How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $200000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3?

Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3 is funded by Gouvernement du Québec

What are Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a legally constituted entity in Quebec, such as a for-profit or non-profit organization, a cooperative, a municipal entity, a recognized indigenous community, or an organization recognized by the National Assembly. The organization must be active in the event sector, functioning as an event organizer, promoter, or destination management organization. Projects must involve international-scale events held in Quebec and be confirmed by March 31, 2026, for execution by March 31, 2028.

Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3

Last Update: January 24, 2025

Québec, QC

Supports international business event tourism in Quebec

Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3 at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $200,000
Up to 20% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : November 1, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Grant Providers

Gouvernement du Québec

Status

Closed

Overview of the Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3 program

The Fonds pour stimuler le tourisme d’affaires international (FSTAI) aims to enhance the attraction of international business events in Quebec by providing financial incentives, with up to $200,000 of non-repayable funding available per event. Eligible activities include organizing large-scale international business events in Quebec, promoting the economic and tourism value of regions, and maximizing the economic impact of business tourism.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial support for international business event projects held in Quebec through a non-repayable contribution model, enhancing the region's attractiveness as a major event destination. The funding structure is designed to accommodate the scale and impact of the events.

A base amount of $100 per participant for the event.
An additional 20% bonus when 50% or more of participants are international (outside Canada).
A 20% enhancement if the event aligns with key tourism areas, such as winter tourism or indigenous tourism.
A 20% increase for events hosted outside the major centers of Quebec City and Montreal.
Support for regional transportation costs for participants, outside major metropolitan areas, up to a maximum of $25,000.
The maximum assistance per event is set at $200,000, ensuring significant financial backing for large-scale events.
Cumulative aid not exceeding $2,000,000 per applicant for all projects funded under Stream 3.
Funding is contingent upon available resources and the number of eligible applications.
Financial aid does not cover cost overruns.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports the organization and execution of large-scale international business events in Quebec. Motivating decision-makers to choose Quebec by providing financial incentives is a core aspect.

Hosting of international business events that meet the envergure internationale criteria as specified in the Guide du demandeur.
Events must be confirmed to occur by March 31, 2026, and take place by March 31, 2028.
Projects that include covering regional transportation costs for participants, outside the major urban centers of Québec and Montréal, can receive financial support for these specific expenses.

Eligibility criteria of the Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3 program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status and activities within the event sector in Quebec.

The applicant must be a legally constituted entity in Quebec, either as a for-profit organization (OBL), a non-profit organization (OBNL), a cooperative, a municipal entity, or a recognized Indigenous community, nation, or organization.
The applicant must be active in the event sector as an organizing, promoting, or destination management entity.
Entities controlled directly or indirectly by the provincial or federal government, or those primarily owned by a crown corporation, are not eligible.
Applicants under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act are not eligible.
Applicants listed in the Registry of Companies Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA) are not eligible.
Applicants that have failed to meet their obligations or have been formally notified of such in relation to previous financial assistance within the last two years are not eligible.
Political parties are not eligible for this grant.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Fonds pour stimuler le tourisme d'affaires international (FSTAI) include: for-profit organizations (OBL); non-profit organizations (OBNL); cooperatives; municipal entities; recognized indigenous communities, nations, and organizations. The applicant must be legally constituted in Quebec and actively involved in the event sector, either as an organizing entity, promotion specialist, or destination management organization.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and entities due to their status or main activity. These restrictions ensure the grant supports legitimate entities that align with tourism and event objectives.

Supplier companies and event agencies.
Government ministries and departments at the provincial or federal level.
Companies directly or indirectly controlled by a provincial or federal government.
Companies majority-owned by a state-owned enterprise.
Companies under protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Companies registered in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
Companies that have failed to meet their obligations or have been duly notified for defaults in the past two years related to previous financial aid.
Political parties.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to legally constituted entities located within the province of Quebec. Eligibility is confined to organizations active in the event sector based in this specific region.

Entities legally constituted in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria of the Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3 program

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives.

Admissibility of the project.
Quality of the application.
Realism of the budget.
Potential impact and benefits.
Scope and potential reach.
Potential for recurrence of the event.
Alignment with the hosting destination's capacity.
Promotion of Quebec's areas of excellence, innovation zones, industrial clusters, or high-potential tourism sectors such as nature tourism, Indigenous tourism, winter tourism, gourmet and agritourism, or premium tourism.

How to apply to the Fund to stimulate international business tourism – Stream 3 program

Take note of the Applicant's Guide

Download and study the Applicant's Guide to understand the terms and selection criteria.

Preparation of the documentation

Fill out and sign the assistance application form according to the provided instructions.
Gather confirmations of commitments or requests submitted to other levels of government.

Submission of the request

Send the complete application by email to fstai@tourismelaval.com.
Ensure that the submission is made before the appropriate deadline: March 1, May 3, July 5, August 30, or November 1, 2024. Applications can also be submitted between the dates if necessary.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum aid per event is capped at $200,000, with an overall maximum of $2,000,000 per applicant entity for all projects funded under this grant.
The support amount might be adjusted based on the availability of financial resources and the number of eligible applications received.
The financial aid cannot be increased to cover cost overruns of approved projects.
The financial contributions are non-repayable grants.
Bonuses are calculated from the base amount allocated for the anticipated number of participants.

Contact Gouvernement du Québec

fstai@tourismelaval.com

4385080830

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