How much funding can be received?

This component is designed to help SMEs integrate into strategic Quebec supply chains and increase their capacity to respond to public procurement tenders, marking a step towards export activities. It supports the hiring of market development specialists or commercial representatives in Quebec and covers costs for obtaining certifications, marketing strategy development, inventory management required by order givers, and trademark registration in Quebec.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is specifically aligned with companies that have their headquarters in Quebec, Canada. The program aims to integrate these companies into strategic supply chains within Quebec.

Companies must have their headquarters located in Quebec.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$70,000

Creating a marketing strategy for a social enterprise focused on upcycled fashion

$75,000

Hiring a market development specialist to integrate Quebec-made eco-friendly packaging into local supply chains

$20,000

Registering a new trademark for a locally produced line of organic skincare products

$50,000

Acquiring ISO certification for a green energy startup to enter public contracts

$40,000

Developing an inventory management system for a local craft brewery to meet supplier requirements

$25,000

Obtaining HACCP certification for a local organic food producer to meet public procurement standards

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of business and its sector.

The business must be a for-profit company, a social economy enterprise (cooperatives and non-profit organizations) as defined by the Loi sur l’économie sociale (RLRQ, chapitre E 1.1.1), or a non-financial cooperative.
The business must have an annual revenue of less than $100 million.
All sectors of activity are eligible except for the following:
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting.
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.
- Utilities.
- Retail trade, unless the business meets all three of the following criteria:
  - Engages in pre-production activities (product development).
  - Engages in post-production activities (marketing and distribution).
  - Has its head office in Quebec.
- Finance and insurance.
- Real estate and rental and leasing services.
- Management of companies and enterprises.
- Administrative and support services.
- Educational services.
- Health care and social assistance.
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation.
- Accommodation and food services.
- Other services (except public administration).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Program of Support for Commercialization and Exportation (PSCE) under Stream 1 is intended for businesses that aim to enhance their capacity to market products and services within the Quebec market, with a view towards potential exportation. To be eligible, the applicant must be:- A for-profit business, a social economy enterprise (such as cooperatives and NPOs as defined by Quebec's social economy law), or a non-financial cooperative;- Generating less than $100 million in annual revenue.All sectors of activity are eligible except the following sectors:- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting- Mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction- Utilities- Retail trade, unless they meet all the specified pre-production, post-production, and headquarters location criteria- Finance and insurance- Real estate and rental and leasing services- Management of companies and enterprises- Administrative and support services- Educational services- Healthcare and social assistance- Arts, entertainment and recreation- Accommodation and food services- Other services (except public administration)Eligible projects should involve the integration of Quebecois products or services into strategic supply chains or public markets in Quebec. Potential projects include hiring a market development specialist or representative, obtaining necessary certifications, developing marketing strategies, managing inventory for supply chain integration, and registering trademarks in Quebec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their sector or main activity. These restrictions are designed to align funding with the program's strategic objectives.

Businesses in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sectors.
Companies involved in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.
Public utilities sector businesses.
Finance and insurance companies.
Real estate and rental and leasing services.
Management of companies and enterprises.
Administrative and support services.
Educational services.
Healthcare and social assistance.
Arts, entertainment, and recreation.
Accommodation and food services.
Other services, except public administration.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This program supports projects that aim to integrate Quebec-based products or services into strategic supply chains and public markets within the province. The eligible activities focus on market development, certification acquisition, and inventory management.

Hiring a market development specialist or sales representative in Quebec for the first year.
Obtaining certifications or compliances required by a buyer, including necessary testing and evaluations.
Developing a marketing strategy, including conducting market studies in Quebec and acquiring market development knowledge.
Developing and managing inventory required by an orderer or to integrate a supply chain.
Registering a trademark in Quebec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant supports specific eligible expenses to aid in commercialization and integration into strategic supply chains.

Professional fees, including travel and accommodation expenses, for specialized services and sub-contracting.
Salaries for up to 52 weeks for newly hired resources focused on market development or acting as commercial representatives in Quebec, excluding bonuses and social benefits, with a maximum assistance of $45,000 per hire.
Registration of trademarks in Quebec.
Costs for testing, analysis, and purchasing normative documents for obtaining homologation, conformity, or certification.
Costs for renting space for storage of materials or inventory in Quebec, when required by the client or to integrate into a supply chain.
Transportation costs for materials or inventory, when required by the client or to integrate into a supply chain.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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

Level of strategic importance in the supply chain or public tenders targeted by the application.
Quality and realism of the project.
Capability of the company to integrate into a supply chain or to respond to future public tenders.
Support by an end client, with a formal commitment to integrate into their value or supply chain.
Potential markets in Quebec for the product or service.
Financial structure, including partner support and the current and envisaged financial solidity of the company, as well as the capacity of the existing team to implement the project.
Quality and realism of the project implementation plan.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your business meets all requirements.
- Verify that your project qualifies based on the described eligible projects.
Step 2: Preliminary Qualification
- Fill out the prequalification form provided by the funding body.
- Review the client toolkit to understand the application process.
Step 3: Prepare Application
- Develop a detailed strategy for market integration in Quebec.
- Include necessary documentation such as market studies or certifications.
- Plan and outline your project proposal thoroughly.
Step 4: Assemble Financial Details
- Compile a detailed budget showing the financial structure of your project.
- Ensure you have at least 25% of project cost from private sources.
- Confirm that government assistance does not exceed 85% of eligible expenses.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Contact the Service d’accueil et d’information if needed for support.
- Follow the instructions in the Client Toolkit to submit your completed application.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Grant suspensions mean that no new applications can be submitted for an indefinite period.
Applications received before the suspension date will still be processed.
The total government aid that can be combined with this grant is capped at 85% of eligible expenses.
A minimum of 25% of the project's cost must be funded from private sources.

grant_single_labels|documents

PSCE – Component 1

grant_single_labels|contact

soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com

1-844-474-6367

Apply to this program

Enhancing Market Presence in Quebec for SMEs

This grant, the Programme de soutien à la commercialisation et à l'exportation (PSCE) - Volet 1, is designed to bolster the commercial capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec. It aims to facilitate their integration into strategic supply chains and enhance their ability to participate in public procurement.

In-depth Insights into the PSCE Volet 1 Program and Its Strategic Benefits

The Programme de soutien à la commercialisation et à l'exportation (PSCE) - Volet 1 is a strategic financial initiative aimed at empowering Quebec-based SMEs to enhance their market presence and readiness for exportation. This initiative, currently suspended for new applications, reflects a concerted effort by the province to optimize resource allocation and focus on fulfilling existing commitments. By doing so, the program ensures a dedicated support network for enterprises striving to align their offerings with the rigorous demands of significant public tenders and strategic supply chain opportunities within Quebec.

At its core, PSCE Volet 1 provides non-refundable financial contributions to businesses, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses with a cap of $250,000 annually per company. This funding is a crucial push for smaller enterprises, encouraging them to commit to projects that require a minimum of $25,000 in expenses, elevating their operational capabilities significantly. With a mandated 25% financial contribution from private sources, the program ensures that applicant businesses maintain a vested interest in the success of their projects, leveraging public funds effectively to further private and public sector collaboration.

Eligible projects under the PSCE Volet 1 must demonstrate the potential to integrate Quebec-produced goods and services into prominent supply chains and public markets. Whether through hiring business development specialists or obtaining necessary certifications and compliances, the grant streamlines the path for small businesses to meet specific buyer requirements. Additionally, expenses such as trademark registrations, market development salaries, and logistics costs related to supply integration underline the program’s focus on comprehensive market readiness.

One of the notable aspects of the PSCE Volet 1 is its broad eligibility across various sectors, barring a few exceptions like agriculture and public services, ensuring an inclusive approach that heightens competitiveness across Quebec’s economic landscape. Retail sectors, under specific conditions, can also benefit, highlighting the program’s adaptability to diverse commercial realities while still maintaining a stringent alignment with strategic priorities and public economic interests.

The strategic impact of PSCE Volet 1 is exemplified through its selection criteria, which include the project's alignment with strategic supply chain levels, potential market impact, and the business's financial health and project execution capacity. By rigorously evaluating these aspects, the grant not only weeds out less feasible projects but also allocates resources to ventures with substantial potential for quantifiable impact on Quebec's economic engine.

In summary, while the suspension of new applications marks a temporary halt in future funding possibilities, PSCE Volet 1 remains a benchmark for supporting Quebecois SMEs in their growth trajectories. It underscores the role of governmental aid in not just fostering innovation and local economic participation but in crafting pathways for businesses to achieve scalability and sustainability within and beyond Quebec borders.