How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $600000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2026-03-31T23:59:59Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations?

PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations is funded by Gouvernement du Québec

PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations

Q: What are PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations's eligibility criterias?

For-profit businesses with a permanent establishment in Quebec are not eligible.

Last Update: June 27, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports export organizations' operations to boost Quebec's international trade

PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $600,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : March 31, 2026

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Gouvernement du Québec

Status

Open

Overview of the PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations program

The Economic Development Organization Operating Support Program (PAFODE) — Component 3 provides up to $200,000 per year (maximum $600,000 over three years) in non-repayable funding to regional export promotion organizations. The program aims to strengthen Quebec enterprises’ export capacity by supporting organizations’ operational activities related to export promotion and international market readiness services.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable grant covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
Maximum government funding may not exceed 85% of eligible expenses.
Maximum financial assistance is $200,000 per organization, per year.
Total support per organization is capped at $600,000 over a three-year period.

Eligible projects & activities

Operation of regional export promotion organizations to provide business support services.
Delivery of regional guidance for companies in export promotion activities.
Implementation of activities necessary to offer export awareness and training services to local businesses.

Eligibility criteria of the PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations program

The applicant must be a regional export promotion organization (ORPEX) identified for the implementation of export strategies through support to businesses in export awareness, training, and initiatives outside Quebec.
The applicant must not be listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA) or use services from entities so listed.
The applicant must have fulfilled all obligations related to any previous financial assistance received from the Quebec government or Investissement Québec within the past two years.
The applicant must not be a state-owned enterprise or a company controlled directly or indirectly by a government entity (municipal, provincial, or federal), a municipal entity, or a business majority-owned by such an entity.
The applicant must not be a for-profit business with an establishment in Quebec.

Who is eligible?

Regional export promotion organizations (ORPEX) identified for the implementation of export strategies through business support in awareness, training, and initiatives outside Quebec

Who is not eligible

State-owned enterprises or companies directly or indirectly controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal).
Municipal entities.
For-profit companies with an establishment in Quebec.
Organizations or subcontractors listed in the Register of Enterprises Not Eligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
Entities in bankruptcy or insolvency.

Eligible expenses

Administrative fees.
Salaries and wages.
Operating expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations program

Alignment between the organization's mission, the program objectives, and government priorities.
Track record of the organization in achieving previously set targets.
Quality of the action plan and performance indicators, including consistency between planned activities, available resources, and targets.
Capacity of the organization to fulfill its mandate effectively with existing financial and human resources.
Relevance of the organization’s contribution to the needs of Quebec industry and its businesses.
Quality of the documentation provided.
Adoption and implementation of eco-responsible practices (e.g., recycling, sustainable development action plans).

How to apply to the PAFODE — Component 3 : Operating support for export support organizations program

Prepare the application form

Download the grant application form (PDF version)
Save the form to your computer before filling it out
Do not fill out the form in a web browser
Do not modify the PDF document

Complete the form and collect documents

Complete the application form using Adobe Reader (version 10 or higher)
Gather required documents, such as financial statements and budget forecast
Include strategic planning and annual action plan
Attach any additional documents as specified

Finalize the application package

Ensure the application form is fully completed and signed
Prepare all required attachments and supporting documents
Confirm that all files are ready for submission

Submit the application

Email the completed form and all documents to pexeq@economie.gouv.qc.ca
Clearly indicate "Soutien au fonctionnement des organismes en appui à l’exportation" in the subject line
Submit your application before March 31, 2026

Application assessment

Your application will be reviewed for compliance with eligibility criteria
The evaluation will be based on the organization's mission, program objectives, and other predefined criteria

Grant approval and agreement

If approved, sign the grant agreement as required
Proceed to implement your project following the approved plan

Ongoing reporting and accountability

Provide supporting documents demonstrating activities carried out according to the grant agreement
Submit required annual and financial reports, as well as any other specified documents

Additional information

The program requires that certain compliance documents, such as a certificate of francization and a declaration of compliance to the Employment Equity Program, may need to be provided if applicable.
The process for record-keeping and accountability includes providing detailed justification documents, such as a report from an external auditor and annexes as specified in the grant agreement.
The measure encourages the adoption and implementation of environmentally responsible practices, such as recycling and sustainable development action plans.
The program documentation and guidelines were last updated on March 26, 2024.