Who Can Apply for the FRONTIERE Program: Eligibility Guide

The "Financing to respond to the offensive of new tariffs and for initiatives for resilient and exporting companies" (FRONTIERE) program is a strategic financial support initiative designed to help Québec exporters navigate the challenges posed by new U.S. tariffs. This guide will help you determine if your organization is eligible to apply for this crucial funding.

Overview of the FRONTIERE Program

The FRONTIERE program is aimed at providing financial assistance to Québec businesses that have been affected by recent changes in U.S. trade tariffs. This program is part of a broader effort to support the resilience and competitiveness of Québec's export-oriented companies. By supporting these organizations, the program seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of tariffs and encourage sustainable growth.

Applicant Type Requirements

To qualify for the FRONTIERE program, your organization must be a legally recognized entity operating in Québec. Eligible applicants typically include:

• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

• Corporations based in Québec

• Export-focused businesses with a significant portion of their revenue derived from international markets

Size & Scale Criteria

Eligible organizations must meet certain size criteria, which generally include:

• Having a number of employees that aligns with the SME definition (often fewer than 500 employees)

• Generating revenue from export activities

Geographic Eligibility

The FRONTIERE program is specifically targeted at businesses operating within Québec. As such, your primary business operations must be located in this province to qualify for funding.

Project & Activity Requirements

Applicants must be engaged in projects or activities that directly address the impact of U.S. tariffs, or that promote resilience and export growth. This could include:

• Developing new markets

• Adjusting supply chains to mitigate tariff impacts

• Innovating products to increase competitiveness

Financial & Operational Criteria

Your organization should demonstrate a stable financial standing, which includes:

• Being in good tax standing with no significant outstanding obligations

• Not currently undergoing bankruptcy or financial restructuring

Ineligible Applicants

Certain entities are excluded from applying, such as:

• Businesses not registered in Québec

• Organizations primarily focused on domestic markets without export activities

• Entities with significant compliance issues or legal disputes

Special Cases & Exceptions

The program may consider applications from joint ventures or partnerships if they align with program goals. Indigenous organizations and social enterprises may also be eligible under specific circumstances.

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before applying, consider this checklist:

• Is your organization legally registered in Québec?

• Do you primarily operate within the province?

• Is a significant portion of your revenue derived from exports?

• Are your projects aligned with the program's objectives?

Conclusion

Understanding whether your business qualifies for the FRONTIERE program is the first step in accessing vital financial support. If you meet the criteria outlined above, consider preparing your application to take advantage of this opportunity to bolster your resilience against tariff impacts.