Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4?

You can contact Gouvernement du Québec by email at festivals@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca.

Q: Where is the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 available?

The Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Financial assistance for Québec festivals and events program

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,000,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : May 1, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The grant program is designed to position Quebec as a national and international tourist destination by supporting the development of festivals and tourist events with a focus on sustainability and responsible management. Maximum funding can reach up to $1 million per year for major tourist events under Volet 1, facilitating activities in diverse regions throughout Quebec.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides structured financial assistance aimed at enhancing visibility and sustainability of non-recurrent events in Quebec. Funding is delivered through specific modalities crafted to support qualified projects.

The financial aid covers up to 25% of eligible project expenses, with a cap of $750,000.
Funding is a one-time, non-recurrent grant designed for unique, non-repeat events.
Subsidies are granted as a lump-sum payment, subject to budget availability.
Eligible events must be budgeted at a minimum of $1 million, excluding infrastructure costs.

Activities funded

The Stream 4 of the financial assistance program for tourism festivals and events is focused on accommodating non-recurring national or international events that can heighten visibility for Quebec as a tourist destination on an international scale.

Hosting of national or international non-recurring events.
Events with potential to attract significant tourist clientele.
Initiatives that can boost Quebec's reputation and visibility on a national or international level.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status and operational location.

The applicant must be a legally constituted organization under the laws of the Government of Québec or the Government of Canada, conducting business in Québec.
Eligible entities include for-profit organizations (OBL), non-profit organizations (OBNL), cooperatives, municipal entities, recognized Indigenous communities or nations, and any combination of these groups.
Entities such as state-owned corporations, ministries, and governmental bodies of Québec or Canada are not eligible.
Organizations listed in the Register of Ineligible Businesses for Public Contracts (RENA) are excluded.
Applicants who have failed to meet their obligations from previous financial aid, despite formal notice, in the past two years are not eligible.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant include various organizations operating in Quebec, focused on strengthening Quebec's position as a national and international destination. The grant supports the development of festivals and tourism events, emphasizing responsible and sustainable tourism practices across Quebec.

Organizations with a focus on event planning and tourism in Quebec.
For-profit organizations (OBL) or non-profit organizations (OBNL) legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian laws.
Cooperatives engaged in tourism and event planning.
Municipal entities planning tourism events in Quebec.
Recognized Indigenous communities or nations participating in event planning.
Consortia composed of eligible participants in these categories.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain organizations and events based on their relation to public contracts and previous financial obligation breaches. Specific exclusions ensure the grant supports sectors and events aligned with its objectives for sustainable and responsible tourism development in Quebec.

State-owned companies and departments or agencies of the Quebec or Canadian governments.
Businesses registered on the Register of companies not eligible for public contracts (RENA).
Organizations that have failed to meet their obligations under previous grants within the past two years after being duly notified.
Regular programming of an attraction, trade shows, tourism exchanges, conferences, congresses, shows, fairs and markets (not aimed at gourmet tourism), and exhibitions without additional programming.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the preparation, execution, and management of festivals and events.

Costs of preparation and management of the event (limited to 25% of total eligible costs for components 1 and 4, and to 40% for component 2 for events with a budget of $500,000 or more).
Costs of programming.
Costs of promotion, marketing, and communication.
Costs of site management and installations.
Costs of products intended for resale.
Salaries and benefits of human resources related to the event.
Sponsorships in goods and services, where costs are eligible (limited to 50% of total eligible costs when audited).
Expenses related to development and responsible sustainability obligations.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives, particularly focusing on the performance of festivals and events.

The number of days of participation by tourists.
The proportion of days of participation by tourists from outside Quebec.
The attractiveness index of the festival or event to visitors.
The economic benefits generated by the event.

How to apply

Subscription to the newsletter

Subscribe to the "Tourisme Québec en action" newsletter to receive the dates for application submission periods.

Creation of client account

Access the Financial Aid portal of the Ministry of Tourism.
Create a unique client account for your organization.

Preparation of the documentation

Prepare a detailed description of the project or event.
Develop a comprehensive financial plan with details of government contributions.

Filling out the form

Fill out the web form on the Financial Aid portal of the Ministry of Tourism.
Make sure that all the information is correct and complete.

Submission of the application

Submit the application through the portal before the submission deadline.

Confirmation of submission

Receive a confirmation of your submission.
Keep this confirmation for your records.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The current budgetary constraints of the program mean that Volet 3 is suspended and no new applications are being accepted at this time.
Existing beneficiaries under the program agreement do not need to submit a new financial aid application for their events planned between November 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
The maximum cumulative government aid percentages differ according to the type of organization, with the lowest applicable percentage used for groupings of eligible client bases.
Events must present cost estimates distinct from those in Volets 1 and 2 if applying for Volet 3, and any projects should reflect their potential to increase tourism performance or economic outcomes.
If cumulative surpluses exceed 20% of annual eligible costs, a detailed plan for surplus allocation tied to the event's organization in Québec must be submitted.
Applicants are advised that overall program funding is subject to availability and that meeting criteria does not guarantee financial support.
COVID-19 adjustments permit the use of the last valid attendance study instead of requiring new studies.

Contacts

festivals@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4. 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 Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4?

Who is eligible for the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 program?

To be eligible for the Financial assistance for tourism festivals and events — Stream 4 program, you must: Only legally constituted entities doing business in Quebec, such as for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, municipal entities, and recognized Indigenous communities, are eligible. Entities currently under agreement within the program do not need to submit a new application for financial assistance. Events must be public, produced and held in Quebec, and demonstrate significant tourist attraction with a minimum of $1M in eligible costs.