
Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Grants for growth and innovation in Quebec
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Non-repayable contributions of $40,000 to $250,000 covering up to 10% of project costs for existing businesses and 15% for start-ups.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides non-repayable financial contributions designed to support businesses that successfully meet specific project criteria. The financial support is geared towards fostering growth and innovation in eligible sectors.
- Minimum financial contribution amount is $40,000.
- Maximum contribution cannot exceed 10% of project costs, or 15% for start-up businesses.
- Projects with costs between $300,000 and $400,000 receive a set aid amount of $40,000.
- The maximum contribution per enterprise is capped at $250,000 over a three-year period.
- The financial contribution is distributed over four years.
Activities funded
This grant supports projects that involve investment in various sectors by offering a non-repayable financial contribution. Eligible projects range from start-ups to technological advancements and market expansion.
- Business start-up, expansion, modernization, or production improvement in the manufacturing sector.
- Technological innovation or design in high value-added information technologies.
- Environmental restoration and recycling industry projects.
- Tourism industry enhancements.
- Commercialization of products outside Quebec.
- Specialized horticulture and biomass marine projects.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 20,000
Develop an innovative software solution for small businesses
$ 20,000
Implement an advanced recycling system in the community
$ 20,000
Launch a centralized call service specializing in tourism information
$ 20,000
Upgrade production facilities to meet international compliance standards
$ 20,000
Expand our aquaculture operations with advanced marine biotechnology
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's company status and project details.
- The project costs must be at least $300,000; $270,000 for startup companies.
- The total consolidated assets of the company must be less than $35 million.
- The maximum duration of the project is two years.
- The project can have started but must not be completed by the time the financial intermediary submits the application, and only expenses incurred within the 12 months preceding the submission are eligible.
- The company must be competitive and the project must be profitable.
- No fees are required for processing the application through IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc., the financial intermediary, or financial consultants.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for this grant are businesses that:1. Obtain a favorable recommendation from an accredited financial intermediary.2. Operate within specific sectors such as manufacturing, new economy industries (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, aeronautical, and aerospace), high value-added information technology, tourism, environmental restoration, recycling, and waste management, centralized call services, marine aquaculture and biotechnology, and specialized horticulture.3. In some cases, cooperatives or non-profit organizations engaged in businesses outside these sectors may also qualify.4. The criteria also specify that investments are targeted at projects concerning business startup, expansion, modernization or improvement of production, compliance certification, technological, or design innovation.5. Additionally, projects aimed at market development, specifically the commercialization of products outside Quebec, are eligible.6. Specific project criteria include project costs of at least $300,000 ($270,000 for startups), a total consolidated asset of less than $35 million for the company, a project duration not exceeding two years, and only expenses within the 12 months preceding submission being admissible if the project has already started.Overall, the program is designed to support competitive and profitable projects that contribute to economic growth in specified strategic sectors.
Who is not eligible
This grant application does not specify any explicit exclusions regarding ineligible companies or industries. Therefore, only the information on eligible sectors is provided in the context.
Eligible expenses
This grant provides financial support for projects across a range of industries, focusing on business growth and technological advancement. Eligible projects can encompass a variety of activities aimed at enhancing production capabilities and expanding market reach.
- Startup, expansion, modernization, or production improvement activities.
- Certification of conformity to recognized standards.
- Technological or design innovation projects.
- Market development efforts aimed at the commercialization of products outside of Quebec.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is managed by IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc., which operates in partnership with Investissement Québec. The focus is on supporting businesses within the province of Quebec to foster local economic development.
- Businesses located in the province of Quebec.
Selection criteria
The grant has specific evaluation and selection criteria that businesses must meet to be eligible for the financial contribution. These criteria ensure that only competitive and profitable projects are supported under the program.
- The project costs must be at least $300,000; $270,000 for startup enterprises.
- The total consolidated assets of the enterprise must be less than $35 million.
- The maximum duration of the project is two years.
- The project can be underway but not completed at the time of submission, and only expenses incurred in the 12 months preceding the submission are eligible.
- The enterprise must be competitive and the project must be profitable.
How to apply
1
Preliminary preparation
- Check your company's eligibility for the program, particularly in terms of industry sector and company size.
- Estimate the costs of your project to ensure they exceed the required minimum threshold.
- Gather financial and administrative information about the company to prepare the submission file.
2
Consultation with an accredited financial intermediary
- Contact an accredited financial intermediary through the Investor Immigrants program.
- Discuss the project details to secure a favorable recommendation.
3
Preparation of the application file
- Prepare a project plan including detailed descriptions and a solid financial plan.
- Include the necessary information to prove the project's profitability and competitiveness.
4
Submission of the file
- The financial intermediary submits the file to IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. on behalf of your company.
- Ensure that all required information is complete and accurate before submission.
5
Follow-up on the request
- Receive a submission confirmation from the financial intermediary.
- Wait for a response regarding the approval of the application.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The financial contribution provided is non-repayable, meaning it does not need to be paid back.
- The contribution is disbursed over a period of four years, allowing for extended support across the project timeline.
- The maximum contribution an enterprise can receive is capped at $250,000 over a three-year period per company.
- There are no fees to be paid to IQ Immigrants Investisseurs inc., the financial intermediary, or financial consultants for processing the application.
- Projects must conform to a timeline such that any commenced project must have incurred its eligible expenses within the 12 months preceding the submission date by the financial intermediary.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program. 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 Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program?
Who is eligible for the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program?
Where is the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program available?
Are startups eligible for the Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program program?
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