Closed
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2026
Location
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The DÉPART program provides non-repayable funding of up to $125,000 per project for businesses in targeted MRCs. It supports feasibility studies, investment projects, tourism projects, post-repreneuriat support, and innovative product or process development.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 250 employees maximum
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- Local
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Feasibility studies for business implantation, modernization, or expansion
- Investment projects for business creation, expansion, modernization, or technological transition
- Tourism projects involving cultural, scientific, recreational, or outdoor facilities and new tourism accommodation
- Post-acquisition support projects for a buyer
- Development or demonstration of new products or processes
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed application form
- Business plan
- Financial statements for the last two years, or forecast financial statements for start-ups
- Service offers and partnerships, if applicable
- Proof of francization compliance, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit SMEs with 250 employees or fewer
- Collective enterprises such as cooperatives and non-profit organizations with predominantly commercial activity
- Businesses in manufacturing, primary-sector transformation, value-added services, and tourism
Who is not eligible
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation businesses
- Construction businesses, except productivity-related projects tied to the construction action plan
- Retail, wholesale, transport, and warehousing businesses
- Financial, professional, administrative, real estate, public utility, education, and public administration sectors
- Tourism renovation, routine maintenance, and purely event-based projects
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees for external consultants
- Travel and accommodation costs related to the project
- Hiring of a qualified professional for project deployment
- Buildings, equipment, software, and new technology needed for the project
- Research, certification, testing, and demonstration costs for innovative products or processes
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Tourism renovation or routine maintenance projects
- Tourism accommodation projects with fewer than four tourist residences on one site, unless part of a broader tourism offer
- Business restructuring or consolidation due to financial difficulties
- Relocation to a targeted MRC without new investment or new activities
- Municipal infrastructure projects and recurring event-based projects
Eligible geographic areas
- MRCs in the lowest quintile of the economic vitality index
- MRCs in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, including Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- The MRC of Les Appalaches
- The MRC of Le Granit, including Lac-Mégantic
- The MRCs of Maskinongé and Charlevoix-Est
- Eligible Indigenous communities within targeted MRC territories
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for compliance before analysis begins
- Eligible files are assigned for detailed analysis and may require additional information
- A selection committee makes the decision
- Approved applicants receive an offer letter through an electronic signature platform
- Rejected applicants receive a refusal notice by email
Additional information
- The program is currently closed to new applications.
- Incomplete or non-compliant applications are automatically rejected.
- The program may be suspended without notice to preserve available funding.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the DEPART Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the DEPART Program. 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 DEPART Program?
The DÉPART program provides non-repayable funding of up to $125,000 per project for businesses in targeted MRCs. It supports feasibility studies, investment projects, tourism projects, post-repreneuriat support, and innovative product or process development.
Who is eligible for the DEPART Program program?
To be eligible for the DEPART Program program, you must:
For-profit SME or collective enterprise
Legally constituted in Quebec or Canada
Active establishment in Quebec
What expenses are eligible under DEPART Program?
Feasibility studies for business implantation, modernization, or expansion
Investment projects for business creation, expansion, modernization, or technological transition
Tourism projects involving cultural, scientific, recreational, or outdoor facilities and new tourism accommodation
Post-acquisition support projects for a buyer
Development or demonstration of new products or processes
Who can I contact for more information about the DEPART Program?
You can contact Investissement Québec (IQ) or by phone at 1-844-474-6367.
Where is the DEPART Program available?
The DEPART Program program is available Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec.
Who are the financial supporters of the DEPART Program?
DEPART Program is funded by Investissement Québec (IQ)