Open
Source verified July 8, 2026
Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit
Supports economic growth in official language minority communities
Funding available
Up to 90% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened November 2, 2020
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
SMEs in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages supports SMEs and NPOs in Quebec through the Quebec Economic Development Program. It aims to foster the economic development of official language minority communities through innovative, entrepreneurial, partnership, and diversification projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Not Elsewhere Classified
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of strategies (intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses or action plans).
- Networking and business contacts, generally for organizations that support entrepreneurship.
- Information, consulting and support services.
- Implementation of a commercialization strategy.
- Design of products and services; acquisition of equipment, IT tools and technologies; facility development, construction, modernization or expansion; recruitment or use of specialized resources.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- SMEs in an RCM outside the Greater Montréal region where English-speakers make up more than 5% of the total population.
- NPOs in an RCM whose population includes more than 500 English-speakers.
Who is not eligible
- 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 geographic areas
- Economically vulnerable RCMs.
- Montréal’s East End.
Selection criteria
- The 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, and the availability of CED funding.
How to apply
- Read the guidelines for this program carefully.
- Use the project submission guide to submit your project.
- Contact us for more information if needed.
Additional information
- The program is part of the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP).
- Other activities may also be eligible.
- Flexible program conditions may apply in economically vulnerable RCMs or Montreal’s East End.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit Program
What is the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit?
The Economic Development Initiative – Official Languages supports SMEs and NPOs in Quebec through the Quebec Economic Development Program. It aims to foster the economic development of official language minority communities through innovative, entrepreneurial, partnership, and diversification projects.
How much funding can be received?
Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit program?
To be eligible for the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit program, you must:
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.
What expenses are eligible under Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit?
Development of strategies (intelligence, specifications, studies, diagnoses or action plans).
Networking and business contacts, generally for organizations that support entrepreneurship.
Information, consulting and support services.
Implementation of a commercialization strategy.
Design of products and services; acquisition of equipment, IT tools and technologies; facility development, construction, modernization or expansion; recruitment or use of specialized resources.
Who can I contact for more information about the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit?
You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) or by phone at 1-800-561-0633.
Where is the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit available?
The Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — Not-for-profit is a Grant and Funding