archived
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 2,000,000
Timeline
- Archived
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
Investment for start-up of young innovative businesses with growth potential located in Quebec region.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and commercialization of innovative products or services.
- Expansion into high-potential markets with a defined growth strategy.
- Establishment of strategic partnerships or alliances to support business growth.
- Implementation of robust business models aiming for performance and scalability.
- Projects with significant positive economic impact and value creation in Quebec.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Life sciences companies
- Medtech companies
- Innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with new products or services
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their status or primary activities. The restrictions are designed to focus support on sectors that align with the program's objectives for innovation and growth.
- Non-profit organizations and cooperatives.
- For-profit companies in the retail trade sector.
- Businesses involved in accommodation and food services.
- Companies offering personal services and laundry services.
- Enterprises engaged in gambling activities and lottery, in the traditional sense.
Eligible expenses
The grant is designed to help young innovative companies with high growth potential in Québec achieve significant milestones by supporting investment efforts during the pre-commercialization stage. The activities focus on accessing investment capital through strategic partnerships and improving the business model for future investment rounds.
- Collaboration with recognized investor entities to secure seed investment matching private investor contributions.
- Development and validation of innovative products or processes for market entry in a competitive landscape.
- Execution of a personalized business coaching plan approved by a recognized entity to ensure sustainable growth.
- Completion of a significant fundraising round, showcasing investment needs and potential for rapid growth.
- Preparation for major market launch activities and strategic positioning within the industry.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Additional information
- Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are used to assess product maturity, with definitions provided by Innovation Canada.
- The evaluation rubric places significant emphasis on strategic positioning, innovation, and the uniqueness of the applicant's market approach.
- Commercialization strategy and the presence of key industry partnerships are weighted heavily during evaluation.
- A strong, experienced management team with robust networks can considerably improve the evaluation score.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Impulsion SME Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Impulsion SME. 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 Impulsion SME?
Investment for start-up of young innovative businesses with growth potential located in Quebec region.
How much funding can be received?
Impulsion SME Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Impulsion SME program?
To be eligible for the Impulsion SME program, you must:
Must be a for-profit business seeking strategic positioning and innovation
Must demonstrate market potential and business model viability
Preference for projects creating value and jobs in Quebec
What expenses are eligible under Impulsion SME?
Development and commercialization of innovative products or services.
Expansion into high-potential markets with a defined growth strategy.
Establishment of strategic partnerships or alliances to support business growth.
Implementation of robust business models aiming for performance and scalability.
Projects with significant positive economic impact and value creation in Quebec.
Who can I contact for more information about the Impulsion SME?
You can contact Investissement Québec (IQ) or by phone at 1 844 474-6367.
Where is the Impulsion SME available?
The Impulsion SME program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Impulsion SME a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Impulsion SME is a Loans and Capital investments