How much funding can be received?

The Fund to Stimulate International Business Tourism (FSTAI) aims to attract large-scale international business events to Quebec by supporting activities such as promotional events, inspection visits, and client meetings, offering a maximum funding amount of $200,000 per applicant for eligible projects. The program's purpose is to boost international business events in Quebec, enhance the economic and tourism sectors, and spotlight the region's innovation clusters and zones of excellence.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant supports activities aiming to attract and organize large-scale international business events in Quebec. These activities focus on promotional efforts and client engagement to enhance the region's economic vitality through international tourism.

Promotional activities directed at prospective clients.
Inspection visits.
Promotional meals with clients.
Participation in marketplaces or trade fairs.
Meetings with one or several clients.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the type of organization and its legal and operational status in Quebec.

The applicant must be a for-profit or non-profit organization, cooperative, municipal entity, or a recognized Aboriginal community, organization, or nation by the National Assembly.
The entity must be active in the event sector, being either an organizing entity, promotion specialist, or destination management organization.
The organization must be legally constituted in Quebec.
Applicants specializing in research or associated with a research and education institution will have distinct financial assistance modalities.
Entities such as event supplier companies, event agencies, government ministries, state-controlled companies, bankrupt or insolvent companies, companies on the public contract ineligible registry, defaulters of previous financial aids, and political parties are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the Fonds pour stimuler le tourisme d’affaires international (FSTAI) include the following entities:- For-profit organizations (OBL)- Non-profit organizations (OBNL)- Cooperatives- Municipal entities- Indigenous communities, organizations, and nations recognized by the National AssemblyAdditionally, the applicant must be an active entity in the event sector, such as an organizing entity, an entity specialized in event promotion, or a destination management organization. The organization must be legally constituted in Quebec either as a company or another legal type entity.Entities not eligible for this grant are:- Supplier companies and event agencies- Quebec or Canadian government ministries and organizations- Companies directly or indirectly controlled by a provincial or federal government- Companies primarily owned by a state enterprise- Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act- Companies listed in the register of businesses ineligible for public contracts (RENA)- Companies that have failed to meet obligations or have been issued a formal notice related to the granting of previous financial assistance within the last two years- Political parties

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and entities due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.

Event suppliers and event agencies.
Ministries and organizations of the Government of Quebec or Canada.
Companies controlled directly or indirectly by a government (provincial or federal).
Companies majority-owned by a Crown corporation.
Businesses under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Companies registered in the Register of enterprises ineligible for government contracts (RENA).
Companies that, in the two years preceding the financial aid request, failed to meet their obligations or were duly put on notice regarding previous financial aid grants.
Political parties.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly linked to promotional and logistical efforts to attract international business events to Quebec.

Transportation, accommodation, meals, and incidentals for travel abroad by the applying entity.
Travel expenses within Quebec for potential clients covered by the applying entity.
Registration fees for events, as determined eligible based on the application form.
Fees for pre-approved external specialists needed for event marketing efforts.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically available to entities legally constituted and active in the province of Quebec. The focus of the funding is to promote international business tourism within Quebec.

Businesses and organizations legally constituted in the province of Quebec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant focus on assessing their alignment with the program's objectives and potential impact on the tourism industry in Quebec.

Eligibility of the applicant and project.
Quality of the application submitted.
Realism of the proposed budget.
Potential positive impacts and outcomes of the project.
Scope and potential reach and visibility of the event.
Potential for the event to be held recurrently.
Compatibility with the destination's hosting capabilities.
Contribution to the promotion of Quebec's sectors of excellence, innovation zones, industrial clusters, or high-potential tourist segments such as nature tourism, Indigenous tourism, winter tourism, gourmet and agritourism, and luxury tourism.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Guidelines
Read the Guide du demandeur to understand the eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Complete the application form in its original Excel format.
Gather confirmations or proofs of any commitments from other government levels.
Ensure all documents are ready before the submission deadline.
Step 3: Submit Application
Email your application and supporting documents to fstai@tourismelaval.com.
Applications can be submitted throughout the year, but must align with the specific project call deadlines: 1st March, 3rd May, 5th July, 30th August, and 1st November 2024.
Step 4: Selection Process
Post-deadline, applications are evaluated by the selection committee on their relevance, financial aspects, and compliance with the set criteria.
Receive a letter of acceptance or refusal based on decision.
If approved, sign a financial agreement with Tourisme Laval.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The financial assistance is a non-repayable grant.
Requests can be submitted continuously at Tourisme Laval with specific deadlines.
Requests can also be submitted between project call dates if circumstances demand it.
A financial aid agreement must be signed between the beneficiary entity and Tourisme Laval for selected projects.
The maximum aid provided per project is $50,000, with a cumulative maximum of $200,000 per applicant for all projects under Sections 1 and 2.
Assistance cannot be increased for cost overruns of approved projects.

grant_single_labels|contact

fstai@tourismelaval.com

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Apply to this program

Enhancing Quebec's International Tourism Reach

The "Fonds pour stimuler le tourisme d’affaires international" grant aims to boost Quebec's international business tourism through strategic marketing initiatives and supporting large-scale events. It emphasizes economic vitality, regional attractiveness, and sustainable development while fostering the province’s distinct sectors of excellence.

Detailed Insights into the FSTAI Initiative's Goals and Benefits

Quebec’s international profile as a business tourism destination is set to leap forward with the strategic "Fonds pour stimuler le tourisme d’affaires international" (FSTAI). One of the main objectives of this funding initiative is to significantly increase the number of high-profile international business events hosted within the province. By doing so, it not only generates immediate economic benefits but also promotes long-term regional development, enhancing Quebec's image as a prime location for business activities across the globe.

FSTAI focuses on leveraging Quebec’s unique sectors of excellence, innovative zones, and industrial clusters to create a synergy between tourism and economic development. This fund supports activities that involve effective engagement with international clients and partners, such as promotional events, inspection visits, and strategic client meetings, which are pivotal in attracting and establishing meaningful business events. These activities are meticulously chosen to align with international standards and attract attendees with a significant potential for auxiliary tourism benefits.

From a sustainability perspective, the FSTAI ensures that economic growth does not come at the expense of ecological and cultural integrity, echoing Quebec’s commitment to sustainable development. The grant recognizes the critical role that the tourism sector plays in regional economies and the potential for overweight economic returns by investing in international business events. By spotlighting Quebec’s robust infrastructure and vibrant industries, the fund helps weave a narrative of innovation and opportunity, driving interest and investment from international audiences.

This grant is particularly valuable for entities organized within Quebec, ensuring that they can partake actively in global business tourism markets without the burdensome costs that are often associated with large-scale event hosting. The financial assistance eases the logistical pressures and provides a cushion that permits strategic planning and execution of world-class events. The overriding goal is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where tourism and local industries can flourish concurrently, ensuring mutual growth and exposure on the international stage.

Moreover, the FSTAI sets clear guidelines on the scope of admissible expenditures to maximize the financial efficiency of funded projects. Eligible costs cover essential aspects such as travel expenses related to coordination and consultation efforts, registration fees for relevant international events, and approved specialist fees necessary for a successful engagement. This structured financial support ensures that the grants are utilized in direct support of tangible, measurable outcomes that enhance Quebec’s brand in the business tourism sector.

The strategic promotion and attraction facilitated by this grant not only generate immediate boosts in visitor numbers and associated economic activity but also contribute to a lasting legacy of international awareness and interest in Quebec as a prime business destination. This legacy ensures a persistent ripple effect of economic benefits derived from the foundational work of attracting high-impact events, thereby sustaining financial returns across various sectors over time.

Through FSTAI, Quebec is not just investing in the present landscape of international business tourism but is crafting a long-term vision of prosperity that intertwines with economic, cultural, and environmental stewardship. This forward-thinking approach underlines Quebec’s ambition to be a leader in international business tourism, drawing on its rich resources and distinctive identity to present an inviting and competitively robust offering to the world stage.