How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|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.

grant_single_labels|projects

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.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

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.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria
Ensure your organization meets the eligibility criteria outlined on the grant page.
Step 2: Study the Applicant's Guide
Download and thoroughly read the Guide du demandeur to understand detailed application requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
Complete the application form with accurate details.
Gather confirmations of commitments from other levels of government if applicable.
Step 4: Submit Application
Send the completed application form and all required documents to the email address: fstai@tourismelaval.com.
Ensure submission is within the open dates of the call for projects or if circumstances allow, submit at other times.
Step 5: Await Evaluation
Your application will be reviewed after the submission deadline by a management committee.
Step 6: Receive Decision
Receive a letter indicating either acceptance with the granted amount or refusal of the application.
Step 7: Sign Agreement
If accepted, sign a financial assistance agreement with Tourisme Laval.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|contact

fstai@tourismelaval.com

4385080830

Apply to this program

Enhancing Quebec's International Business Tourism

The Fonds pour stimuler le tourisme d’affaires international (FSTAI) is committed to attracting large-scale international business events to Quebec, offering financial incentives that encourage decision-makers to host their prestigious events within the province. This initiative aims to boost the economic vitality of various regions while spotlighting Quebec's industrial clusters and innovation zones on an international scale.

In-depth Understanding of the FSTAI's Strategic Approach

Quebec's Фund FSTAI is a strategic initiative designed to position the province as a prime destination for international business tourism. By providing non-repayable financial contributions to eligible entities, the fund aims to stimulate economic growth through the attraction of significant international events. The core focus of these incentives is to augment the region's economic landscape, leverage existing industrial strengths, and highlight Quebec's diverse tourism offerings, including nature, winter, indigenous, luxury, and gourmet tourism.

Eligible organizations, such as non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and recognized municipal entities, can apply for this fund, provided they are active in the event management sector. Projects qualifying for this fund must be internationally scaled events scheduled to take place in Quebec by March 31, 2028. The strategic distribution of funds not only covers the basic organization costs but also offers incentives for those contributing to regional transportation expenses for participants, further enhancing the feasibility and attractiveness of hosting events outside major urban centers.

The grant allocation follows a structured assessment process performed by the committee, which assesses applications based on the potential economic impact, alignment with regional development strategies, and the ability to elevate Quebec's international reputation. By doing so, the program ensures that funded projects contribute significantly to Quebec's economic ecosystem, driving sustainable regional and industrial growth by tapping into high-potential tourism niches.

Through this initiative, successful projects receive up to $200,000 per event, with a maximum cumulative support limit set at $2,000,000 per applicant. This flexible structure allows recipients to manage projects tailored to dynamic market needs, thereby fostering innovative solutions and sustainable economic ecosystems within Quebec. Additional bonuses are offered for international participant proportions, event placement outside Quebec City or Montreal, and connections to Quebec's excellence sectors or high-potential tourism areas, thereby aligning with broader economic and social objectives for the region.

The FSTAI not only represents a substantial investment in Quebec’s tourism and economic fabric but also illustrates a commitment to fostering a vibrant and diversified event hosting environment that can compete on a global scale. By aligning financial incentives with strategic regional and industrial interests, the FSTAI fund ensures a return on investment that extends beyond the immediate economic benefits, contributing to a robust foundation for future growth and development.

Overall, the FSTAI plays a pivotal role in setting a path for Quebec to become a leading destination for international business events, showcasing its unique cultural and industrial appeal while ensuring that economic benefits permeate throughout the province, supporting local businesses and communities in sustainable and innovative ways.