How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Défi-Québec, Commercial City?

Défi-Québec, Commercial City is funded by Quebec City

What are Défi-Québec, Commercial City's eligibility criterias?

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.

Défi-Québec, Commercial City

grant_single|update March 28, 2025

Québec, QC

Supporting projects for commercial and tourism revitalization

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grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

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grant_single_labels|admissibility

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grant_single|eligibleFinancing

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grant_single|timelineUnspecified

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Grant and Funding

grant_single|eligibleIndustries

Retail trade
Accommodation and food services

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Quebec City

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grant_card_status|open

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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.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

Non-repayable contribution with a maximum amount of $50,000 per project.
The funding can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.
Each company can receive a maximum of one contribution within a two-year period.
The total active funding cap from all Quebec City economic development funding programs is $500,000 per two-year period, with non-repayable aid accounting for 100% of its value and repayable aid accounting for 50%.
If the company relocates outside the specified territory or ceases activities, repayment clauses are applicable depending on the date of the event.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 40,000

Implementing a zero-waste grocery delivery service

$ 35,000

Repositioning a retail business for local product emphasis

$ 45,000

Enhancing workforce diversity through immigrant worker integration

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The applicant must be a private incorporated company or a social economy enterprise (NPO or cooperative) primarily conducting commercial activities.
Individual enterprises and partnerships majority-owned by Indigenous peoples located in Wendake are eligible.
The applicant's project must be located within the agglomeration of Québec (cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L’Ancienne-Lorette) or Wendake.
The head office must be located within the agglomeration of Québec (cities of Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L’Ancienne-Lorette) or Wendake.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Vehicle dealerships, auto parts retailers, and gas stations.
Collaborative tourist accommodations, such as Airbnb and Home Away.
Businesses that operate solely online.
Social economy enterprises (NPOs and coops) not demonstrating sound democratic governance.
Applicants not released from bankruptcy judgments.
Applicants with outstanding debts with the City of Quebec.
Businesses listed in the registry of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
Applicants who failed to comply with their obligations related to prior financial assistance from the City of Quebec within the last two years.
Projects of a discriminatory nature or with potential negative image risks for the City of Quebec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Professional fees, consulting services, and studies.
Pre-startup and startup expenses necessary for project implementation.
Salaries for human resources assigned to the project, at the hourly rate paid by the beneficiary according to their salary policy, with requisite board resolution and relevant documentation.
Purchases or rentals of goods, equipment, and assets related to the project.
Marketing, promotion, and advertising activities and expenses.
General and administrative expenses necessary for project execution.
Costs related to leasehold improvements, repair, expansion, renovation, or construction of a building, including land or building acquisition.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

Agglomeration of Quebec (including the cities of Quebec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, and L’Ancienne-Lorette).
Wendake.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Quality and robustness of the responsible business model.
Financial capacity of the applicant to complete the project and achieve its objectives.
Viability and coherence of the submitted project (relevance of the project, realism of the financial structure, and involved partners).
Organizational capacity.
Distinctive and innovative character of the project.
Economic, social, and environmental impacts within the Québec City metropolitan area.
Demonstration of the need for financial assistance, including the compensation levels of key executives.
Structuring effect.
Support structure.
Characteristics of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

grant_single_labels|apply

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.