SMEs and economic non-profit organizations (NPOs) in all regions of Quebec
Services
CED Business Scale-up and Productivity
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) program under the national REGI initiative that funds SME and non-profit projects fostering expansion, productivity and growth through innovation. For SMEs, financial assistance is generally up to 50% of authorized costs, repayable and interest-free, with repayment beginning two years after the end of the project. Covers commercialization and market development including participation in trade fairs, prospecting visits, market diagnostics and commercialization strategies.
Overview
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) program under the national REGI initiative that funds SME and non-profit projects fostering expansion, productivity and growth through innovation. For SMEs, financial assistance is generally up to 50% of authorized costs, repayable and interest-free, with repayment beginning two years after the end of the project. Covers commercialization and market development including participation in trade fairs, prospecting visits, market diagnostics and commercialization strategies.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | repayable contribution (interest-free); non-repayable for NPOs |
| Level | federal |
| Region | Quebec |
| Administrator | Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) |
| Cost share | 50% |
| Intake status | Open - CED is accepting project proposals |
| Non-US bias | No US-specific restriction; commercialization and market development are funded for any market |
Eligibility
Main eligible sectors
manufacturing, food processing, information/communications/multimedia technologies, and life sciences; other sectors may be eligible
Project must foster expansion, productivity and growth through innovation
What it covers
Acquisition of digital production equipment, machinery and infrastructure
Assessment, adaptation or adoption of new technologies or production processes
Commercialization and market development, including participation in trade fairs, prospecting visits, hiring marketing staff, ad campaigns, market diagnostics and studies
Implementation of commercialization strategies
Technology showcasing and demonstration
Business management, hiring of top-performing teams, and adoption of best management practices (e.g., ERP)
Market and diversification rules
For SMEs
up to 50% of authorized costs, repayable, interest-free; repayment begins two years after the end of the project
For NPOs
non-repayable generally up to 90% of authorized costs (up to 50% for capital projects)
All costs must be directly related to the project and deemed reasonable and essential by CED
Ineligible
refinancing of existing debt, purchase of land, and other non-eligible capital items
How to apply
Consult the eligibility criteria and guidelines for the Business Scale-up and Productivity program
Contact CED or its regional business offices (1-800-561-0633) to discuss the project
Submit a project proposal through CED's application process
Work with CED on the contribution agreement if approved
Stacking notes
No published stacking cap; applicants must disclose all sources of funding
Projects leveraging other (including private and provincial) financing are generally favoured
Notes
CED also offers Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) community-focused components and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative for tariff-impacted manufacturers
CED's 'Support Services for Market Diversification' page is a reference tool listing export programs for Quebec businesses rather than a standalone funding program
CED is the federal partner for economic development in Quebec with 11 regional business offices
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
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Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
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