Ecoleader Fund
Objective : The Écoleader Fund aims to guide and support businesses, non-profit organizations and cooperatives in integrating eco-responsible business practices and clean technologies.
Initiative and Coordination :
- An initiative of the Quebec government.
- Coordinated by the Quebec Action Fund for Sustainable Development, in collaboration with the Quebec Centre for Sustainable Development and Écotech Québec.
Advice and Guidance :
- A network of advisors available in every region of Quebec to guide businesses towards the appropriate resources.
- Contact for advisors: Écoleader Fund Advisors
Areas of Funded Projects :
- Energy efficiency
- Waste management
- Circular economy
- Strategic sustainable development
- Eco-friendly sourcing
- Greenhouse gas (GHG) management
- Water management
- Life cycle analysis
- Sustainable building
- Eco-design
- Sustainable mobility
Funding Program :
- Currently on hiatus for an indefinite period.
- Encourages the consultation of other sources of funding.
Available Resources :
- Directories and blog to inspire project ideas and find resources for their implementation.
Impacts of the Program :
- More than 50,000 companies are aware of the opportunities linked to eco-responsibility.
- More than 1,250 companies funded.
- Over $50 million invested by the Écoleader Fund and companies over 3 years.
Partners :
- Quebec City, Quebec Centre for Sustainable Development, Ecotech Quebec.
Website : For more information: Écoleader Fund
This program is particularly relevant for companies seeking to improve their environmental performance, although its funding program is currently on hold. It remains a valuable resource for advice and support.
orientation towards other eco-responsible financing opportunities.
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (CERI) Program
Managed by : Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Objective :
- Creating favourable conditions for starting and growing businesses in Atlantic Canada.
- Building a strong, dynamic and inclusive economy.
Two Funding Components :
-
Business Expansion and Productivity :
- Helps businesses accelerate their growth and become more productive.
- Refundable contributions, not guaranteed and without interest.
- Use of funding for expansion, adoption of new technologies, productivity improvement, and development of new products and markets.
-
Regional Innovation Ecosystems :
- Funding for non-profit organizations that support businesses at all stages of their development.
- Creates regional networks to support growth and innovation.
- Non-refundable contributions for strategic clusters, accelerators, incubators, and other innovative organizations.
Target Audience :
- Businesses (including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, corporations, cooperatives, Indigenous-owned businesses).
- Non-profit organizations offering services to businesses.
- Post-secondary educational institutions, accelerators, incubators, investor networks, social enterprises, industrial associations or consortia, municipalities, indigenous community-owned businesses.
Special Support for Indigenous Businesses :
- Additional financing options and flexible repayment for youth, Indigenous women, and Indigenous community-owned businesses.
Application Process :
- Contact the nearest APECA office to discuss the project and submit an application for financial assistance.
- Business information service available to help start a project.
Contacts :
https://dec.canada.ca/fr/financement/programmes/
- Telephone: 1-888-576-4444
- Email: Available on the APECA website
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Atlantic Time)
Research into Previous Funding :
- It is possible to search the Open Government Portal for previously granted funding requests using the keyword CERI.
The CERI program is an important initiative to stimulate economic growth in the Atlantic Canada region, with a focus on innovation and sustainable development. It provides substantial support to businesses and non-profit organizations to promote expansion, productivity, and innovation within regional ecosystems.
ESSOR Program
Objective : ESSOR is designed to support growing Quebec companies seeking financing for various types of investment projects, including those related to clean technologies and internationalization.
Targets :
- Quebec companies and entrepreneurs aiming to accelerate the realization of an investment project.
- Companies seeking to increase their productivity through a technological transition or the acquisition of new technologies.
- Companies wishing to reduce their environmental footprint, particularly through the adoption of clean technologies.
- Companies wishing to increase their presence in global supply chains and develop internationalization strategies.
Four Investment Components :
-
Component 1 - Support for the implementation of investment projects :
- Support for feasibility studies and digital diagnostics.
-
Component 2 - Support for investment projects promoting business productivity and expansion :
- Support for businesses to improve their productivity and expansion.
-
Component 3 - Support for investment projects promoting a reduction in environmental footprint :
- Support for the adoption of technologies and practices that reduce environmental impact.
-
Component 4 - Support for the internationalization of businesses :
- Assistance in internationalization strategies to expand global presence.
The ESSOR program is therefore a versatile and comprehensive solution for Quebec companies aiming to adapt and grow in the current economic landscape, with particular attention to technology, the environment and globalization.
CanExport SME Program
Current Status :
- The program is not currently accepting applications.
- Reopening is planned for February 2024 for projects starting in April 2024.
- It is advisable to check the program page regularly for updates.
Objective :
- Helping Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand into global markets.
Funded Activities : The program supports several activities, including:
- Market intelligence gathering.
- Request for intellectual property protection in international markets.
- Application for certification in international markets.
- Legal and business expert advice.
- Search engine optimization.
- Translation, adaptation or creation of marketing materials.
- Participation in trade fairs, networking, meetings or conferences, virtual or in person.
- Visits to foreign markets and participation in trade missions, according to the travel advisories of the Government of Canada.
Eligibility Criteria :
- To be a for-profit company.
- To be a legal entity constituted as a company, a limited liability company, or a cooperative.
- Have a Canada Revenue Agency business number.
- Having fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees.
- Having declared income of $100,000 to $100 million in Canada during the last fiscal year.
Seeking other sources of funding :
- In the meantime, it is recommended to explore other forms of support by using the business aid search tool to discover other available funding sources.
The CanExport SME program is therefore an important opportunity for Canadian SMEs seeking to expand their presence in international markets, by offering financial support for various activities related to international expansion.
Marketing and Export Support Program (PSCE)
General Objective : The PSCE aims to strengthen the marketing and export capacities of Quebec companies through three distinct components.
Three Components of the Program :
-
Component 1 - Strengthening the Capacity of SMEs in the Quebec Market :
- Goals :
- Promote the integration of businesses into strategic supply chains in Quebec.
- Increase the capacity of companies to respond to calls for tenders from major public contracting authorities in Quebec.
- Target: SMEs aiming to market their products and services on the Quebec market.
- Goals :
-
Component 2 - Strengthening the Export Capacity of SMEs :
- Goals :
- To promote projects for the marketing of products and services outside Quebec.
- Supporting the development of foreign markets for SMEs.
- Target: SMEs seeking to accelerate their projects in markets outside Quebec.
- Goals :
-
Component 3 - Support for Large Companies in International Markets :
- Objective :
- Supporting the implementation of projects aimed at the internationalization of large companies.
- Target: Large companies aiming to structure themselves in international markets.
- Objective :
This program plays a crucial role in supporting Quebec businesses, from SMEs to large corporations, in their marketing and expansion processes, both locally and internationally. It aims to strengthen their market position, thereby fostering economic growth and business development in Quebec and abroad.
Work-Life Balance Program for Employers
Objective :
- To offer financial assistance to organizations wishing to adopt good practices or take initiatives in the area of work-family balance (WFB).
Two Components of the Program :
- Part 1 – Support for Employer Initiatives:
- Supporting employers in adopting CFT best practices within their organization.
- May include the Concilivi Seal of the Network for a Family-Friendly Quebec or CFT certifications from the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ).
- Three-step process: analysis of the current situation regarding CFT, development of a response to the needs expressed, and evaluation of the measures implemented.
-
Part 2 – Support for Specific Initiatives :
- Support for initiatives promoting the development of knowledge or the experimentation of new practices in CFT.
- May include market research, research projects, or reviews of best practices in CFT.
- Maximum project duration: 10 months
Eligibility :
-
Part 1 :
- Employers with fewer than 500 employees, registered with the Registraire des entreprises, having a Quebec company number and a head office in Quebec (except ministries, government and para-governmental organizations).
- Includes regional county municipalities (RCMs), municipalities, band councils of Indigenous communities, Kativik Regional Government, and the Cree Nation Government.
-
Part 2 :
- Registered employers, having a Quebec business number and a head office in Quebec (except government departments and agencies).
- University teaching institutions, non-profit legal entities, RCMs, municipalities, band councils of Indigenous communities, Kativik Regional Government, and Cree Nation Government.
Contact for Assistance :
- Telephone: 1 855 336-8568
- Email: renseignements@mfa.gouv.qc.ca
This program aims to encourage and support employers in implementing practices that promote a better work-life balance, thereby contributing to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
Workforce Training Program
Objective :
- Improve the competitiveness of Quebec businesses by developing the skills of workers.
- Increase employee performance and improve staff retention.
Types of Support :
- Technical Assistance : Support in defining training needs and evaluating training effectiveness.
- Financial Assistance : Grant to cover certain training expenses.
Eligibility :
- All employers located in Quebec, with the exception of public bodies and political organizations.
- Eligible organizations: private companies, groups of private companies, cooperatives, non-profit organizations, self-employed workers, band councils.
- Training activities related to the job held or to a task required by the employer (for example, training on new equipment or technologies, literacy, general or vocational training, etc.).
Types of Eligible Expenses :
- Training needs analysis.
- Skills assessment.
- Development, adaptation, purchase of training content or educational and teaching materials.
- Assessment tools.
- Trainers' fees.
- Indirect costs for trainers (travel, meals, accommodation, etc.).
- Indirect costs for workers in training (travel, meals, accommodation, etc.).
- Costs related to management and administrative activities.
Application Process :
- Contact a business advisor at the Services Québec office in your region.
- Support is offered to analyze needs and propose suitable solutions.
Decision Criteria :
- The decision on the amount of financial assistance and eligible expenses is based on the nature of the project, the company's needs, budget availability, the company's sector of activity, as well as regional and national priorities.
This program is designed to support businesses in strengthening the skills of their staff, which is essential to remaining competitive in a constantly evolving market. It offers financial and technical support for a wide range of training needs.
NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)
Integration into the Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC) :
- The NRC IRAP will be integrated into the Canada Innovation Corporation.
Objective :
- Providing advice, helping to build relationships, and offering financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to innovate and commercialize their ideas.
Services and Support Offered :
-
Consulting Services :
- Access to an extensive network of resources and the expertise of industrial technology advisors (ITAs).
-
Financial Support for Technological Innovation :
- Financial assistance to support technological innovation in businesses.
-
Support for the Hiring of Young Graduates :
- Help to hire young talent, offering savings for businesses.
-
Outreach Initiative Grants and Contributions Program :
- Grants to non-profit organizations and charities to support initiatives focused on science or innovation.
-
International collaboration :
- Assistance to help businesses compete better in the global market.
-
Support for Intellectual Property :
- Intellectual property management services offered by the IP Assistance program.
Commitment to Respect and Non-Harassment :
- NRC's commitment to providing a respectful and harassment-free work environment.
Contact and Feedback :
- Toll-free number: 1-877-994-4727.
- Opportunity to provide feedback and comments to the NRC IRAP to improve the service.
This program is essential for Canadian SMEs seeking to innovate and position themselves effectively in the technology economy. It offers comprehensive support, ranging from financial advice and intellectual property management assistance to support for international business development.
https://nrc.canada.ca/fr/soutien-linnovation-technologique
Fund C
Objective : The C Fund is designed to support entrepreneurs in their growth projects, with a particular focus on the creation of quality jobs and regional economic development.
Financial Support :
- Funding Percentage : 25% of project costs.
- Maximum Amount : Up to $20,000.
Eligible Project Categories : Fund C covers a wide range of categories for growth projects, including:
- Innovation
- Business succession
- Market and supplier development
- Human Resources
- Sustainable development
- digital transformation
- Business model optimization
- Cybersecurity
- Governance
Application Process :
- To apply or obtain more information, entrepreneurs should contact their account manager or their Desjardins Business Centre.
- Link for More Information : Desjardins Business Centre - Fonds C
The C Fund stands out for its flexibility in terms of eligible project categories, thus offering an opportunity for companies in various sectors to obtain financial support for their growth initiatives.
https://www.desjardins.com/fonds-c/index.jsp
Conclusion
In conclusion, the guide to the best provincial and federal grants for Quebec SMEs in 2024 offers a comprehensive overview of the funding opportunities available to support innovation, growth, training, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation. These programs reflect the commitment of the provincial and federal governments to stimulate the economy, foster skills development, and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies among SMEs.
To take things further, Quebec businesses can also explore the Digital Transformation Offensive (DTO), a strategic initiative led by Quebec's Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy. This offensive aims to accelerate the digital transformation of businesses in all sectors and regions of Quebec, improve competitiveness through the contribution of local expertise networks, and mobilize various ministries and partners for concerted action.
The OTN funds targeted collaborative projects by sectoral organizations or networks of expertise that support the digital transformation of businesses. Funded projects cover raising awareness of the importance of digital transformation, support in planning and implementing digital projects, and address sectoral and multi-sectoral challenges.
For interested companies, information on projects funded by the Ministry and contacts for promoting organizations are available, offering a valuable complementary resource to the subsidies mentioned in this guide.
For more information on the Digital Transformation Offensive and the opportunities it offers, businesses can consult https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/offensive-de-transformation-numerique-reussie-au-quebec-quatre-ans-dactions-porteuses-et-218-m-pour-stimuler-la-productivite-des-pme-62424 and contact the organizations promoting projects within the Offensive. This will allow companies to benefit from personalized support and funding tailored to their digital transformation projects.
This guide, enhanced by the OTN initiative, represents an essential resource for Quebec companies seeking to navigate the landscape of government subsidies and support in 2024. It highlights the importance of innovation and digital adaptation as key drivers of growth and business success.
