Open
Assistance for Bookstores
Funding for Quebec bookstores’ marketing initiatives
Last Update: June 19, 2026
Funding available
$ 200,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 10, 2026
- Closing date : September 17, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program provides subsidies to bookstores to promote Quebec books and develop customer loyalty. It supports one-year marketing strategies, including events, audience development, and business intelligence initiatives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 200,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 10, 2026
- Closing date : September 17, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 300,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- In-store promotional and audience-development events
- Off-site events with book sales
- Online events and reading activities
- Youth-focused public outreach activities
- Business intelligence development and deployment
Documents Needed
- Application form in SOD@ccès
- Applicant declaration form
- Activity plan
- Latest financial statements
- Annual accreditation report filed with the MCC
- Master file documents on ownership and directors, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Accredited bookstores
- Bookstores eligible for accreditation
- Quebec bookstores
- Bookstore companies with one or more branches
Who is not eligible
- Individual businesses
- Bookstores with less than two years of activity in the book sector
- Stores focused on school books
Eligible expenses
- Internal salaries directly linked to eligible activities
- External fees for promotion, media relations, and communications
- Fees, transport, accommodation, and per diems for Quebec authors, illustrators, translators, and hosts in Quebec
- Business intelligence software, data analysis, and related training
- Marketing support from specialized firms
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Book fair booths and related fair expenses
- Routine bookstore activities such as display arrangements
- Sponsorships and gift card rebates or activation fees
- Food, beverages, representation costs, and event setup items
- Website, shipping, postage, hardware, and non-CRM software license costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Quality and relevance of the proposed activities
- Ability to carry out the strategy, including budget realism and past results
- Realism of sales and audience growth targets
- Efforts to improve welcoming conditions for Quebec authors in bookstores
- Company performance and financial health
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the required forms in French.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Prepare the activity plan and financial statements.
- Step 2: Submit through SOD@ccès
- Log in to the secure SOD@ccès portal.
- Select program number 30-20-02.
- Fill out the application form and upload all required documents.
- Step 3: Follow the closing process
- Use the participation number provided by SODEC to complete the closing form in SOD@ccès.
- Submit the final activity plan and any additional closing documents requested.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by SODEC professionals, with external advice used if needed.
- Projects are assessed on the marketing strategy, the company’s performance, and financial health.
- Incomplete applications are rejected and must be resubmitted.
- If approved, a funding agreement must be signed before payment.
- A final report is required before the last payment is made.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted in French.
- Only complete and compliant applications will be reviewed.
- A final report is required to close the file.
- The SODEC may request additional documents for review or follow-up.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Assistance for Bookstores Program
What is the Assistance for Bookstores?
This program provides subsidies to bookstores to promote Quebec books and develop customer loyalty. It supports one-year marketing strategies, including events, audience development, and business intelligence initiatives.
How much funding can be received?
Assistance for Bookstores Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $200,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is September 17, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Assistance for Bookstores program?
To be eligible for the Assistance for Bookstores program, you must:
Accredited or eligible bookstore
Legally incorporated Quebec company
One-year Quebec book strategy
What expenses are eligible under Assistance for Bookstores?
In-store promotional and audience-development events
Off-site events with book sales
Online events and reading activities
Youth-focused public outreach activities
Business intelligence development and deployment
Who can I contact for more information about the Assistance for Bookstores?
You can contact Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) by email at livre@sodec.gouv.qc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Assistance for Bookstores available?
The Assistance for Bookstores program is available the province of Quebec.