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CED — Business Information Services - Canada

CED — Business Information Services

Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Get referrals and market data for your SME

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Open Date : October 13, 2023
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Program status
Open

Overview

If you are a future entrepreneur or need help for your SME, you can get front-line referrals to programs, support resources, regulations and market information on trends and opportunities in your sector. Find information about your market, or be directed

Activities funded

This grant provides tailored business information services to future entrepreneurs and small businesses, focusing on market data and referral assistance to guide business development and decision-making. The eligible activities are aimed at refining business strategy and gaining insights into market dynamics.

  • Access to tailored referrals for guidance on funding programs and resources.
  • Provision of information on business plans, legal structures, regulations, permits, and licenses.
  • Introduction to partners for development strategy support.
  • Access to business trends, consumption statistics, and financial performance indicators.
  • Market data analysis including sales volume, market size, and competitive landscape insights.
  • Provision of business lists and profiles to identify clients, suppliers, or competitors.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 9,000
Launch an eco-friendly product line for a small manufacturing company
$ 7,500
Set up an artisanal coffee roasting business
$ 7,000
Implement a cloud-based financial management system for a local cooperative
$ 5,000
Expand a community gardening initiative
$ 10,000
Create a mental health support network for youth
$ 15,000
Establish a tech incubator to support startups

Eligibility

Eligibility for the information and referral services offered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions is determined by the applicant's profile and needs.

  • Services are available to anyone considering going into business or launching a business who seeks sector-specific information or reliable data.
  • Small or medium-sized businesses or organizations looking for support, information, or funding sources can also utilize these services.
  • Special emphasis is placed on serving businesses and organizations with fewer than 100 employees.
  • Requests should be submitted directly by the client, not through a consultant on their behalf.

Who is eligible?

Anyone considering going into business or launching a business and who is seeking information on a sector of activity, reliable data from databases or regulatory information.Any small or medium-sized business or organization looking for support, information or funding sources. Special attention will be paid to businesses and organizations with fewer than 100 employees.Consultants and for-profit entities working on behalf of a client wishing to submit a service request are invited to ask their clients to submit their request directly to CED.

Eligible expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. Eligible expenses include:

  • Business plans
  • Legal structures to found a business
  • Regulations, permits, and licenses
  • Funding programs and sources
  • Market data and analysis

Eligible geographic areas

This service is offered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, specifically targeting businesses and entrepreneurs within Quebec. The geographical focus aligns with the regional economic development objectives of Quebec.

  • Quebec

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

  • Applicant's business plan and financial viability
  • Potential for economic growth and job creation
  • Alignment with CED's objectives and priorities
  • Demonstrated need for funding support

How to apply

1

Determine Your Needs (Identification)

  • Identify whether you need referrals for funding programs or detailed market information.
  • Consider your business stage: pre start-up, start-up, or established SME.
2

Fill Out Request Forms (Documentation)

  • Access the referral and/or market information service request forms through CED's website.
  • Provide detailed information about your business and specific needs on the form.
3

Contact CED for Assistance (Communication)

  • If additional guidance is needed, reach out to CED via the provided contact options on their website.
  • Ask questions regarding their services or specific funding programs relevant to your business.
4

Await Response (Patience)

  • Response times may vary depending on the request’s complexity and detail.
  • Check CED’s service standards for estimated response times.

Additional information

Here are some additional relevant details for accessing CED's information services:

  • Service requests should be submitted directly by the individual or organization seeking assistance, not by third parties such as consultants.
  • Response times for requests vary based on their complexity, and users are encouraged to consult CED's service standards for expectations.
  • CED provides introductions to partners who could aid in business development strategies, offering a network of valuable contacts.
  • Attention is focused on aiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 100 employees.

Documents and links

CED — Business Information Services

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the CED — Business Information Services Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CED — Business Information Services. 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 CED — Business Information Services?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under CED — Business Information Services?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the CED — Business Information Services a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the CED — Business Information Services?

Who is eligible for the CED — Business Information Services program?

Who can I contact for more information about the CED — Business Information Services?

Where is the CED — Business Information Services available?

Are startups eligible for the CED — Business Information Services program?

Apply to this program

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