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Ascension competition - QC - Canada

Ascension competition

Last Update: July 30, 2025
QC, Canada
Pitch competition supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Quebec City

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
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed

Overview

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.

Activities funded

  • 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

  • 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.

Selection criteria

  • 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

1

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
2

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)
3

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)
4

Await finalist selection

  • Wait for the jury to review your application
  • Await notification if you are selected as a finalist (by February 10, 2025)
5

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.

Contacts

581-333-5227
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ascension competition Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Ascension competition. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Ascension competition?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Ascension competition a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Ascension competition?

Who is eligible for the Ascension competition program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Ascension competition?

Where is the Ascension competition available?

Are startups eligible for the Ascension competition program?

Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Ascension competition program?

Apply to this program

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