs or contracts out scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) work
Performs R&D work in Quebec
Is neither exempt from taxes, nor controlled by an incorporated business exempt from taxes
Is not an incorporated business controlled by a prescribed research entity

An eligible biopharmaceutical company that has a certificate issued by Investissement Québec before June 4, 2014 could benefit from a reduced rate.

Other conditions apply.

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

Tax holiday for a new business created to commercialize a given intellectual property

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Did you set up a new business to commercialize your intellectual property before April 1, 2014? If so, you could benefit from this tax relief measure for a period of up to 10 years.

To be eligible:

The intellectual property must come from a university or public research centre
All your revenue must be associated with its commercial use
You must hold a certificate issued by the department

Other conditions apply.

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.

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 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.

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.

Accessible Technology Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Is your business developing new assistive or adaptive technologies to improve access to the digital economy for persons with disabilities? You could get funding of up to $4 million.

To be eligible you must:

Demonstrate project management expertise
Complete the project by March 2022

The eligible costs include:

Operating costs including: salaries, travel, accounting and admin expenses
Training
Hardware and software
Expenses for health and safety and environmental protection

Other conditions apply.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 which may have a value of $50,000 to $100,000.

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.

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.

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

Financial assistance for music production and variety programming

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a grant to cover up to 50% of eligible costs 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

The maximum amount of support offered under this program is $300,000. To be eligible your business must meet both the general and specific terms and conditions of the components.

Other conditions apply.

Financing program for cultural businesses

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

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

Your business must:

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

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

The fund will contribute up to:

90% for studies
80% for other activities and projects

Eligible support projects must follow sustainable development principles.

Other conditions apply.

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.

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.

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

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

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

Other conditions apply.

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

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support is primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

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

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

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

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

Other conditions apply.

Fonds 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 (in French only) Find contacts (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.

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.

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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 of up to $5 million.

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)

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 2 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.

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

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.

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 of up to 50% of eligible costs 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.

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:

R&D to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services
Firm expansion and growth within Canada
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)

Support for market diversification and international trade

Emploi Québec

As a Quebec-based business are you looking to expand your product and service offerings and diversify your markets? If so, you could get financial assistance to train your employees.

The program has two streams:

Stream 1: Market Diversification and Expansion of Product and Service Offerings

Strategic training including needs analysis, market studies and change management

Stream 2: International Trade

International shipping and logistics, financing and currency exchange rates training

Eligible expenses include the base salary of trainers and expenses related to training material.

Other conditions apply.

Sustainable Development Technology 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.