The City of Laval, with over 13,000 active businesses on its territory, is a major economic hub in Quebec.
For entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Laval, finding the right financial resources is often crucial for launching a project or accelerating business growth. Whether it's a Laval business grant, public financial assistance, or tailored financing, there is no shortage of options.
The good news is that Laval, along with the provincial and federal governments, offers a wide range of support and assistance programs for Laval SMEs — making it possible to find the Laval grant program that fits your needs. There are grants available for nearly every purpose: startup grants to launch a new business, support for innovation and research and development, aid for digital transformation and automation, support for social economy projects, and programs that encourage the growth of existing SMEs. Regardless of your industry or business size, there is likely a form of support suited to your projects.
In this article, we will review the main grant and financial aid programs available to Laval businesses, whether they are offered by the City of Laval, the government, or private investors.
Types of Grants for Businesses in Laval
Startup Grants
Starting a business requires initial capital and sustained support. Fortunately, there are startup grants in Laval and other specific types of aid to help new entrepreneurs get started. For example, the OSEntreprendre competition has a local chapter in Laval where winners can receive startup grants for their fledgling businesses. Similarly, the Government of Quebec offers the Self-Employment Support measure for eligible business founders — a monthly financial aid that allows entrepreneurs to focus on launching their projects.
Locally, Laval Economic Development and its partners can also guide entrepreneurs toward startup funds. For instance, programs aimed at young promoters may offer one-time grants or loans with favorable terms to entrepreneurs under 35 launching businesses in Laval. These initial boosts — whether in the form of grants, fee exemptions, or microloans — often make the difference in turning a business idea into reality.
Grants for Innovation and Growth
Innovation is a key driver of economic growth, and many forms of support exist to encourage businesses to innovate. Laval SMEs can apply for grants for R&D projects, the design of new products, or process improvements. For example, the National Research Council of Canada provides financial contributions to innovative tech projects through its Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). In Quebec, Investissement Québec and the Ministry of Economy also offer innovation grants — whether to develop a prototype, adopt new technology, or begin commercializing an invention.
Beyond R&D, there are grants aimed at supporting the growth of existing businesses. A business growth grant in Laval can help finance equipment purchases or facility expansions. Laval's manufacturing companies, in particular, may benefit from specific programs to increase productivity and modernize production. Whether through a government program or an investment fund, these growth supports allow SMEs to accelerate development and remain competitive. These are all forms of Laval innovation grants that local entrepreneurs can leverage to bring their ideas to life.
Grants for Digital Transformation and Automation
With the increasing digitalization of the economy, digital transformation and process automation have become top priorities for many SMEs. To support this digital shift, several programs offer financial assistance. For example, a federal grant can cover part of the expenses related to implementing new digital technologies (software, e-commerce, etc.). Obtaining a Laval digital transition grant can significantly reduce the investment needed for this transformation.
At the same time, production automation is also supported. A new Laval automation grant program was recently launched, offering up to $125,000 to manufacturing companies that invest in automated equipment or Industry 4.0 technologies. This type of support can help finance machines, robots, or intelligent systems aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing production costs. Whether computerizing operations or robotizing specific tasks, digital transformation and automation grants offer opportunities to boost business productivity in Laval.
Grants for Social Economy and Nonprofits
Social economy projects — such as cooperatives, nonprofit organizations (NPOs), or collective enterprises — can also benefit from tailored grants. Initiatives exist to support businesses with social or community missions. For example, the provincial government regularly issues calls for proposals that offer grants to social economy businesses to fund equipment purchases, launch new services, or develop innovative initiatives meeting community needs.
The City of Laval also supports many local NPOs. A Laval social economy grant can be awarded to a Laval-based organization providing services to citizens (recreation, workforce integration, environment, etc.) to help implement their project. Furthermore, specialized funds and local development funds can offer low-interest loans or grants to social economy businesses. These financial tools help Laval’s NPOs and cooperatives achieve their social goals while ensuring economic sustainability. Thus, a Laval NPO grant can serve as an important springboard for these mission-driven organizations.
Municipal Programs and Support from the City of Laval for SMEs
At the municipal level, the City of Laval has its own set of economic programs to support local entrepreneurs. Laval Economic Development, the city’s economic development branch, acts as a one-stop shop for business support and financing in Laval. As part of its economic development plan, the city has developed several Laval grant programs and incentive measures specifically aimed at SMEs.
Key municipal aids include:
Targeted Municipal Grants: Laval has implemented specific grants to boost strategic sectors. For example, the new support program for manufacturers offers a Laval municipal grant of up to $125,000 to manufacturing companies undertaking automation or expansion projects.
Tax Credits: To encourage investment within its territory, the City of Laval offers property tax credit programs. In practical terms, a company that builds or expands its facilities in Laval may, under certain conditions, benefit from partial tax exemption on increased property taxes for several years. This Laval economic program reduces tax burdens tied to real estate investment projects, improving profitability.
Local Investment Funds (FLI): Managed by Laval Economic Development, local funds such as the FLI and the Local Solidarity Fund offer loans to Laval’s small businesses. Whether for equipment, working capital, or growth projects, these Laval local funds can provide loans under favorable conditions. This is a valuable form of complementary financing when traditional sources (like banks) fall short.
Personalized Support: Beyond direct financial aid, Laval Economic Development offers strategic support to entrepreneurs (business plan advice, funding search assistance, mentoring, etc.). This Laval SME support program helps business leaders build strong cases to secure grants and funding. Access to these services is a major asset for navigating the business support ecosystem.
In summary, the City of Laval is actively involved in supporting its SMEs — through direct municipal grants, favorable tax measures, and easier access to local investment funds. Laval entrepreneurs should make the most of these local resources.
Provincial and Federal Government Assistance
Beyond the municipal level, Laval SMEs can, of course, benefit from all government business aid programs available in Quebec and Canada. Both levels of government offer a very broad range of grants, tax credits, and financing options to support economic development.
On the Quebec side, the Ministry of Economy and Investissement Québec manage several flagship programs:
Investment and productivity grants, such as the Support for Innovation and Productivity in Manufacturing Enterprises (SIPEM), which can fund up to 50% of project costs for equipment purchases or process improvements (with a maximum aid of $125,000).
Sector-specific tax credits, such as the SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) tax credit, which reimburses a large portion of R&D expenses for innovative companies, or the multimedia tax credit for digital studios.
On the federal side, several programs are also available to Laval entrepreneurs:
Canada Small Business Financing Program: through financial institutions, this program offers loan guarantees for equipment, materials, or premises improvements — allowing businesses to obtain up to $350,000 in government-backed financing.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): offers medium- and long-term commercial loans, technology project funding, and equity investments for high-growth-potential businesses.
Innovation programs: such as the NRC IRAP (mentioned earlier), which provides non-repayable contributions for SMEs’ R&D projects, or the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) for large-scale innovative projects.
In short, higher levels of government provide a comprehensive framework of financial support. It’s wise for a Laval SME to combine these government programs with municipal support to maximize its chances of success.
Private Financing and Investment Funds in Laval
Beyond public grants and programs, entrepreneurs also have access to private financing to bring their projects to life. Laval benefits from a network of financial institutions and investors that can support the creation and growth of local SMEs.
Traditional Bank Loans: Banks and credit unions in Laval (like Desjardins, BMO, RBC, etc.) offer loans to small businesses for equipment purchases, working capital, or expansion projects. A strong business case and solid plan will improve chances of securing a loan at a favorable rate.
Venture Capital and Investment Funds: For high-growth potential companies (especially in tech or innovation sectors), seeking venture capital can be a rewarding strategy. Several Laval-based and regional investment funds are open to investing in promising young businesses. For example, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Desjardins’ Regional Investment Fund target growing Quebec SMEs and can invest in exchange for equity. Similarly, the Anges Québec network includes private investors who may fund Laval startups with high potential.
Using private financing does not preclude combining it with public grants. On the contrary, presenting a project that combines private investment and government aid can reassure stakeholders by showing broad-based support.
Other Resources and Advice for Laval Entrepreneurs
Beyond financial aspects, Laval entrepreneurs can rely on numerous support resources. This Laval entrepreneur support includes guidance, mentorship, and networking — all complementary to financing and often just as critical to project success.
Laval Economic Development: As noted earlier, this is the main point of contact for entrepreneurs in the area. Its advisors provide personalized support: help with business plan writing, directing toward the right grants, assistance with financial planning, etc. Don’t hesitate to contact them early in your journey.
Mentoring and Coaching: Mentoring programs, such as those offered by Réseau M (a Quebec business mentor network) in partnership with the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry, allow new entrepreneurs to be guided by experienced business leaders. This strategic and moral support is a key advantage to avoid common pitfalls and make sound decisions.
Incubators and Accelerators: Depending on your field, you may join a business incubator or accelerator in Laval or Montreal. For example, the Quebec Biotechnology Innovation Centre (located in Laval) hosts life sciences startups and provides an enabling environment (labs, coaching, etc.). These centers give access to expert ecosystems, investors, and partners — indirectly easing financing efforts.
Networking and Business Events: The Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with other regional organizations, regularly organizes events, training, and conferences on topics related to SME financing and growth. Attending such events keeps you updated on the latest trends (e.g., Laval grants 2025, new tax credits, special programs), allows you to meet other entrepreneurs, and potentially connect with financial professionals.
By fully leveraging these resources, an entrepreneur in Laval maximizes their chances of successfully growing their business.
Conclusion
Whether you're in the startup phase or managing an established SME, Laval's ecosystem offers a wide range of solutions to support your ambitions. From Laval business grants to loans and private investments, plus customized support, every tool presented in this guide can contribute to your project’s success. In 2025, programs are evolving, and new opportunities are emerging regularly. Don’t hesitate to combine different forms of financial aid and seek Laval Economic Development’s expertise for guidance. Your Laval SME will be well-positioned to secure funding and grow sustainably.
