PSCE – Component 1
QC, Canada
Supports Quebec businesses in strategic supply chain integration
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 1, 2021
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 17, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Gouvernement du Québec
- Investissement Québec (IQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Program for Support in Commercialization and Export (PSCE) - Stream 1, aims to enhance the capacity of SMEs to market their products and services within the Quebec market as a step towards exportation, offering a non-repayable contribution of up to $250,000 per enterprise annually. Eligible activities include hiring a market development specialist, obtaining necessary certifications, developing a commercialization strategy, and registering trademarks in Quebec.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers a non-repayable contribution designed to enhance the marketing and export capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises within Quebec. The financial support is structured to encourage integration into strategic supply chains and public procurement markets.
- Non-repayable contribution covering up to 50% of eligible expenses.
- Maximum financial assistance of $250,000 per company annually.
- Minimum required project expenses of $25,000.
- A minimum of 25% of the total project cost must be financed through private sources.
- Government assistance cumulative limit of 85% of eligible expenses.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program supports projects aimed at integrating Quebec products and services into strategic supply chains and public markets. These efforts enhance the capacity of businesses to meet procurement demands and penetrate key market segments in Quebec.
- Hiring a market development specialist or sales representative in Quebec for the first year.
- Obtaining certification, compliance, or accreditation required by a buyer, including necessary testing and evaluations.
- Developing a marketing strategy, including conducting a market study in Quebec and gaining market development knowledge.
- Inventory development and management when required by a client or to integrate a supply chain.
- Registering trademarks in Quebec.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 75,000
Hiring a market development specialist to integrate Quebec-made eco-friendly packaging into local supply chains
$ 70,000
Creating a marketing strategy for a social enterprise focused on upcycled fashion
$ 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
The grant covers specific expenses directly associated with market development and integration into supply chains in Quebec.
- Professional fees, including travel and accommodation expenses, for specialized services and subcontracting according to government standards.
- Salaries for hiring new resources focused on market development in Quebec, with a maximum aid amount of $45,000, limited to one hire for the program duration.
- Salaries for hiring a commercial representative in Quebec, with a maximum aid amount of $45,000, limited to one hire for the program duration.
- Expenses for the registration of trademarks in Quebec.
- Costs related to testing, analysis, and purchase of normative documents for obtaining approvals, compliance, or certifications facilitating commercialization.
- Rental costs for warehouse space for inventory required by the contractor or for supply chain integration.
- Transportation costs for materials or inventory required by the contractor or for supply chain integration.
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|contact
soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com
1-844-474-6367
