Open
Last Update: June 18, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 125,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 4, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
Non-repayable funding supports business projects that diversify and strengthen local economies in targeted MRCs. It can support feasibility studies, investment projects, tourism development, post-succession projects, and innovative product or process development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 125,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : June 4, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 250-250 employees
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Feasibility studies for business implementation, modernization, or expansion
- Investment projects for new businesses, modernization, expansion, or technology transition
- Tourism development projects and new tourism accommodation construction
- Post-succession support projects
- Development or demonstration of innovative products or processes
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed application form
- Business plan
- Financial statements for the last two years
- Service offers and partnerships, if applicable
- Required compliance proofs and corporate documents, as applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit SMEs
- Cooperatives
- Non-profit organizations with mainly commercial activity
- Businesses in manufacturing, tourism, primary transformation, or high-value-added services
Who is not eligible
- Publicly owned or government-controlled entities
- Businesses in gambling, tobacco, weapons, adult entertainment, or similar excluded activities
- Companies in financial distress or under insolvency protection
- Businesses not compliant with francization requirements, when applicable
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees for external consultants
- Travel and lodging costs related to the project
- Hiring a qualified professional for project deployment
- Buildings, equipment, software, and new technologies
- R&D, certification, and commercialization testing costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses incurred before the application is filed
- Debt repayment, capital replacement, and regular operating costs
- Land acquisition or land development
- Projects focused on business turnaround or consolidation
- Recurrent events such as festivals, conferences, and similar activities
Eligible geographic areas
- MRCs in the last quintile of Quebec’s economic vitality index
- MRCs in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- MRCs of Appalaches, Granit, Maskinongé, and Charlevoix-Est
- Eligible Indigenous communities located within admissible MRC territories
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first checked for compliance
- Incomplete or non-compliant applications are refused
- Investissement Québec may request additional information during review
- A selection committee issues the final decision
- If approved, the offer letter is sent for electronic signature
Additional information
- Applications are currently suspended.
- One funding application per company per fiscal year.
- Applications must be complete and in French.
- Project changes must be submitted in writing before the related expense is incurred.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the DEPART Program Program
What is the DEPART Program?
Non-repayable funding supports business projects that diversify and strengthen local economies in targeted MRCs. It can support feasibility studies, investment projects, tourism development, post-succession projects, and innovative product or process development.
How much funding can be received?
DEPART Program Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $125,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the DEPART Program program?
To be eligible for the DEPART Program program, you must:
SME or social economy enterprise
Active establishment in Quebec
Project in a targeted MRC
What expenses are eligible under DEPART Program?
Feasibility studies for business implementation, modernization, or expansion
Investment projects for new businesses, modernization, expansion, or technology transition
Tourism development projects and new tourism accommodation construction
Post-succession support projects
Development or demonstration of innovative products or processes
Who can I contact for more information about the DEPART Program?
You can contact Investissement Québec (IQ) by email at aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com or by phone at 1-844-474-6367.
Where is the DEPART Program available?
The DEPART Program program is available the province of Quebec.
Who are the financial supporters of the DEPART Program?
DEPART Program is funded by Investissement Québec (IQ)