Closed
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The FESTQ program offers up to 100% funding for some CIEC coordinator roles and up to 90% of student wages for summer jobs. It supports student employment and collective entrepreneurship projects, including student hiring, coordination roles, and pre-startup collective enterprise initiatives.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring students for summer employment in eligible sectors.
- Hiring coordinators for CIEC collective entrepreneurship projects.
- Supporting pre-startup collective enterprise projects.
Documents Needed
- Quebec Enterprise Register information.
- Most recent financial statements.
- Proof of student school attendance from the previous session.
- Employer void cheque.
- Student pay stubs and record of employment.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private small businesses
- Social economy and community action organizations
- Labour organizations
- Agri-food cooperatives
- CIEC projects
Who is not eligible
- Employers in the private small business, social economy, or cooperative sectors can submit only one project per year.
Eligible expenses
- Student salaries.
- Vacation pay indemnity.
- Coordinator salary funding and a lump sum for a second coordination role.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a selection committee after the project deadline.
- Applicants are notified by email of the decision.
- If approved, the process continues with student recruitment and reimbursement.
Additional information
- The program is subject to rigorous project review.
- New applications generally open in late January.
- Applicant inquiries are answered within 48 business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about the FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2. 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 FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2?
The FESTQ program offers up to 100% funding for some CIEC coordinator roles and up to 90% of student wages for summer jobs. It supports student employment and collective entrepreneurship projects, including student hiring, coordination roles, and pre-startup collective enterprise initiatives.
How much funding can be received?
FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 program?
To be eligible for the FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 program, you must:
Eligible employer category
Project must fit FESTQ I or II
One project per year for some employers
What expenses are eligible under FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2?
Hiring students for summer employment in eligible sectors.
Hiring coordinators for CIEC collective entrepreneurship projects.
Supporting pre-startup collective enterprise projects.
Where is the FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 available?
The FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 a grant, loan, or tax credit?
FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 is a Wage Subsidies And Interns
Who are the financial supporters of the FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2?
FESTQ - Student Funds 1 and 2 is funded by Solidarity Funds (FTQ)