At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • From 250,000$ to 2,000,000$
  • 50% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open Date : May 10, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Investissement Québec
  • Gouvernement du Québec
Status
Open

Overview

Investment for start-up of young innovative businesses with growth potential located in Quebec region.

Eligibility criteria

The Impulsion PME grant is designed to help young, innovative companies with high growth potential access investment capital at the seed stage. To be eligible for this grant, companies must meet specific criteria:

  • Be innovative and have high growth potential
  • Have at least two full-time paid employees
  • Have at least one client or market validation agreement (except for the life sciences sector)
  • Be referred by a recognized entity
  • Have a personalized support plan completed and approved by their referring entity
  • Present a letter of intent outlining the main investment parameters filled out by the recognized investor
  • Plan to undertake a major fundraising round and demonstrate investment needs within the next 24 months (48 months for the biopharmaceutical sector)

Who is eligible

Eligible companies for the Impulsion PME grant must be for-profit businesses from all economic sectors with their headquarters, decision center, and majority of permanent jobs in Quebec. Exclusions include non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and businesses in retail, accommodation and food services, personal services, laundry, as well as gambling and lottery.

  • For-profit businesses from all economic sectors
  • Headquarters, decision center, and majority of jobs in Quebec
  • Exclusions: non-profit organizations, cooperatives, retail, accommodation and food services, personal services, laundry, gambling, and lottery

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. They include:

  • Non-profit organizations and cooperatives
  • For-profit companies in retail, accommodation and food services, personal services, laundry services, and gambling and lottery sectors

Eligible expenses

The Impulsion PME grant does not specify eligible expenses.

  • Nothing specified

Eligible projects & activities

The Impulsion PME program supports innovative young companies with high growth potential by providing investment capital at the seed stage. Eligible projects or activities must be innovative, have strong growth potential, and be preparing for a major fundraising round.

  • Projects developing new products or processes with significant advantages in the market
  • Companies with innovative business models poised for rapid growth
  • Need for significant investment in the next 24-48 months

Evaluation & selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The selection process involves entities referring the best companies, which are then analyzed by Investissement Québec with the help of a committee. It is a competitive program where companies can reapply if their initial application is not successful.

  • Companies must be innovative and have high development potential.
  • Minimum of two full-time paid employees.
  • Must have at least one customer or market validation agreement.
  • Must be referred by a recognized entity.
  • Have a completed or approved personalized support plan.
  • Present a letter of intent with key investment parameters.
  • Plan to raise significant funds and demonstrate investment needs within the next 24 months (48 months for biopharmaceutical sectors).

How to apply

  • Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria and ensure your business meets the requirements.
    • Content: Review the program guidelines and criteria.
    • Implications: Ensure your business qualifies before proceeding with the application.
  • Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents for submission.
    • Content: Gather all required paperwork, including the application form, business plan, financial statements, and letters of intent.
    • Implications: Ensure all documentation is complete and in line with the program's requirements.
  • Step 3: Submit your application through your referring entity.
    • Content: Submit the application package to Investissement Québec through your recognized entity.
    • Implications: The application process involves evaluation by a committee, so ensure all information is accurate and thorough.

Additional information

Additional information:

  • The Impulsion PME program aims to support innovative startups with high growth potential at the seed stage by providing access to investment capital.
  • Applicants should carefully review all eligibility criteria and required documentation before submitting their application to ensure compliance with program guidelines.

Documents and links

Impulsion SME

Apply to this program