Open
Défi-Québec, Commercial City
Supporting projects for commercial and tourism revitalization
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open Date : September 15, 2025
Location
Quebec City, Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada
Overview
As part of the Défi-Québec, Commercial City grant, contributions are offered to support initiatives having a positive impact on the economic and sustainable development of the region. This financial aid aims to support projects promoting commercial and tourist recovery, in particular by encouraging innovation, the diversification of services and the attractiveness of local businesses. They also make it possible to support companies in the adoption of eco-responsible practices, by facilitating the implementation of sustainable solutions that reduce their environmental footprint. Finally, these contributions can be aimed at initiatives aimed at improving business productivity and mitigating the effects of labor shortages, supporting measures such as automation, employee training and optimization of internal processes.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : September 15, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Quebec City
- Capitale-Nationale
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- A project addressing workforce issues through acquisition of equipment and professional fees for recruiting, integrating, and training immigrant workers.
- Development of a zero-waste grocery service offering online ordering and bicycle deliveries, with related professional fees and equipment expenses.
- Marketing and repositioning efforts for a retail business focusing on local products and short supply chains.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private incorporated companies.
- Social economy enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) conducting a majority of commercial activities.
- Individually owned businesses and limited partnerships primarily owned by Indigenous peoples located in the territory of Wendake.
Who is not eligible
- Vehicle dealerships, auto parts retailers, and gas stations.
- Collaborative tourist accommodation providers (e.g., Airbnb, Home Away) and businesses operating exclusively online.
- Social economy organizations (NPOs and co-ops) that cannot demonstrate sound democratic governance.
- Applicants who have not been discharged from bankruptcy or have outstanding debts with the City of Québec.
- Businesses listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts or with a history of failing to meet previous grant obligations to the City of Québec.
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees, consulting services, and studies.
- Pre-startup and startup costs necessary for project implementation.
- Salaries for human resources assigned to the project, based on the company's salary policy and supported by relevant documentation.
- Purchase or rental of goods, equipment, and assets related to the project.
- Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities and expenses.
- General and administrative expenses required for project completion.
- Improvements to leased spaces, refurbishments, expansions, renovations, or construction of a building, including the acquisition of land or real estate.
Eligible geographic areas
- Agglomeration of Québec (including the cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L’Ancienne-Lorette)
- Wendake
Additional information
- The contribution from the City is non-repayable, up to a maximum of $50,000 per project.
- The financial aid covers a maximum of 50% of eligible expenses.
- Enterprises can only receive one contribution every two years.
- The overall maximum active funding from the City of Québec's economic development programs is $500,000 over two years, with non-repayable aid considered at 100% of its value and repayable aid at 50%.
- Repayment clauses apply if a business relocates or ceases operations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Défi-Québec, Commercial City Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Défi-Québec, Commercial 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.
What is the Défi-Québec, Commercial City?
As part of the Défi-Québec, Commercial City grant, contributions are offered to support initiatives having a positive impact on the economic and sustainable development of the region. This financial aid aims to support projects promoting commercial and tourist recovery, in particular by encouraging innovation, the diversification of services and the attractiveness of local businesses. They also make it possible to support companies in the adoption of eco-responsible practices, by facilitating the implementation of sustainable solutions that reduce their environmental footprint. Finally, these contributions can be aimed at initiatives aimed at improving business productivity and mitigating the effects of labor shortages, supporting measures such as automation, employee training and optimization of internal processes.
How much funding can be received?
Défi-Québec, Commercial City Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Défi-Québec, Commercial City program?
To be eligible for the Défi-Québec, Commercial City program, you must:
Eligible applicants include incorporated private enterprises and social economy enterprises (NPOs and co-ops) primarily engaged in commercial activities.
Individually owned and partnership companies majority-owned by Indigenous people and located on the territory of Wendake are eligible.
What expenses are eligible under Défi-Québec, Commercial City?
A project addressing workforce issues through acquisition of equipment and professional fees for recruiting, integrating, and training immigrant workers.
Development of a zero-waste grocery service offering online ordering and bicycle deliveries, with related professional fees and equipment expenses.
Marketing and repositioning efforts for a retail business focusing on local products and short supply chains.
Where is the Défi-Québec, Commercial City available?
The Défi-Québec, Commercial City program is available Capitale-Nationale, Quebec.
Is the Défi-Québec, Commercial City a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Défi-Québec, Commercial City is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Défi-Québec, Commercial City?
Défi-Québec, Commercial City is funded by Quebec City
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