Who Can Apply to PSCE – Component 2: Eligibility Criteria for SMEs

The Program to Support Commercialization and Exports (PSCE) – Component 2 is a Government of Quebec initiative administered by Investissement Québec that helps small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) strengthen export capacity and accelerate projects in markets outside Quebec. It provides a non‑repayable contribution to share eligible costs, subject to program rules and annual caps. (investquebec.com)

Status as of December 1, 2025: Investissement Québec indicates the PSCE ended on March 31, 2025 and is in the process of renewal. Applicants should confirm whether new intakes are open before preparing a submission. Contact the Investissement Québec Service d’accueil at 1‑844‑474‑6367 for current intake details and guidance. (investquebec.com)

This article explains who can apply to PSCE – Component 2, including applicant types, size and revenue criteria, geographic scope, project requirements, financial thresholds, and common exclusions. It is designed to help organizations self‑assess eligibility before engaging in a full application.

Program Overview

PSCE – Component 2 focuses on export development outside Quebec. It supports commercialization and market‑development initiatives that help Quebec‑based SMEs diversify, grow, or consolidate activities in external markets. The assistance is a non‑repayable contribution and is subject to several funding rules, including an annual cap per enterprise and defined cost‑share and stacking limits. (investquebec.com)

Key program facts to consider while assessing eligibility:

• Assistance type: non‑repayable contribution. (investquebec.com)

• Typical annual cap: up to $100,000 per enterprise per year (subject to budget availability). (investquebec.com)

• Minimum eligible spend: $25,000 per project. (investquebec.com)

• Minimum private contribution: at least 25% of total project costs. (investquebec.com)

• Cumulative public funding limit: generally up to 65% of eligible expenses from all public sources combined. (investquebec.com)

• Degressive aid rates across successive projects within the program: 50% for the first, 40% for the second, and 25% for subsequent projects, with additional caps on certain cost categories. These rates apply across the program’s duration referenced by the administrator. (investquebec.com)

Note: Because renewal is in progress, specific parameters may be adjusted in future intakes. Always verify the current guidelines on the official Investissement Québec page. (investquebec.com)

Applicant Type Requirements

PSCE – Component 2 primarily targets for‑profit SMEs operating in Quebec that are pursuing export markets outside the province. Typical eligible applicant profiles include:

• Incorporated for‑profit companies with active operations and a physical presence in Quebec.

• Quebec‑based SMEs in manufacturing, technology, agrifood, construction, transportation/logistics, professional services, and other sectors with viable export projects.

• Canadian subsidiaries with significant operations in Quebec seeking to expand outside Quebec. (investquebec.com)

Organizations must demonstrate the capacity to carry out an export‑oriented commercialization project, including management resources, financial means to cover the private cost share, and a credible plan to access markets beyond Quebec. (investquebec.com)

What “SME” means for this stream: PSCE’s client kit clarifies a revenue‑band requirement specific to Component/Volet 2. As communicated by Investissement Québec, companies with more than $1M and less than $100M in annual revenue are eligible under Volet 2. (investquebec.com)

Size & Scale Criteria

While the PSCE focuses on SMEs, it does not publish a universal employee‑count threshold for Volet 2 on the overview page. Instead, the principal scale test for this stream is the revenue band and the ability to deliver export outcomes. Applicants should ensure they meet all of the following scale indicators:

• Revenue threshold: annual revenue of more than $1M and less than $100M (specific to Volet 2 per the Client Kit). (investquebec.com)

• Operational maturity: established operations in Quebec, with resources to execute market‑development activities (staff or external partners). (investquebec.com)

• Project scale: a budget meeting the $25,000 minimum in eligible expenses and sufficient private funds to cover at least 25% of total project costs. (investquebec.com)

If your organization falls outside the revenue band or is a large enterprise, consider whether other PSCE streams (e.g., Volet 3 for large enterprises) are a better fit, or contact Investissement Québec to discuss your situation. (investquebec.com)

Geographic Eligibility

To qualify for PSCE – Component 2, applicants must:

• Be established and carrying on business activities in Quebec, and

• Undertake commercialization and export activities aimed at markets outside Quebec (international markets and/or other Canadian provinces). (investquebec.com)

Important:

• Projects focused exclusively on the Quebec market align with Volet 1 rather than Volet 2. (investquebec.com)

• Projects targeting markets outside Quebec—whether elsewhere in Canada or outside Canada—fit the mandate of Volet 2. (investquebec.com)

Project & Activity Requirements

Eligible initiatives typically include activities that directly support commercialization in markets outside Quebec. Examples often seen under PSCE‑type export support include:

• Market development planning and execution for new geographies.

• Export marketing, digital campaigns for foreign markets, website localization, and lead generation in target regions.

• Participation in trade shows or trade missions outside Quebec.

• External representation, business development services, certifications required for target markets, and acquisition of market research. (investquebec.com)

Each intake’s detailed guidelines specify activity lists and cost category limits. For instance, Investissement Québec’s Client Kit notes a professional‑fees cap per project and a combined cap for certain digital marketing and platform costs, as well as degressive rates applied to successive projects. These constraints matter for eligibility and budgeting and may evolve with renewal. (investquebec.com)

Financial & Operational Criteria

Applicants should be prepared to meet the following financial and operational conditions:

• Minimum eligible expenses per project: at least $25,000. (investquebec.com)

• Private contribution: at least 25% of total project costs, from non‑public sources. (investquebec.com)

• Cumulative public funding cap: generally up to 65% of eligible expenses across all programs (provincial, federal, municipal). (investquebec.com)

• Annual cap: typically up to $100,000 per enterprise per year, subject to budget availability. (investquebec.com)

• Degressive rates by project sequence within the program: 50% (first), 40% (second), 25% (subsequent). Plan accordingly if you have multiple projects over time. (investquebec.com)

• Complete submissions: Investissement Québec emphasizes that incomplete applications can be refused; ensure all required attachments are included at submission. (investquebec.com)

Operational readiness:

• Demonstrate export readiness (clear target markets, buyer profiles, regulatory awareness).

• Identify experienced internal staff or qualified external suppliers.

• Maintain adequate bookkeeping to support reimbursement, stacking declarations, and audit trails. (investquebec.com)

Ineligible Applicants

Although the PSCE guidelines should be consulted for definitive exclusions, organizations typically considered ineligible for Volet 2 include:

• Businesses without active operations or a permanent establishment in Quebec. (investquebec.com)

• Projects focused solely on sales within Quebec (consider Volet 1 instead). (investquebec.com)

• Companies that do not meet the Volet 2 revenue threshold (≤$1M or ≥$100M annual revenue), unless redirected to another stream. (investquebec.com)

• Applicants unable to cover the required private contribution or to reach the $25,000 minimum eligible spend. (investquebec.com)

• Applicants exceeding category caps (e.g., professional fees, combined digital advertising/SEO/newsletter/online platform access) within their project budget. While caps do not automatically make an applicant “ineligible,” proposed budgets that breach caps will not be fully fundable and may be rejected if not corrected. (investquebec.com)

Special Cases & Exceptions

Certain situations warrant a case‑by‑case discussion with Investissement Québec:

• Non‑profit organizations (NPOs) or sector associations leading collective export initiatives may have limited eligibility under some PSCE contexts; confirmation is required. (investquebec.com)

• Startups with revenue below $1M: They typically do not meet Volet 2’s revenue threshold; consider other streams or complementary programs and consult the administrator about future intakes or alternatives. (investquebec.com)

• Multi‑province firms: If your head office is outside Quebec but you have significant Quebec operations and payroll, clarify eligibility with the intake team. (investquebec.com)

• Multiple projects per year: The Client Kit indicates you may submit only one application at a time per stream for the project duration; plan sequencing across the degressive rate schedule. (investquebec.com)

Self‑Assessment Checklist

Use this quick yes/no checklist to evaluate your fit for PSCE – Component 2:

• Our organization is incorporated and carries on active operations in Quebec. (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

• We plan to commercialize products or services in markets outside Quebec (other Canadian provinces and/or international). (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

• Our annual revenue is more than $1M and less than $100M. (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

• Our project budget includes at least $25,000 in eligible expenses. (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

• We can contribute at least 25% of total project costs from private sources. (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

• We can document all other public funding so total support will not exceed 65% of eligible expenses. (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

• We understand degressive rates may apply to successive projects (50%/40%/25%) and will plan accordingly. (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

• We can submit a complete application with all required documents at once. (Yes/No) (investquebec.com)

If you answered “Yes” to all items, you likely fit the core PSCE – Component 2 profile. If you answered “No” to any item, consider contacting Investissement Québec to clarify or explore other funding options. (investquebec.com)

Conclusion

PSCE – Component 2 is designed for Quebec‑based SMEs ready to expand beyond Quebec. The most important eligibility signals are your Quebec presence, Volet 2 revenue band ($1M–$100M), out‑of‑Quebec project focus, minimum spend ($25,000), private contribution (≥25%), and stacking compliance (≤65% public support). Because the program is undergoing renewal, confirm intake windows and any updated parameters directly with Investissement Québec before you invest time preparing a full application. Use the checklist above to validate your fit and reach out to the Service d’accueil (1‑844‑474‑6367) for current guidance. (investquebec.com)