How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 60000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Ascension competition?

Ascension competition is funded by Quebec City Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCCQ)

What are Ascension competition's eligibility criterias?

The company must be in operation for 6 to 36 months. The head office must be located within the Quebec Metropolitan Community. The representative must be a JCCQ member aged 20 to 40 and a main shareholder, associate, administrator or executive.

Ascension competition

Last Update: July 30, 2025

QC, Canada

Pitch competition supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Quebec City

Ascension competition at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $60,000

Timeline

Closing date : January 23, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Grant Providers

Quebec City Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCCQ)

Status

Closed

Overview of the Ascension competition program

The Ascension Competition, presented by the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Québec (JCCQ), awards a grant valued at over $60,000 in goods and services to startups in the Quebec City metropolitan area. Designed to support new businesses and foster entrepreneurship, the program provides funding for early-stage companies through a public pitch competition, promoting growth and visibility in the local business ecosystem.

Financing terms and conditions

The winner will receive a grant valued at over $60,000 in goods and services.
The grant is provided exclusively in the form of goods and services; it cannot be exchanged for cash, sold, transferred, or assigned in any way.

Eligible projects & activities

Pitching a startup business project to a jury and public audience.
Launching and developing a new business within its first 6 to 36 months of operation.
Networking and increasing public visibility for young entrepreneurs in the Quebec region.
Competing for support to accelerate business growth through non-cash goods and services.

Eligibility criteria of the Ascension competition program

The applicant company must be in the startup phase, having generated revenues for 6 to 36 months as of January 23, 2025.
The company must have its head office located within the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec.
The applicant must be a member in good standing of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Québec (JCCQ).
The candidate representing the company must be between 20 and 40 years old (inclusive) as of January 23, 2025.
The representative must be a principal associate, shareholder, administrator or officer of the company (unless the applicant is a sole proprietor).

Who is eligible?

Startups
Sole proprietors (self-employed)
Non-profit organizations
Cooperatives
Businesses in all sectors (industrial, commercial, technological, professional, etc.)

Who is not eligible

Businesses that have been acquired or transferred (not considered new companies).
Companies whose head office is not located within the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec.
Companies that have been finalists or winners of a previous edition of the Ascension competition.
Companies whose representative is a governor, employee, current or recent member (within the last 12 months) of the board of directors, or organizer of the JCCQ, as well as official partners, donors, or past Jeune Personnalité d’Affaires sector recipients.

Eligible expenses

Goods and services provided to the winner, as specified by program partners and donors.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies with their head office located within the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec.

Eligibility criteria of the Ascension competition program

Structure and organizational approach.
Viability of the project.
Skills and competencies of company administrators or leaders.
Demonstrated need for support.
Quality of the application file.

How to apply to the Ascension competition program

Review eligibility requirements

Become a member of the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Québec (JCCQ)
Ensure your business meets eligibility criteria
Prepare required information on your company's status and revenues

Prepare application dossier

Access the application platform (Nexam)
Complete the official application form
Attach all required annexes or proofs (e.g., incorporation date, proof of revenue)

Submit application before deadline

Submit your completed application and annexes on Nexam
Ensure all documents are received before the deadline (January 23, 2025 at midnight)

Await finalist selection

Wait for the jury to review your application
Await notification if you are selected as a finalist (by February 10, 2025)

Participate in pitch competition

Participate in the pitch competition before the jury and public
Present your business according to event guidelines

Additional information

The award consists of goods and services from various companies, not a cash prize, and cannot be exchanged or transferred.
The competition provides increased visibility, networking opportunities, and media exposure for participants.
Both the jury and the public determine different awards during the competition event.
Entries must be submitted through the Nexam platform by the specified deadline.