Call for projects – Technology showcase

• Maximum non-repayable contribution of $20,000 per project (up to $30,000 if the showcase partner is based in Sherbrooke; this bonus cannot be combined).
• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible expenses.
• Total public funding for for-profit enterprises cannot exceed 50% of eligible project costs, and up to 80% for social economy enterprises.
• Total financial assistance granted by the City of Sherbrooke or its partners (including Entreprendre Sherbrooke) is capped at $150,000 over any consecutive 12-month period.

• The company must be in pre-startup, startup, or growth phase.
• The company must be located within the city of Sherbrooke or on land owned by the City of Sherbrooke.
• The company must operate in one of the following sectors: advanced manufacturing, quantum and information technology, life sciences and micro-nanotechnologies, or clean technologies.
• The project must be an innovation showcase with a functional prototype (MVP) to be tested with an identified partner.
• The maximum project duration is two years.

Who is eligible?

• Innovative manufacturing companies
• Quantum and information technology companies
• Life sciences and micro-nanotechnology companies
• Clean technology companies

Who is not eligible

• Companies with outstanding amounts owed to the City of Sherbrooke.
• Companies listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts.
• Applicants not discharged from bankruptcy judgments.
• Businesses promoting violence, or with sexual, religious, or controversial activities.

Eligible expenses

• Professional fees, consulting services, and studies.
• Start-up, installation, and maintenance costs.
• Salaries, benefits, and subcontracting fees directly related to the project.
• Purchase or rental of goods, equipment, and assets (excluding asset transfers).
• Renovation, expansion, refurbishment, or construction work for technological validation.
• Operational costs such as laboratory fees, testing, supplies, and replacement parts.
• Expenses related to technology transfer from universities or research centers.

Eligible geographic areas

• Companies located within the city of Sherbrooke.
• Businesses operating on land owned by the City of Sherbrooke.

• Quality and robustness of the business model.
• Relevance and added value of the product or service.
• Financial capacity to complete the project.
• Coherence and viability of the financial structure.
• Organizational capacity and experience of the project team.
• Distinctive and innovative nature of the technology showcase.
• Inclusion of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria.
• Potential impacts on employment.
• Justification of the need for financial assistance.
• Impact on property value and territorial trade balance.

• Step 1: Download the Application Form
  • Access and download the project application form from the Entreprendre Sherbrooke website or official sources.
• Step 2: Complete the Application Form
  • Fill in all required sections with detailed information about your technological showcase project.
• Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
  • Gather your most recent annual external financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement).
  • Prepare your most recent interim financial statements.
• Step 4: Submit the Application
  • Email the completed application form along with your supporting financial documents to financement@entreprendresherbrooke.com.
  • Ensure submission is completed no later than November 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
• Step 5: Contact for Assistance (Optional)
  • If you need support during your application, reach out to the Entreprendre Sherbrooke team for guidance.

• The call for projects opens on October 28, 2025, and applications must be submitted by November 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
• A functional prototype (MVP) and an identified partner are required to be eligible.
• Projects have a maximum duration of two years.
• If the company leaves the territory or ceases activities, reimbursement clauses will apply based on timing of the event.