Platform
Consulting
Resources
Pricing
grants and funding
By Émile Audet
December 8, 2025

Who Can Apply for the Development of E-Business Tax Credit: Eligibility Guide

The Development of E-Business Tax Credit (CDAE) is a valuable financial incentive for businesses in Quebec looking to expand their digital footprint. This program offers a tax credit to eligible e-businesses, supporting their growth and technological development. Understanding who can apply is crucial for businesses aiming to leverage this opportunity.

Overview of the Development of E-Business Tax Credit

The CDAE is designed to assist Quebec-based businesses that are focusing on the development of e-business initiatives. It provides a tax credit that can significantly reduce the costs associated with digital expansion and innovation. To fully understand the eligibility criteria, consult the complete program guide.

Applicant Type Requirements

Eligibility for the CDAE primarily targets businesses that are legally recognized in Quebec. This includes a wide range of business types such as corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and startups. The program is particularly beneficial for companies engaged in technology and digital transformation projects.

Key Requirements:

  • Must be a legally registered business in Quebec.

  • Should engage primarily in e-business activities.

  • The business must demonstrate a commitment to digital development.

Size & Scale Criteria

The CDAE is accessible to businesses of various sizes, from small startups to larger corporations. However, the scale of the business can influence the specific benefits and requirements.

Considerations:

  • Employee count and revenue can affect eligibility.

  • Larger businesses may need to provide more detailed documentation regarding their digital initiatives.

Geographic Eligibility

The tax credit is exclusive to businesses operating within Quebec. It is essential for applicants to have their primary operations based in the province to qualify for the CDAE.

Project & Activity Requirements

Eligible projects under the CDAE are those that involve significant digital development. This can include activities such as software development, digital marketing enhancements, and the integration of new digital technologies.

Examples of Eligible Projects:

  • Development of e-commerce platforms.

  • Implementation of customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

  • Digital marketing and SEO optimization.

Financial & Operational Criteria

Applicants must also meet certain financial and operational criteria to be considered eligible for the CDAE. This includes maintaining good financial standing and compliance with tax regulations in Quebec.

Ineligible Applicants

Certain entities may not qualify for the CDAE, including those that are not primarily engaged in e-business activities or those that have not met the necessary compliance standards.

Special Cases & Exceptions

There are special considerations for joint applications or partnerships, particularly for businesses collaborating on large-scale digital projects. For full details, refer to the complete program guide.

Self-Assessment Checklist

To quickly assess eligibility, potential applicants can use the following checklist:

  • Is your business registered in Quebec?

  • Are you primarily engaged in e-business activities?

  • Do you have a clear plan for digital development?

For more detailed eligibility requirements, see the complete program guide.

Conclusion

Understanding who can apply for the CDAE is the first step towards leveraging this beneficial tax credit for your digital business initiatives. By meeting the eligibility criteria, Quebec businesses can significantly offset the costs of digital transformation. For further guidance and detailed application steps, consult the complete program guide.

About the author

Émile Audet - Canadian grants specialist

Émile Audet

Canadian grants specialist
Working at helloDarwin for some time now, I'm in charge of providing you with the information you need on government aid. Dedicated to helping companies in Quebec and Canada reach their full potential, I write on the helloDarwin blog about the various programs, allowances and funding available to enable organizations to make their digital transformation through access to federal and provincial support.

See Related Articles

grants and funding

What Does the SR&ED Tax Incentive Fund?

grants and funding

What Expenses Can MAPAQ Component 2 Fund?

grants and funding

How to Apply for Explore and Create: Concept to Realization

Schedule your call today!