Discover Grants & Funding for Commercialization in Quebec for 2026

Why Get a Marketing Grant for Your Business?

• Reduce costs and financial risks: The main benefit of a Quebec marketing grant is sharing project costs with the granting organization. For example, a program that covers 50% of eligible expenses can halve the investment for the business. This significantly reduces financial risk, which can encourage the launch of ambitious projects (new digital campaigns, website redesigns, international SEO strategies, etc.) that might not be undertaken otherwise.
• Accelerate digital transformation: Grants act as a lever for adopting innovative technologies or strategies more quickly. The digital shift has accelerated in recent years, and most businesses must adapt to stay competitive. A grant can help fund digital marketing tools or expertise (like implementing an e-commerce platform or optimizing natural search ranking) sooner than planned, giving you a head start on the competition.
• Increase marketing reach and exports: Several Quebec marketing funding programs specifically aim to help businesses penetrate new markets. They offer support for activities like international promotion, translating marketing materials, or participating in trade shows. These marketing grants then become a catalyst for external growth by facilitating entry into markets outside Quebec or abroad.
• Improve campaign return on investment (ROI): By subsidizing a portion of the expenses (expert marketing fees, online advertising purchases, web content development, etc.), these programs automatically increase ROI. The reduced financial burden means results (visibility, lead generation, online sales) can be generated at a lower net cost to the business. In other words, a Quebec SEO grant or a Quebec website grant can significantly improve the return on every dollar invested in digital marketing.
• Encourage planning and rigor: To get a grant, you generally have to build a strong application with a structured marketing plan, clear objectives, and a detailed budget. This preparation exercise is beneficial in itself, as it forces the business to clarify its marketing strategy and success metrics. Additionally, many granting organizations require post-project follow-ups or reports, which encourages measuring results and learning from the experience.

Key Marketing Grant Programs in Quebec

Program to Support Commercialization and Exports (PSCE Quebec)

• Component 1 – Quebec Market: Aims to increase the capacity of SMEs to commercialize their products and services in the Quebec market.
• Component 2 – Markets outside Quebec: Aims to increase the export capacity of SMEs and support their projects in external markets (Canada outside Quebec, international).
• Component 3 – Large businesses: Reserved for companies with a turnover of over $100 million, to support structuring projects in international markets.

CanExport SMEs Program – For International Marketing

• Fees for consultants or experts in digital marketing and e-commerce, to adapt your strategy to the target market;
• Search engine optimization (SEO) projects to increase the company's visibility in target markets;
• Online advertising campaigns (on social media, search engines, or online marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, etc.) to promote your products/services internationally;
• The translation, adaptation, or creation of marketing materials (multilingual websites, local brochures, subtitled promotional videos, etc.) to better reach the local clientele in the target country.

Desjardins C Fund – Digital Marketing and Innovation Accelerator

• The implementation of a significant technological advancement (e.g., integration of a marketing CRM, a marketing automation platform, etc.);
• The implementation of new digital processes to support continuous innovation in the organization;
• The creation or optimization of a secure online sales site (e.g., deploying an e-commerce store and secure payment processes);
• The implementation of cybersecurity measures to protect online activities;
• The increase of online sales through improvements to the conversion rate or user experience;
• The transformation of the business model via digital means (e.g., moving from a purely physical model to an online hybrid model).

Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)-Quebec

• Component 1: "Grow Your Business Online" – Micro-grant for SMEs This first component aims to help small retail or service businesses establish an effective e-commerce presence. It primarily targets retail stores, restaurants, and small local businesses looking to sell online.
  • Eligibility: You must be a for-profit business (sole proprietorship or incorporated) registered and aimed at consumers (B2C). The business must have at least one employee (other than the owner) and provide goods or services directly to customers (in person or online). Additionally, it must commit to maintaining its digital strategy for at least 6 months after receiving the grant. This component therefore targets small local businesses that have not yet fully embraced e-commerce.
  • Covered expenses: CDAP Component 1 funds concrete projects for setting up e-commerce. For example: the implementation of an online booking or ordering system, the addition of an electronic payment solution to your site, the installation of an online store platform (e.g., Shopify, Magento), the optimization of your website's search ranking (SEO) to attract more traffic, the purchase of web advertising to promote the new platform, or access to consulting services to support the e-commerce strategy. In other words, anything that helps a small business sell online or attract customers on the web can be eligible.
  • Financial aid: This is a micro-grant of up to $2,400 per business. This amount may seem modest, but it is intended to cover specific expenses, such as a one-year subscription to an e-commerce platform and a few hundred dollars in digital advertising, or the cost of a developer to add an online sales feature to your site. The advantage is that the process is simplified and relatively fast, via local service providers mandated to distribute these micro-grants. It is often not necessary to pay in advance and then be reimbursed; in some cases, the service provider can directly provide the subsidized service.
• Component 2: "Boost Your Business Technology" – Grant for a Digital Plan The second component of the CDAP aims to support more established SMEs in adopting advanced digital technologies and planning their transformation. Here, the idea is not to directly fund the purchase of equipment or software, but rather to help develop a digital plan through specialized advice.
  • Eligibility: This component is for slightly larger businesses: you must be incorporated (federally or provincially) or a sole proprietor residing in Canada, have between 1 and 499 employees, and have generated annual revenues of at least $500,000 in one of the last three years. These criteria ensure that the business has a sufficient scale to undertake a larger-scale technology project.
  • Covered expenses: Essentially, this program funds the development of a digital adoption plan for the business. This includes hiring the services of a digital expert advisor (consultant) who will analyze needs, recommend technological solutions (CRM, ERP, marketing automation, etc.), and produce a detailed plan. The program can also partially support the acquisition of new technologies identified in the plan, but its core is really the advice and strategy aspect. It is a consultation process to build a solid digital transformation project.
  • Financial aid: The grant covers up to 90% of the digital consultant's fees, up to a maximum of $15,000 per SME. In practice, the federal government pays the consultant (or reimburses the business) up to 90% of their invoice, leaving only 10% for the business to pay. For example, for a digital plan mandate invoiced at $16,500, the aid would cover $14,850 (90%) and the business would only pay $1,650. This generous boost is intended to encourage SMEs to plan their transformation with experts, without the cost being a deterrent. Note that this component of the CDAP also provides access, once the plan is completed, to an interest-free loan (via BDC) of up to $100,000 to implement the recommendations—however, the loan is not a grant, so it is repayable, but it is a supplement to be aware of.

Innovation Program – Grant for Innovation and Commercialization

• Research and development work leading to a new product or process;
• Technological compliance of a product to meet standards or norms of the target industry;
• Technological adaptations to target markets (e.g., modifying software for an English version for the American market);
• Development work related to the commercialization of an innovative product or service (e.g., manufacturing a limited series to test the market, creating a technological showcase).

Other Grant Programs to Consider

• ESSOR (Investissement Québec): A provincial program aimed at supporting business investment and growth projects. Among its components, several concern digital transformation and productivity increase. For example, ESSOR can finance the realization of digital diagnostics, the implementation of digital plans, or expansion projects including at least $100,000 in eligible expenses. The financial aid can take the form of a non-repayable contribution covering up to 50% of expenses (typical cap of $100,000), or a loan or loan guarantee depending on the project. ESSOR is more for established businesses planning significant investments, and each project is analyzed with Investissement Québec.
• Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI): This federal program, managed by Canada Economic Development, aims to stimulate business innovation and productivity in the regions. It can support projects for commercializing new technologies or adopting innovative technologies to grow. The aid often takes the form of a non-repayable contribution of around 40% of eligible expenses, for example up to $50,000 per project. REGI primarily targets SMEs in the regions and excludes certain sectors such as traditional retail or restaurants.
• SMEs in Action – Productivity Support Component: Another Quebec program which, although focused on manufacturing productivity at first glance, includes digital transformation in eligible projects. It can thus finance part of a project to implement CRM/ERP software or marketing automation aimed at increasing the company's efficiency. The aid is generally a non-interest-bearing repayable contribution of up to 50% of authorized costs (which is more like an interest-free loan than a direct grant).
• Regional and sectoral funds: Several regional or sectoral funds offer ad hoc aid for marketing or digital. For example, the "Digital Shift" measure from the Quebec Retail Council (CQCD) aims to support small retailers in adopting e-commerce. Similarly, local funds like the Regional and Rurality Fund (FRR) from certain RCMs can support commercialization projects in rural areas. It is therefore useful to check for programs specific to your region or sector of activity.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Getting a Grant

• Choose the right program: Identify the grant that is most aligned with the nature of your project. Each program has its objectives (export, digital, innovation…)—it is crucial to target the one whose criteria best match your needs. Read the official descriptions and don't hesitate to contact program advisors to validate your eligibility. As HelloDarwin points out, there are many programs, and finding the one that best suits your business is the first step to success. A well-targeted grant means a more relevant and therefore more convincing application.
• Prepare a solid and detailed application: Treat the grant application as a real project. Write a business plan or a proposal that clearly describes the marketing project you want to carry out, its objectives, and how it will contribute to the company's growth. Accurately budget the eligible expenses (fees, material, advertising, etc.) and attach quotes if possible. The clearer and more justified your budget is, the more the organization will trust your seriousness. Highlight the expected benefits: e.g., "30% increase in web traffic through SEO," "access to 3 new export markets," or "creation of 2 marketing jobs." You must demonstrate that the grant will have a concrete impact.
• Follow the criteria and terms to the letter: This may seem obvious, but many applications are rejected for administrative reasons. Ensure that all eligibility criteria are met (company size, sector, financial caps...). Provide all required documents (financial statements, proof of incorporation, business number, etc.). Respect the submission formats and deadlines. If the program has an applicant's guide, read it in its entirety and follow its instructions point by point. An incomplete or off-topic application will be quickly discarded.
• Highlight the alignment with the program's objectives: Personalize your application by using the program's language. For example, if you are applying for PSCE Component 2 (export), emphasize how your marketing strategy targets markets outside Quebec and contributes to increasing Quebec exports. For CanExport, explain how your project will increase the company's international competitiveness. Each program has its raison d'être: show that your project serves this mission. It can be useful to reuse some of the keywords from the call for projects in your text.
• Pay attention to presentation and writing: Adopt a formal and professional tone in your application (just like in this article). Avoid overly technical jargon that is not explained. Your application must be convincing in both substance and form, as it reflects the seriousness of your business. Have the document proofread to eliminate errors and inconsistencies. A well-spaced layout, with clear headings (similar to the use of H2/H3 in this article), will make it easier for evaluators to find key information.
• Anticipate financing and cash flow: Remember that most grants work by partially reimbursing expenses. This means you must be able to front all or part of the costs. Make sure you have financial leeway (savings, line of credit, bridge loan) to start the project as soon as you get the approval. A side tip is to meticulously keep all your receipts and invoices, as they will need to be submitted to get the reimbursement.
• Seek help and mentorship: Don't face the process alone if you have doubts. In Quebec, there are organizations and resources to help with grant applications. For example, CLDs/CECs (Local Development Centres / Export Centres), local chambers of commerce, or specialized consultants can guide you. Organizations offer mentoring services and advice to help businesses develop solid business plans and prepare grant applications. Taking advantage of these resources can make the difference between an average application and a winning one.
• Submit as early as possible: Many programs operate with annual budgets or project call periods. Funds can be limited: first come, first served. As soon as your project is ready, don't wait until the last minute to submit. If there is a deadline, aim to submit well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical problems. By submitting early, you also show your motivation and may be able to reapply a second time if, by bad luck, the first attempt fails and the program is renewed.
• Have a Plan B: Finally, keep in mind that a grant is not an entitlement. Even with a good application, competition or hidden criteria may mean your project will not be funded. Do not bet your company's survival on getting the grant. Prepare an alternative solution (a more modest project, another funder, or phasing the project) just in case. This will allow you to approach the application with more serenity, and paradoxically, to build a more convincing application by showing that the project can move forward anyway but would go much further with the requested aid.

Conclusion