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Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is April 8, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city?

You can contact Quebec City by email at defiquebec@ville.quebec.qc.ca or by phone at 4186416411.

Q: Where is the Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city available?

The Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city program is available the province of Quebec.

Q: Is the Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city?

Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city is funded by Quebec City

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Québec, QC

Supports innovative startups in Québec and Wendake to launch operations

Grant and Funding

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Improve employee retention

Develop a new product

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : February 16, 2026
Closing date : April 8, 2026

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Location

Québec

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business
Sole proprietorship
Social economy enterprise
Non-financial cooperative

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Indigenous Peoples
Startups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Culture and Arts
Environment
Economic, Social and Community Development
Employment and Training
Diversity and Inclusion

Target groups

Indigenous peoples
Business owners / entrepreneurs
Artists / creatives

Revenue structures

Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)

Scope

Municipal
Regional

Overview

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.

Activities funded

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Enhancing an IT app to boost global competitiveness

$ 50,000

Deploying a high-tech food processing system for productivity

$ 50,000

Initiating production of an eco-friendly home cleaning product

How to apply

Eligibility Assessment

Carefully read the eligibility criteria to ensure that the project is eligible.
Verify that the business is located within the territory of the Quebec City agglomeration or Wendake.

Preparation of the request

Write a project proposal that demonstrates viability and innovation.
Gather the necessary documents, including financial statements and the business model.
Include evidence of sound governance and justifications for eligible expenses.

Preliminary Contact

Contact Mr. Richard Drolet for questions or clarifications about the process.
Use the contact information provided to communicate with the economic development service.

Submission of the request

Prepare the complete grant application file.
Send the file by email to defiquebec@ville.quebec.qc.ca.
Ensure that the file is sent before the deadline, once it is confirmed.

Follow-up on the request

Confirm the receipt of the file via a return message or an acknowledgment of receipt.
Wait for a communication regarding the status of the request after the evaluation of the files.

Contacts

defiquebec@ville.quebec.qc.ca

4186416411

Québec, QC, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city. 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.