Capitale-Commerce

Q: How much funding can be received?

Capitale-Commerce Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $75000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Capitale-Commerce a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Capitale-Commerce is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Capitale-Commerce?

Capitale-Commerce is funded by Quebec City

Q: Who is eligible for the Capitale-Commerce program?

To be eligible for the Capitale-Commerce program, you must: • Private incorporated businesses located in eligible territories • Maximum 50 full-time employees per establishment • Must operate at street level (ground floor location)

Q: Where is the Capitale-Commerce available?

The Capitale-Commerce program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Capitale-Commerce program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Capitale-Commerce program.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Capitale-Commerce program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Capitale-Commerce program.

Last Update: August 22, 2025

Québec, QC

Financial support for commercial projects improving business offerings

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $75,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : August 27, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Opening Soon

Overview

The Capitale-Commerce grant offers non-repayable contributions of up to $75,000 to support projects that diversify, improve, or sustain the commercial offering within eligible territories. Eligible activities include opening or expanding retail businesses, restaurants or service companies, equipment acquisition, productivity enhancements, strategic consulting, and creating a first corporation.

Financing terms and conditions

For businesses in designated commercial territories: maximum contribution of $75,000, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
For businesses in other eligible territories: maximum contribution of $25,000, covering up to 30% of eligible expenses.
Only one contribution per establishment permitted within a five-year period.
The minimum project cost for designated commercial territories is $5,000 in eligible expenses; for other eligible territories, $15,000 in eligible expenses.
The maximum total amount of active funding across all City of Québec economic development programs is $500,000 per two-year period.

Activities funded

Opening or expanding a retail business, restaurant, or service enterprise.
Acquisition of equipment or technologies to enhance productivity or support growth.
Consulting services related to the company's strategic challenges.
Creation of a first corporation by one or more individuals.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 70,000

Opening a local women’s apparel boutique with modern POS systems

$ 67,000

Renovating and expanding an independent coffee shop with new equipment

$ 71,500

Expanding a wellness clinic with therapy rooms and digital booking tools

Eligibility

The applicant must be a private incorporated business or a social economy enterprise (non-profit organization or cooperative) conducting primarily commercial activities.
For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, at least majority Indigenous-owned businesses located in Wendake are eligible.
The business must be located in the agglomeration of Québec (including Québec City, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, L’Ancienne-Lorette) or Wendake.
The enterprise must have a commercial location on the ground floor of a building (including businesses operating on multiple floors).
Eligible businesses are limited to those with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees per establishment and local franchises with a maximum of five locations.

Who is eligible?

Private incorporated companies
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships majority-owned by Indigenous people (located in Wendake)
Social economy enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) conducting mainly commercial activities
Retail businesses
Restaurants and service businesses providing services to leisure and business tourists

Who is not eligible

Vehicle dealerships, auto parts retailers, and gas stations.
Businesses operating exclusively online.
Collaborative tourist accommodations (e.g., Airbnb, Home Away).
Applicants not discharged from bankruptcy or listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
Applicants with outstanding amounts owed to the City of Québec, or who failed to comply with previous City financial assistance agreements.

Eligible expenses

Acquisition of production, operational, or technological equipment to improve productivity or support business growth.
Professional fees, consulting services, and studies related to the company's strategic challenges.
For a new business: rent for the first two years of the lease (if signed after submitting the funding application, with a minimum lease term of 36 months).
Marketing, promotion, and advertising campaigns (up to 6 months, or up to 12 months in a designated commercial area).
Purchase of goods and equipment related to the premises (up to 6 months, or up to 12 months in a designated commercial area).
Leasehold improvements, repairs, expansions, or renovations of the premises.
Salaries and professional fees for employees and consultants specifically hired for project planning, design, and implementation (not including regular operational salaries).
Investments to sustain the activities of an existing business (only in a designated commercial area).

Eligible geographic areas

Agglomeration of Québec, including the cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L’Ancienne-Lorette
Wendake
Quartier Saint-Roch
Avenue Cartier
Avenue Maguire
Avenue Myrand
Avenue Royale
Chemin Sainte-Foy (Saint-Sacrement sector)
Faubourg Saint-Jean
Rue du Campanile
Rue Racine
Saint-Sauveur
Vieux-Québec

Selection criteria

Viability and coherence of the project, including the realism of the financial structure.
Organizational management capacity, referring to the relevant expertise and experience of the applicant regarding project delivery.
Financial capacity of the applicant to successfully complete the project and achieve its objectives.
Demonstration of the need for financial assistance.
Quality of the support structure (if applicable).

How to apply

Contact the Economic Development Office

Contact the Economic Development and Major Projects Service before submitting an application
Request information on program eligibility and requirements

Complete the application form

Download and complete the funding application form (Capitale-Commerce section)
Prepare all required supporting documents listed in the form

Confirm eligibility and compliance

Ensure the business has no outstanding debts to the City of Québec
Confirm that all eligibility criteria are met before submitting

Submit the application

Submit the completed application form with all supporting documents
Ensure submission occurs before the intake closes (opened until August 27, 2025)

Await results

Wait for the City to evaluate the application
The grant award will depend on funds availability and project assessment

Additional information

Only one contribution per establishment is allowed within a five-year period.
The maximum amount of active funding from all economic development programs of the Ville de Québec is capped at $500,000 over a two-year period, factoring all aids at 100% of their value.
The eligibility of a project does not guarantee the granting of financial aid; final decisions depend on funding availability and needs assessment.
If the company has outstanding amounts owed to the Ville de Québec, these will be deducted from the grant payments or may lead to compensation for taxes or penalties.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Capitale-Commerce Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Capitale-Commerce. 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.