How much funding can be received?

The "Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale" program offers non-repayable contributions up to a maximum of $50,000 per project to support the launch of innovative businesses that contribute to the economic growth of the Québec metropolitan area and Wendake. The program aims to assist private and social economy enterprises with responsible business models in developing novel entrepreneurial projects. Eligible activities include professional fees, startup and implementation costs, human resources salaries, and marketing and promotion activities.

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This grant is available to companies within designated geographical areas such as the Quebec metropolitan region. The eligible areas ensure the projects contribute to local economic development.

Agglomeration of Québec, including the cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L'Ancienne-Lorette.
Wendake.

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Eligibility for this grant requires businesses to meet specific criteria related to their stage of business development and type of incorporation.

Eligible businesses must be in operation between twelve (12) months before their first significant sale and up to thirty-six (36) months after this sale.
Structured business succession projects are eligible within twelve (12) months after acquiring at least 25% of voting shares.
Incorporated private businesses are eligible.
Social economy enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) with a majority of commercial activities are eligible.
Individually owned businesses and general partnerships majority-owned by Indigenous peoples located within Wendake are eligible.

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Eligible applicants include private incorporated companies and socially driven enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) that primarily engage in commercial activities. Specifically, businesses from 12 months before their first significant sale to 36 months after are eligible, or those with a structured succession plan within 12 months of acquiring at least 25% voting shares. Individual enterprises and partnerships largely owned by Indigenous people located in the Wendake area are also eligible.

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This grant excludes certain companies and projects that do not align with its governance and financial criteria, as well as those that pose risks to the image of the City of Quebec.

Companies in the social economy (OBNL and co-op) that cannot demonstrate sound democratic governance.
Applicants who have not been discharged from bankruptcy.
Applicants with outstanding debts to the City of Quebec.
Companies listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
Applicants who have previously failed to meet obligations related to prior financial aid from the City of Quebec.
Projects with discriminatory, controversial, or negatively impactful characteristics for the City of Quebec.
One-time or event-driven projects.

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This grant supports projects that contribute to the economic development in Quebec's urban ares by encouraging innovation and responsible business practices. Eligible projects include technological advancements, production start-ups, and productivity-enhancing technology deployment.

An IT sector company improving its application to enhance its international competitive advantages.
A manufacturing company starting the production of its innovative product.
A food processing cooperative deploying a new technology to increase productivity.

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The grant covers specific expenses that are essential for the successful initiation and implementation of the project.

Professional fees, consulting services, and studies.
Pre-startup and startup costs necessary for project implementation.
Salaries for human resources dedicated to the project, at an hourly rate equivalent to the recipient's salary policy, upon presentation of relevant documentation.
Purchases or rentals of goods, equipment, and assets related to the project.
Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities and expenses.
Leasehold improvements, repairs, expansion, renovation, or construction of a building, including the acquisition of land or a building.
General and administrative expenses necessary for project completion.

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The “Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale” grant program evaluates submitted projects on criteria related to financial viability, innovation, and economic, social and environmental impact. The program also strives to ensure that projects are distinctive and offer positive spinoffs for the Greater Quebec City area.

Quality and soundness of the responsible business model

Financial capacity of the applicant to complete the project and achieve its objectives

Viability and coherence of the project submitted (relevance of the project, realism of the financial package and partners involved)

Organizational capacity

Distinctive and innovative nature of the project

Economic, social and environmental benefits for the Greater Quebec City area

Demonstration of need for financial assistance, including remuneration levels of key executives

Structuring effect

Support structure

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale grant:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your project and organization meet the eligibility criteria regarding the timeline of business operations, the nature of the business, and the type of project.
- Confirm that your business is located within the eligible territories of Québec agglomeration and Wendake.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
- Prepare detailed project proposal outlining the business model, financial plans, and project objectives.
- Gather supporting documents such as business registration, financial projections, and letters of support.
- Ensure documentation demonstrates the need for financial assistance and the impacts of the project.
Step 3: Financial Projection and Budgeting
- Develop a comprehensive budget for the project detailing costs and expected revenues.
- Ensure that expenses are classified as eligible according to the grant guidelines.
Step 4: Contact Economic Development Advisor
- Get in touch with Mr. Richard Drolet at 418 641‑6411, ext. 3224 or via email at defiquebec@ville.quebec.qc.ca for clarifications or guidance on the application process.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application and all supporting documents to the appropriate submission portal or email address as provided by the Ville de Québec.
Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- After submission, await confirmation to ensure your application has been received.
- Retain any confirmation details or application numbers for your records.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This grant aims to support the development of innovative businesses within the agglomeration of Québec and Wendake. It offers a non-repayable contribution of up to $50,000 for eligible projects, focusing on sectors like agrofood, digital arts, and clean technologies.

The maximum funding allowed per company every two years from Québec City's economic development financing programs is $500,000.
Eligible entities include incorporated private companies and social economy enterprises with a majority of commercial activities.
A project's eligibility does not ensure financial aid; the allocation depends on fund availability and assessed financial need.
Applicants are advised to demonstrate the financial necessity for aid, including remunerations of key executives.

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defiquebec@ville.quebec.qc.ca

418

Apply to this program

Supporting Entrepreneurial Growth in Quebec

The Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale program is dedicated to fostering business innovation and economic advancement within the Quebec agglomeration and Wendake through funding ventures that demonstrate sustainable and forward-thinking business models. This initiative is designed to empower emerging businesses and entrepreneurs to catalyze local economic growth while upholding responsible business practices.

Understanding the Défi-Québec Program's Potential for Innovators

The Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale program is a pivotal resource for businesses aiming to innovate and grow within the Quebec community. Tailored to support both private and social economy enterprises, the program specifically targets the launch and development phases of businesses that have been operational for up to three years following their first significant sale. By providing non-repayable contributions of up to $50,000, the program incentivizes projects that can demonstrate a strong, sustainable business framework with notable potential for economic, social, and environmental benefits in the region.

Eligible projects stretch across the priority sectors including information technology innovation, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean technologies, and digital arts, among others. This strategic focus ensures that supported projects are aligned with long-term development objectives that contribute to the broader goals of sustainable innovation and economic resiliency. The program's design allows a significant proportion of project expenses, from pre-startup costs to marketing and infrastructural improvements, to be funded, thereby reducing the financial burden on entrepreneurs and facilitating project success.

In addition to financial support, the Défi-Québec program facilitates an ecosystem of growth and innovation by connecting entrepreneurs with local resources, expert advice, and a supportive network, thereby enhancing the overall impact of their projects. The program's emphasis on responsible business models and governance not only ensures project viability but also aligns with community values of equity and inclusion.

The rigorous eligibility and evaluation criteria ensure that only projects with substantial innovation potential are funded, optimizing the allocation of public resources. Applicants must provide a comprehensive demonstration of their financial capacity to sustain the project, clear evidence of its innovative nature, and potential impacts.

Overall, the Défi-Québec, ville entrepreneuriale program stands out as a critical initiative for businesses operating within Quebec's strategic sectors, offering a formidable advantage to those who meet its criteria. By participating, businesses not only gain essential funding but also contribute to the dynamic transformation of Quebec into a hub of innovative and responsible business activity. This program symbolizes a commitment to nurturing a robust entrepreneurial culture that prioritizes sustainable growth and community well-being.