What the SIAM Program Funds: Eligible Expenses, Rates, and Claims

The Individual Market Access Support (SIAM) is a Quebec government–backed funding program administered by Aliments du Québec and financially supported by MAPAQ. It helps Quebec food and beverage processors access long‑distribution networks across the province through market development and commercialization projects. This guide explains what SIAM can fund, the funding amounts and rates, which expenses are eligible or ineligible, and how claims are reimbursed.

As of December 2025, SIAM continues to operate until funds are exhausted. For 2025–26, the program is reserved for applicants that have never received SIAM funding. Projects are typically 12 months, with a minimum of $20,000 in eligible expenses at application. The program provides non‑repayable contributions (grants) to help organizations expand in retail, foodservice, and institutional channels in Quebec’s long‑distribution (circuit long) markets.

Program Funding Overview

SIAM is a provincial funding program designed to:

• Increase the presence of Quebec food products in long‑distribution networks

• Diversify and grow Quebec markets for processed foods

• Strengthen commercialization capabilities

• Boost brand awareness and visibility in Quebec

• Increase sales of foods processed in Quebec

Funding model and scope:

• Non‑repayable contribution to support market access and market development activities in Quebec

• Projects must be carried out within a 12‑month period

• Eligible expenses must be directly tied to the project and incurred within project start/end dates

• Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until the budget is exhausted

Funding at a glance:

• Typical assistance range: approximately $10,000 to $100,000 per project

• Contribution rate: up to 50% of eligible expenses, with potential cumulative bonuses up to 70% in specific cases

• Minimum eligible expenses at submission: $20,000

• One contribution per applicant per 12‑month period; for 2025–26, first‑time recipients only

• High demand has led to a prequalification phase that was announced as closed; verify current intake status before planning timelines

Funding Amounts & Rates

SIAM provides a non‑repayable contribution calculated as a percentage of eligible expenses:

• Base rate: up to 50% of eligible project costs

• Maximum contribution: $100,000 per applicant per 12‑month period

• Potential cumulative rate increase up to 70% if the project meets specific conditions:

• +10% if the project exclusively commercializes the applicant’s certified organic processed products

• +10% if the project exclusively targets the public institutional market

Implications for budgeting:

• Applicants should plan to cover at least 30% to 50% of project costs, depending on whether they qualify for the rate bonuses

• The maximum contribution per 12‑month period is capped at $100,000 regardless of the calculated percentage

• A minimum of $20,000 in eligible costs is required at the time of application

Eligible Expenses

Eligible expenses are those directly linked to executing the market access or market development project within Quebec and incurred during the approved project window. According to program guidance, categories can include:

• Product registry and readiness

• Registration of products in recognized registries or systems required for distribution

• Fees related to listing products in industry or buyer databases necessary for long‑distribution networks

• Documentation or certifications directly supporting market access in Quebec

• Market development or marketing specialist

• Fees for an external specialist or consultant dedicated to market development or marketing for the project

• Wages or fees tied to specific project tasks (for example, a temporary mandate to drive listings or coordinate campaigns)

• Note: Salaries must be clearly attributable to project activities during the project period and supported by timesheets or engagement letters

• Marketing activities

• Campaign planning and execution targeted at Quebec markets (digital, print, trade marketing)

• Creative development and production of promotional materials uniquely required for the project

• Packaging or labelling adaptations required for Quebec market compliance or buyer acceptance when directly tied to the project’s market entry or expansion plan

• Media placements in Quebec to support listings, buyer awareness, or consumer pull aligned with long‑distribution channels

• Business development

• Prospecting, buyer outreach, and sales enablement directly related to gaining access to retail, foodservice, or institutional channels

• Development of sales tools (sell sheets, technical spec sheets, case configurations) required by large buyers

• Market intelligence or category reviews specific to the targeted Quebec segments

• Trade shows and major industry events

• Registration, booth space, and exhibitor fees for eligible Quebec trade shows and major industry events

• Shipping of samples and materials to events; event‑specific promotional materials

• Travel and accommodation costs can be eligible when directly tied to the funded trade show or event activity and within program limits

General rules for eligibility:

• Costs must be directly related to achieving the project’s market access objectives in Quebec long‑distribution channels

• Only expenses incurred between the approved start and end dates are eligible

• Costs must be reasonable, properly documented, and consistent with the project budget approved by the program

• The detailed eligibility of specific line items is determined against the official applicant guide; plan to justify each expense’s direct contribution to the project outcomes

Ineligible Expenses

While SIAM focuses on commercialization and market development, certain costs are typically not eligible. Ineligible or commonly excluded expenses usually include:

• Costs incurred before the project start date or after the project end date

• Routine, ongoing operating costs not directly tied to the project (rent, utilities, routine office supplies)

• Capital assets and equipment purchases, facility renovations, or construction

• Inventory purchases, cost of goods sold, or regular production costs

• Core payroll unrelated to specific, time‑bound project activities

• General corporate marketing not targeted to the Quebec long‑distribution objectives of the project

• International market development or activities outside Quebec

• Hospitality, gifts, alcohol, entertainment, and expenses not essential to project objectives

• Fines, penalties, interest charges, and debt servicing costs

• Taxes that are recoverable (for example, refundable sales taxes), unless otherwise specified

• Costs that cannot be substantiated with contracts, invoices, proof of payment, and deliverables

Important: The final list of ineligible expenses is governed by the official applicant guide. When in doubt, include a clear justification and seek confirmation before incurring costs.

Expense Documentation Requirements

To claim SIAM funding, you must keep comprehensive records and provide evidence for each eligible expense. Strong documentation practices increase claim acceptance and speed up reimbursements.

Keep and submit, as applicable:

• Supplier contracts or engagement letters specifying scope, deliverables, rates, and dates

• Invoices referencing the project, itemized by activity and period

• Proofs of payment (bank statements, cancelled cheques, payment confirmations)

• Deliverables for marketing and business development (creative files, media invoices, screenshots, sales tools, market research outputs)

• Timesheets and payroll summaries for project‑related staff or specialists, showing hours, rates, and tasks directly tied to the project

• Event documentation for trade shows (registration confirmation, exhibitor invoice, booth contract, shipping receipts)

• Product registry confirmations, certifications, or approvals supporting access to distribution networks

• A cost ledger mapping every claim line to the approved budget and project activities

Record‑keeping best practices:

• Date every document and ensure dates align with the approved project window

• Use consistent file naming and maintain a dedicated cost centre for the project

• Retain all records for audit and verification according to program guidance and applicable provincial record‑retention rules

• Align each expense with a project deliverable or milestone to simplify review

Examples of Funded Projects

Below are illustrative examples to help you translate SIAM rules into practical budgeting. These examples are for guidance; the final eligibility of each activity depends on the official applicant guide.

• Retail market entry for a Quebec snack brand

• Activities: product registry, packaging updates for Quebec compliance, creation of sell sheets and case specs, Quebec trade marketing campaign supporting listings, and a market development consultant mandate

• Budget: $120,000 in eligible costs over 12 months

• Funding: at 50%, contribution up to $60,000; if exclusively organic products and exclusively targeting the public institutional market do not apply, bonuses are not available; if they did, the rate could rise up to 70% subject to caps

• Foodservice expansion for a ready‑to‑eat producer

• Activities: business development specialist; category review for Quebec foodservice; trade show participation in Quebec; targeted buyer outreach and sales toolkit

• Budget: $80,000 in eligible costs

• Funding: 50% base = $40,000; if the project exclusively targets the public institutional market, rate could reach 60%; if also exclusively organic, up to 70% (subject to maximum $100,000)

• Province‑wide scale‑up in a second retail banner

• Activities: listing‑readiness work, Quebec media to support planogram adoption, in‑store promotional materials, and event participation

• Budget: $210,000 in eligible costs

• Funding: Calculated rate applies, but the contribution is capped at $100,000 per 12‑month period, even if the percentage would suggest a higher dollar amount

Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process

SIAM disburses funding by reimbursement upon acceptance of deliverables and supporting documentation. Plan your cash flow on the basis that costs are paid by the applicant first and then partially reimbursed.

Key disbursement features:

• Up to two payments are typically issued after Aliments du Québec accepts your deliverables and proofs for the relevant period

• A third payment may be authorized specifically to finish paying salary when a hiring or promotion is planned within the project

• Claims must align with the approved budget and include all required documentation

• Ensure that each claimed cost fits within the project dates and directly supports the market access objectives

Practical claiming steps:

• Group claims around clear milestones (for example, trade show completion, campaign completion, buyer onboarding)

• Attach deliverables to each milestone in your claim package

• Use a reconciliation sheet mapping invoices to budget lines and activities

• Keep communication concise and factual; pre‑empt questions by highlighting how each expense advances the SIAM project objectives

Stacking Rules

SIAM can coexist alongside other provincial or federal funding in many cases, but stacking must respect program‑level limits and the SIAM maximum contribution rules.

Guidance for stacking:

• Disclose all other public funding sources for the same costs or project

• Expect that total public funding toward the same costs cannot exceed program‑stated limits; SIAM’s percentage cap (up to 50%, or up to 70% with bonuses) and the $100,000 maximum still apply

• Some costs may be pro‑rated across programs; prepare separate cost allocations and proofs if stacking

• Confirm stacking conditions and any cumulative public‑funding ceilings before finalizing your budget

Real-World Budgeting Tips

• Anchor the budget to eligible categories

• Allocate costs to product registry, specialist mandates, marketing, business development, and eligible trade shows

• Avoid budgeting capital expenditures or routine operating costs

• Meet the minimum threshold

• Ensure at least $20,000 in eligible expenses at submission and spread activities across the 12‑month period to maintain momentum and claim cadence

• Leverage rate bonuses when possible

• If your project can be structured to target the public institutional market exclusively, or to exclusively commercialize certified organic processed products, assess whether the +10% rate bonuses apply

• Build a clear deliverable map

• Link each cost line to a tangible output: listing secured, campaign launched, event completed, toolkit delivered

• Plan cash flow for reimbursements

• Time larger expenses before claim windows and anticipate the two‑payment structure; use the optional third payment only for the salary scenario permitted by the program

• Document from day one

• Collect quotes early, ensure invoices reference the project, and maintain timesheets for any staff costs directly charged to the project

Conclusion

The Individual Market Access Support (SIAM) funds practical, Quebec‑focused market development work for food processors seeking access to long‑distribution channels. Funding generally ranges from about $10,000 to $100,000, at up to 50% of eligible costs, with potential bonuses up to 70% for projects exclusively organic and/or exclusively targeting the public institutional market. Projects must run within 12 months and include at least $20,000 in eligible expenses. By focusing your budget on the eligible categories—product registry, specialist mandates, marketing, business development, and trade shows—while keeping strong documentation, you can maximize your eligible expenses and streamline reimbursements.