How much funding can be received?

Get a repayable contribution to cover up to 50% of the costs of a project that supports the economic development of an official-language minority community in Quebec through a range of activities.

Financing terms and conditions

This funding initiative provides financial assistance to support the economic development of official language minority communities through various modalities. These modalities are tailored to incentivize entrepreneurship and economic activities in eligible communities.

For SMEs: Financial assistance up to 50% of authorized costs, repayable without interest. Repayment begins two years after the end of the project.
For NPOs: Non-repayable financial assistance up to 90% of authorized costs.

Eligible projects & activities

The Economic Development Initiative in Quebec supports projects that enhance the economic vibrancy of official language minority communities. Eligible activities focus on strategic development, networking, commercialization, and resource recruitment to bolster economic growth.

Development of strategies, including intelligence gathering, studies, and action plans.
Facilitation of networking and business connections for entrepreneurship support.
Provision of information, consulting, and support services.
Implementation of commercialization strategies, including product and service design.
Acquisition of equipment, IT tools, and technologies for business advancement.
Development or modernization of facilities to support expansion.
Recruitment or utilization of specialized resources to promote official languages within the business community.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 35,000

Implement a digital marketing strategy for a Francophone bookstore

$ 35,000

Design and launch an online platform to support French-speaking artisans

$ 50,000

Modernize a manufacturing facility to enhance bilingual employee training programs

$ 35,000

Develop a bilingual business consulting service to support local startups

$ 70,000

Expand a community center to provide more French-language services

$ 80,000

Recruit bilingual healthcare professionals to launch a French clinic

Eligibility criteria of the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — For-profit program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's type and location.

The applicant must be an SME in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population.
The applicant must be an NPO in an RCM whose population includes more than 500 English-speakers.
SMEs or NPOs in an economically vulnerable RCM or in Montréal’s East End may have flexible program conditions.

Who is eligible?

The grant is specifically for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) contributing to economic development in official language minority communities (OLMCs) within Quebec.

SMEs located in a Regional County Municipality (RCM) outside of the Greater Montréal area where English-speakers constitute more than 5% of the total population.
NPOs located in an RCM with a population that includes more than 500 English-speakers.
Projects based in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End may qualify under more flexible conditions.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their main activity. These restrictions ensure that the funding supports projects aligned with the initiative's economic development goals.

Retail businesses (e.g., clothing stores, grocery stores or automobile sales and maintenance outlets).
Food services (e.g., restaurants and cafés).
Transportation services.
Housing construction.
Daycare services.
Hair and beauty salons.
Nightclubs, bars and cabarets.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports the economic development of official language minority communities through strategic projects. The eligible activities are tailored to enhance entrepreneurship and innovation within these communities.

Development of strategies, including intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans.
Facilitation of networking and business contacts for organizations supporting entrepreneurship.
Provision of information, consulting, and support services.
Implementation of a commercialization strategy, including product and service design.
Acquisition of equipment, IT tools, and technologies.
Development, construction, modernization, or expansion of facilities.
Recruitment or use of specialized resources to promote official languages in Quebec's French-speaking business community.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located in certain areas of Quebec, specifically focusing on regions with significant populations of English-speakers outside the Greater Montréal area. The initiative targets specific Regional County Municipalities (RCMs) to promote the economic flourishing of official language minority communities.

SMEs in RCMs outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population.
NPOs in RCMs with a population that includes more than 500 English-speakers.

Eligibility criteria of the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — For-profit program

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

Economic benefits for an official language minority community (OLMC).
The project’s contribution to the Initiative’s objectives and expected results.
Alignment with CED’s mandate and priorities.
The incentive nature of the assistance and the demonstration of the financial need required for the project to be able to go ahead, taking into account other existing funding sources.
The proponent’s management capacity.
The viability of the business or organization.
The degree of risk.
The impact on the competition.
The availability of CED funding.

How to apply to the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — For-profit program

Consultation of resources

Consult the Project Presentation Guide available on the DEC website.
Access the resources and tools provided by DEC to guide the project preparation.

Communication and additional information

Contact DEC for more information on eligibility and the application process.

Preparation of the application file

Develop and structure your project taking into account the analysis criteria such as economic impacts and project viability.
Ensure that your project aligns with the mandate and priorities of DEC.
Gather all required documents, such as action plans, market studies, and financial forecasts.

Project Presentation

Strictly follow the instructions in the Presentation Guide to write and format all elements of your application.

Submission of the request

Contact DEC to find out the specific method for submitting files (mail, email, or online portal).
Submit the entire file according to the submission method required by DEC.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Financial assistance for SMEs is repayable without interest, with repayment starting two years after the project's completion.
The program offers flexible conditions for SMEs or NPOs in economically vulnerable RCMs or in Montréal’s East End.
The grant for NPOs is generally non-repayable, covering up to 90% of authorized costs, providing significant financial relief for eligible organizations.
CED offers resources like CED's Strategic Plan, project presentation guides, and other tools to assist applicants in preparing their submissions.
Applicants are encouraged to explore CED's network of partners if they are ineligible for this specific grant.

Documents and links

Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — For-profit

Apply to this program

Money to promote the use of French in the office