How to Apply to PSCE – Component 2: Step-by-Step Guide (2025/26)

Note on program status (as of December 1, 2025): Investissement Québec indicates the Program to Support Commercialization and Exports (PSCE) ended on March 31, 2025, and is in renewal. Confirm current intake status on the official page before preparing or submitting an application. (investquebec.com)

The PSCE – Component 2 (Program to Support Commercialization and Exports, Stream 2) provides non‑repayable contributions to strengthen SMEs’ export capacity and accelerate their projects in markets outside Quebec. This guide explains how to apply: who is eligible, which documents to prepare, the step‑by‑step PSCE Component 2 application process, expected timelines, and practical tips to avoid common mistakes. It is written for organizations planning projects in Canadian provinces outside Quebec or in international markets.

Overview of PSCE – Component 2

PSCE – Component 2 is a provincial program administered by Investissement Québec on behalf of the Government of Quebec. It supports Quebec‑based SMEs undertaking commercialization and export market development outside Quebec. Assistance is non‑repayable and typically follows degressive rates by successive projects, alongside important spending thresholds and caps. Key parameters to confirm when intakes reopen include:

• Non‑repayable contribution (grant/subsidy).

• Typical annual cap up to $100,000 per business.

• Minimum eligible project spend of $25,000.

• Minimum private contribution of 25% of total project costs.

• Cumulative public funding generally capped at 65% of eligible expenses.

• Degressive rates across the life of the program: 50% for a first approved project, 40% for a second, and 25% for subsequent projects (applied per stream). (investquebec.com)

Status reminder: PSCE ended on March 31, 2025, with renewal in progress. Always verify whether new intakes are open and whether any parameters have changed before you apply. (investquebec.com)

Eligibility Requirements

While final eligibility is determined by Investissement Québec guidelines at intake, organizations usually need to meet the following criteria for PSCE – Component 2:

• Be a Quebec‑based SME with active operations in Quebec.

• Plan a commercialization/export project targeting markets outside Quebec (rest of Canada or international).

• Meet revenue band guidance for Component 2. Investissement Québec’s Client Toolkit indicates Volet/Component 2 is for companies with annual revenues over $1M and under $100M. (investquebec.com)

• Demonstrate the ability to provide the minimum private contribution (at least 25% of total project costs) and to meet the minimum eligible spending threshold ($25,000). (investquebec.com)

• Ensure cumulative public assistance (provincial, federal, municipal) will not exceed 65% of eligible costs. (investquebec.com)

• Accept degressive aid rates across successive projects (50% → 40% → 25%) for the duration of the program. (investquebec.com)

• Be in good standing (tax compliance, legal status, no debarment).

• Propose eligible activities (e.g., market development, export marketing, missions, certifications) that support commercialization outside Quebec; detailed eligibility is confirmed at intake. (investquebec.com)

If you are a non‑profit or social‑economy enterprise, speak with Investissement Québec to confirm your eligibility under Component 2 when intakes reopen; the program primarily targets SMEs, and specific client types are confirmed case‑by‑case. (investquebec.com)

Required Documents

Prepare a complete, audit‑ready application package. Exact forms may change upon renewal, but you should expect to provide:

• Organization profile: legal name, Quebec address, incorporation details, CRA/QC tax numbers, ownership structure.

• Financial statements: most recent year‑end (and interim if available), plus note on access to private matching funds.

• Project plan: objectives, target markets (outside Quebec), activities, milestones, KPIs, and expected export outcomes.

• Detailed budget: itemized eligible costs, cost‑share calculation, private contribution sources, and cumulative public aid statement (confirming you will remain under the 65% cap).

• Supplier documentation: competitive quotes/estimates for major external costs (professional services, digital marketing, trade show expenses, certifications).

• Evidence of degressive rate position: indicate whether this is your first, second, or subsequent PSCE project under Component 2.

• Prior funding history: any PSCE or other government funding received for similar activities (for stacking verification).

• Governance and compliance: attestation of tax compliance and good standing, plus any required declarations or certifications.

• Optional attachments: export strategy or diagnostic, letters of support, market research excerpts that strengthen your case.

Investissement Québec provides a Client Toolkit with preparation guidance; review it to align your package with current expectations. (investquebec.com)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for PSCE – Component 2 when the program intake is open. Until then, use Steps 1–4 to prepare.

Step 1: Check PSCE status and review official guidelines

• Visit the official PSCE – Component 2 page to verify whether new intakes are open, confirm parameters, and note any changes since March 31, 2025.

• If still in renewal, contact Investissement Québec’s Service d’accueil (1‑844‑474‑6367) for current guidance and to discuss project timing. (investquebec.com)

Step 2: Confirm basic eligibility and revenue band

• Validate your project targets markets outside Quebec, that your business operates in Quebec, and that you can meet the minimum spend ($25,000) and the private contribution (≥25%).

• If applicable, confirm your revenue range fits the $1M to $100M guidance for Component 2. (investquebec.com)

Step 3: Define scope, activities, and outcomes

• Draft a concise project scope: activities (e.g., export marketing campaigns, trade missions, certifications), timelines (typically up to 12 months), and success indicators (new leads, contracts, market entries).

• Ensure all activities directly support commercialization outside Quebec; domestic Quebec marketing is generally out of scope. (investquebec.com)

Step 4: Build a compliant budget and cost‑share

• Itemize eligible costs and apply degressive rates based on your project sequence (50% first project, 40% second, 25% thereafter).

• Respect common program caps noted in the Client Toolkit, including:

• Professional fees typically limited to $25,000 per project.

• Combined caps for digital advertising, social media, newsletters, SEO, and annual online marketplace/platform access typically limited to $15,000 per project.

• Annual program cap per business commonly set at $100,000.

• Ensure cumulative public funding remains at or below 65% of eligible costs; keep private funds at or above 25%. (investquebec.com)

Step 5: Gather supporting documents

• Compile financials, quotes, export plan, prior funding history, and compliance attestations.

• Label files clearly (e.g., “Budget_Plan_v1_YYYY‑MM‑DD.pdf”) and ensure supplier quotes match the budget lines.

Step 6: Create or update your Investissement Québec client file

• If you have applied before, update your organization profile with current financials and contacts.

• New applicants should be prepared to supply corporate documents and authorization contacts.

Step 7: Complete the PSCE application form (when intake opens)

• Provide organization details, project description, markets, activities, budget, and cost‑share.

• Upload all required documents and ensure figures match across the form, budget, and quotes.

• Include a clear narrative linking each cost to an export outcome (e.g., “website localization to support entry into Ontario and U.S. Northeast”).

Step 8: Submit and monitor your application

• Submit before the deadline and record your confirmation number.

• Monitor messages from Investissement Québec and respond promptly to requests for clarifications or additional documentation.

• Do not incur costs you expect to claim until you have confirmed program rules on retroactivity; verify this at intake to avoid ineligible expenses. (investquebec.com)

Step 9: If approved, sign the contribution agreement and track claims

• Review the agreement carefully: eligible cost definitions, caps, claim procedures, and reporting.

• Collect invoices and proof of payment for all eligible expenses; maintain a clear audit trail.

• Submit claims according to the schedule in your agreement and keep within approved timelines.

Application Timeline

• Program status: Ended March 31, 2025; renewal in progress as of December 1, 2025. Intake dates will be announced on the official page. (investquebec.com)

• Processing times: Vary based on intake volume and project complexity. Build buffer time into your go‑to‑market plan and align dates with contract obligations.

• Project duration: Historically structured as time‑bound projects (often up to 12 months). Confirm exact duration limits and milestone requirements upon renewal. (investquebec.com)

Tips for a Successful Application

• Align every activity to export outcomes: lead generation, channel development, certifications for target markets, or market entry milestones.

• Budget with the caps in mind: plan professional services and digital marketing within the common $25,000 and $15,000 caps respectively, and justify each activity. (investquebec.com)

• Demonstrate readiness: show you can finance the private share (≥25%) and stay under the 65% cumulative public‑aid cap. Include a clear cost‑share calculation. (investquebec.com)

• Sequence projects strategically: if this is your first PSCE Component 2 application, you may benefit from the higher 50% rate; subsequent projects typically receive 40% then 25%. (investquebec.com)

• Document market need: reference data, customer discovery, prior traction, and competitor analysis for target regions.

• Consider stacking carefully: you can often combine PSCE with federal export programs, but you must stay within the 65% total public funding cap. Disclose all sources. (investquebec.com)

• Keep an audit trail: store quotes, contracts, invoices, proof of payment, and communications in a centralized folder structure for claims and potential audits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the minimum spend: projects under $25,000 in eligible costs do not meet the threshold. (investquebec.com)

• Overlooking degressive rates: assuming 50% for every project can lead to budget gaps; plan for 40% or 25% on later projects. (investquebec.com)

• Exceeding category caps: professional fees and combined digital marketing/SEO/newsletter/platform costs often have project‑level limits; plan within them. (investquebec.com)

• Ignoring stacking rules: failing to track other government funding could push you over the 65% cap, risking reductions at claim time. (investquebec.com)

• Weak link to export markets: costs focused inside Quebec without a clear out‑of‑Quebec commercialization outcome are typically ineligible. (investquebec.com)

• Late engagement: waiting for intake announcements without preparing documents can compress timelines and increase errors.

What Happens After You Apply

• Eligibility review: Investissement Québec assesses applicant status, project fit, budget compliance, and caps (annual and category‑specific).

• Clarifications: you may be asked for additional details or revised budgets to respect caps and stacking rules.

• Decision and agreement: if approved, you will receive a contribution agreement outlining terms, eligible costs, limits, timelines, and reporting requirements.

• Claims and reporting: you will submit evidence (invoices, proof of payment) according to the agreement. Keep records for audit and future applications. (investquebec.com)

• If not approved: consider feedback, strengthen your export plan, and monitor for future intakes after renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is PSCE – Component 2 currently open? As of December 1, 2025, PSCE ended March 31, 2025 and is in renewal. Check the official page or call 1‑844‑474‑6367. (investquebec.com)

• What is the maximum funding amount? Historically up to $100,000 per business per year, subject to renewal parameters. (investquebec.com)

• What are the degressive rates? Typically 50% for a first project, 40% for a second, and 25% for subsequent projects. (investquebec.com)

• What minimum spend and private share are required? Minimum $25,000 eligible spending and at least 25% private contribution. (investquebec.com)

• What is the cumulative public funding cap? Usually 65% of eligible costs from all government sources. (investquebec.com)

Conclusion

Applying to PSCE – Component 2 requires careful alignment with program rules, clear export outcomes, and a compliant budget. Use this guide to prepare your documents, validate caps and degressive rates, and plan a realistic timeline. Because the program ended on March 31, 2025 and is in renewal as of December 1, 2025, confirm current intake status and any updates on the official Investissement Québec page before you apply. (investquebec.com)