Open
Source verified October 20, 2026
Ascension competition
Pitch competition for early-stage Quebec startups
Funding available
$ 60,000
Deadline
December 7, 2026
Location
Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Startups in all sectors, including non-profit organizations and cooperatives. Self-employed applicants must be incorporated and be the principal shareholder and/or executive of their company, under the official 2027 regulations.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Concours Ascension awards an approximate $60,000 prize in goods and services to support early-stage businesses. It is designed for JCCQ members with startups in the Quebec Metropolitan Community and includes a pitch competition, finalist selection, and public presentation.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 60,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Capitale-Nationale
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Children and Youth Organizations
Target groups
- Young adults
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Pitching a startup business before a jury and public audience.
- Competing for a non-cash award to support business growth.
- Participating in finalist presentation activities and the award evening.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Annex to the application form
- Financial statements
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Startups in all sectors, including non-profit organizations and cooperatives. Self-employed applicants must be incorporated and be the principal shareholder and/or executive of their company, under the official 2027 regulations.
Who is not eligible
- Governors of the JCCQ, JCCQ employees, and current or outgoing members of the JCCQ board of directors, with former members becoming eligible again 12 months after the end of their term.
- Members of the Contest organizing committee.
- Donors of the goods or services offered in the contest prize pool.
- Official partners of the JCCQ and the Contest.
- Young Business Personality from one of the nine activity sectors of the Banque Nationale Young Business Personality Contest 2025-2026, as well as winners and finalists from a previous year.
Eligible expenses
- Goods and services awarded to the winner.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Cash equivalents
- Selling, transferring, or assigning the awarded goods and services
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec Metropolitan Community
Selection criteria
- Organizational structure and approach.
- Project viability.
- Skills and competencies of the company’s leaders.
- Need for support.
- Quality of the application file.
How to apply
- Submit the complete application, including the form and appendix, through Nexam no later than December 7, 2026 at 23:59, Québec local time (America/Toronto). The organizer’s webpage gives this explicit time; clause 6 of the official 2027 regulations uses the ambiguous term ‘midnight’.
Processing and Agreement
- The candidature period runs from 29 September 2025 to 15 December 2025.
- Finalists are announced by the JCCQ on 10 January 2026.
- A full-day photo and filming session takes place on 14 January 2026.
- The 6 finalists are announced publicly on 4 February 2026.
- The Ascension evening takes place on 13 May 2026.
Additional information
- The award is provided as goods and services, not cash.
- The winner cannot sell, transfer, or assign the awarded goods and services.
- Finalists must take part in a presentation video and attend the award evening.
- The jury may review the company’s website and social media profiles.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ascension competition Program
What is the Ascension competition?
The Concours Ascension awards an approximate $60,000 prize in goods and services to support early-stage businesses. It is designed for JCCQ members with startups in the Quebec Metropolitan Community and includes a pitch competition, finalist selection, and public presentation.
How much funding can be received?
Ascension competition Funds up to $60,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is December 7, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Ascension competition program?
To be eligible for the Ascension competition program, you must:
2027 competition: startup with 6–48 months of sales as of December 7, 2026; JCCQ representative aged 18–40 inclusive on that date; head office in the Québec Metropolitan Community. Based on the official 2027 regulations; the webpage lists different age limits.
What expenses are eligible under Ascension competition?
Pitching a startup business before a jury and public audience.
Competing for a non-cash award to support business growth.
Participating in finalist presentation activities and the award evening.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ascension competition?
You can contact Quebec City Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCCQ) or by phone at 581-333-5227.
Where is the Ascension competition available?
The Ascension competition program is available Capitale-Nationale, Quebec.