How to Apply to the Individual Market Access Support (SIAM) in Quebec
The Individual Market Access Support (SIAM) helps Quebec food and beverage processors accelerate market development and secure access to long-distribution networks across the province. The program offers a non-repayable contribution that generally covers up to 50% of eligible costs, with possible enhancements up to 70% in defined cases. Projects typically span 12 months and must present at least $20,000 in eligible expenses at application.
Administered by Aliments du Québec with support from the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation (MAPAQ), SIAM prioritizes market access and commercialization outcomes within Quebec. As of late 2025, demand has been high and a financial prequalification phase was announced as closed; applications proceed while funds remain available. This guide explains how to apply to SIAM, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step submission, timelines, and practical tips to strengthen your application.
Overview of the Individual Market Access Support (SIAM)
SIAM is a provincial funding program designed for Quebec-registered food processors, qualifying agro-processors, and brands that subcontract their processing in Quebec (under specific conditions). It supports concrete commercialization and market development activities in long-distribution channels, such as retail, broadline foodservice, and institutional networks.
Key points at a glance:
Funding model: Non-repayable contribution (grant-style subsidy).
Base rate and cap: Up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $100,000 per 12-month period.
Possible rate enhancements: Up to 70% when the project exclusively targets eligible conditions (for example, exclusively organic products and/or exclusively the public institutional market).
Project duration: Typically 12 months.
Minimum eligible expenses at deposit: At least $20,000.
Intake: Continuous until funds are exhausted; one contribution per enterprise across 2023–2026.
2025–26 rule: Reserved for first-time SIAM recipients to expand access to new beneficiaries.
According to official program guidance, decisions weigh an applicant’s capacity to deliver, the relevance and quality of the plan, and alignment with SIAM’s objective to expand long-distribution market presence in Quebec.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should verify all criteria before preparing a full submission. At minimum, organizations typically must:
Be registered in Quebec with an operating establishment in Quebec.
Be one of the following:
A food processing company.
A brand owner that subcontracts processing in Quebec (under set conditions).
An agro-processor (under set conditions).
Have commercialized food products for at least one year.
Demonstrate annual revenue above $250,000.
Offer a product portfolio composed primarily of Quebec-made food products.
Respect program cycle rules:
One SIAM contribution per enterprise during 2023–2026.
For 2025–26, the program is reserved for companies that have never benefited from SIAM.
Project-level eligibility typically requires:
A 12-month implementation window.
A minimum of $20,000 in eligible expenses at the time of application.
A focus on Quebec market development through long-distribution channels, such as:
Entry into a new market (e.g., moving from retail to foodservice or institutional).
Entry into a new retail or foodservice segment or chain.
Scaling presence across Quebec (e.g., expanding from regional listings to a provincial network).
Required Documents
Prepare a complete, organized dossier to speed up assessment. While specific lists may vary by case, applicants generally include:
Corporate documentation:
Proof of Quebec registration and an operating establishment in Quebec.
Organizational profile describing operations, capacity, and key personnel.
Financial information:
Recent financial statements (preferably reviewed or audited).
Evidence of annual revenue exceeding $250,000.
Commercialization proof:
Sales history demonstrating at least one year of commercialization.
Retailer listings, distribution agreements, or customer invoices as applicable.
Project plan:
A 12‑month work plan with milestones, responsibilities, and timelines.
A detailed market development strategy aligned with long-distribution channels.
Clear objectives and KPIs (e.g., new listings, cases shipped, points of distribution).
Budget and quotes:
Detailed budget of eligible expenses totaling at least $20,000 at deposit.
Supplier quotes, agency proposals, or rate cards supporting each cost line.
Quebec product evidence:
Attestation that products are primarily Quebec-made; describe sourcing/processing.
Enhancement documentation (if applicable):
Organic certification and scope if the project exclusively markets certified organic products.
Evidence that the project exclusively targets the public institutional market, when claiming that enhancement.
Governance and compliance:
Declaration of any related companies or prior SIAM funding.
Confirmation of compliance with applicable laws and tax status.
Banking details for contribution payments (e.g., void cheque) and signing authority documentation.
Common document pitfalls include missing proof of commercialization, insufficient budget detail, unclear evidence for enhancement claims, and budgets that mix eligible and ineligible costs.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to navigate the SIAM application process effectively.
Step 1: Confirm program status and your eligibility
Verify you meet all applicant criteria: Quebec registration, operating establishment, industry fit, revenue threshold, one year of commercialization, and Quebec-made products.
Check program-cycle constraints: one contribution per enterprise in 2023–2026; 2025–26 reserved for first-time recipients.
Note budget availability: intake is continuous until funds are exhausted; certain intake phases (such as financial prequalification) may close quickly during high demand.
Step 2: Define your long-distribution market development project
Choose a 12‑month window and identify your primary channel(s): retail, foodservice, or public institutional.
Clarify your objective (new market, new segment, or province-wide scale-up) and quantify expected outcomes.
Map activities to eligible commercialization actions (e.g., listing support, trade marketing, agency support, trade shows, business development).
Step 3: Build a compliant budget (≥ $20,000 eligible expenses)
Itemize eligible expenses to reach or exceed the $20,000 minimum at deposit.
Align each cost to a specific activity and month/quarter in your work plan.
Request quotes and proposals to substantiate cost estimates.
Indicate the requested SIAM cost share (base up to 50%; up to 70% if you exclusively meet enhancement conditions).
Step 4: Assemble required documents and evidence
Gather proof of Quebec registration and establishment.
Compile financial statements and revenue evidence (> $250,000).
Prepare commercialization proofs (listings, sales reports, distributor confirmations).
Attach certifications for enhancement claims (e.g., organic), if applicable.
Prepare letters of intent or support from retail/foodservice partners where relevant.
Step 5: Complete the program forms
If a financial prequalification step is active, complete it first and await the result before proceeding.
Prepare the full application form with complete organizational, project, and budget details.
Ensure your narrative directly aligns activities with SIAM objectives and long-distribution outcomes in Quebec.
Step 6: Submit your complete application
Submit to Aliments du Québec with all attachments and the finalized budget.
Keep a record of your submission and a version-controlled copy of all documents.
Be prepared to promptly provide clarifications or additional documentation upon request.
Step 7: Application review and evaluation
Applications are analyzed against criteria such as:
Your capacity to complete the project as proposed.
The relevance and quality of your plan, including structure, preparedness, and expected Quebec impacts.
The degree to which the project supports SIAM’s specific objective of long-distribution market access.
Funding decisions depend on program budget availability and strength of the file.
Step 8: Decision and contribution agreement
If approved, review the contribution agreement carefully, including eligible cost definitions, reporting obligations, and claim procedures.
Confirm project start and end dates (costs must fall within these dates).
Align internal purchasing and marketing schedules to the agreement to ensure claimability.
Step 9: Delivery, reporting, and claiming
Implement the work plan and maintain detailed records: contracts, invoices, proof of payments, samples of deliverables, and evidence of market access (e.g., listing confirmations).
Submit interim claims as allowed; SIAM generally issues up to two payments following acceptance of deliverables and supporting documents. A third payment may be authorized to complete salary payments where a new hire or promotion is planned.
Track KPIs and outcomes for the final report.
Step 10: Final report and close-out
Submit a comprehensive final report with outcome metrics, supporting proofs, and final cost statements.
Ensure all claims are submitted by the deadlines in your agreement.
Retain records in case of audit.
Application Timeline
Intake: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until funds are exhausted.
Prequalification: When active, this step may close quickly in high-demand periods; plan ahead.
Evaluation time: Processing varies based on volume and file completeness; plan for several weeks.
Project period: Typically 12 months from the approved start date.
Claims and payments: Generally up to two payments after acceptance of deliverables; a third payment may be authorized to complete wage support when a new hire or promotion is planned.
Because status can change during the fiscal cycle, verify current intake conditions and deadlines before preparing time-sensitive activities.
Tips for a Successful Application
Anchor your proposal in long-distribution outcomes:
Demonstrate direct links to listings, menu placements, or institutional opportunities.
Include letters of interest or partner statements when feasible.
Quantify market impact:
Provide realistic forecasts for points of distribution, case volumes, and sales uplift.
Tie KPIs to specific activities and timelines.
Strengthen capacity and readiness:
Show internal resources (sales, trade marketing, operations) and external partners (brokers, agencies).
Present a phased, credible plan with contingency options.
Build a clean, eligible budget:
Separate eligible versus ineligible costs clearly.
Provide quotes and rate cards; avoid vague lump-sum lines.
Leverage enhancement options properly:
If claiming enhanced rates, ensure exclusivity conditions are truly met and documented.
Respect program constraints:
Confirm first-time recipient rule in 2025–26 and one-contribution limit for 2023–2026.
Ensure expenses occur within the approved project dates and in Quebec.
Submit early and complete:
High-quality, complete files move faster and reduce back-and-forth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the $20,000 minimum eligible expenses at deposit.
Weak alignment to long-distribution channels in Quebec.
Incomplete proofs of one-year commercialization or revenue threshold.
Budgets padded with ineligible costs or without supporting quotes.
Overstated projections without credible evidence or partner signals.
Claiming enhanced rates without exclusive organic or public institutional focus.
Ignoring the one-contribution rule (2023–2026) or the first-time-only rule (2025–26).
Starting activities before the eligible start date in the agreement.
What Happens After You Apply
Acknowledgement: You may receive confirmation that your application is complete or requests for clarification.
Analysis: Review against capacity, quality, and alignment criteria; budget availability is factored.
Decision: Approval or refusal communicated formally. If approved, you will receive a contribution agreement to sign.
Implementation: Follow the agreement for eligible activities, branding or proof requirements, and claim schedules.
Claims and payments: Submit claims with deliverables and proofs; payments generally follow acceptance of documents. A third payment may be allowed to finalize wage support when hiring or promotion is part of the project.
Changes and amendments: Request written approval for any significant project changes before implementation.
Close-out: File the final report and final claim by the deadline; retain records for audit purposes.
Conclusion
Applying to the SIAM program requires a clear commercialization plan, a compliant budget of at least $20,000 in eligible expenses, and strong evidence of capacity and market impact. By aligning your project with long-distribution channels in Quebec, documenting realistic outcomes, and submitting a complete, well-supported file, you can navigate the SIAM application process confidently. Because intake conditions and demand can shift, verify current status and prepare early to position your application for timely review.
