How much funding can be received?

This component of the PSCE program aims to enhance SMEs' export capabilities and fast-track their projects in markets outside Quebec. The program supports business projects that seek to market products and services beyond Quebec, promoting the development of foreign markets for SMEs

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The PSCE – Component 2 provides structured financial support to promote export capacity among SMEs in Quebec. The available funding modalities are designed to ensure effective use and allocation of resources for suitable projects in line with prescribed guidelines.

Non-repayable contribution with a maximum funding amount of $100,000 per company per year.
Minimum eligible expenses required to be $25,000.
Mandatory private sector contribution constituting 25% of the total project cost.
Government aid accumulation limited to a maximum of 65% of eligible expenses.
Funding rates of up to 50% for a first project, 40% for a second project, and 25% for subsequent projects.

grant_single_labels|projects

The grant supports projects aimed at enhancing export capacity and accelerating businesses' market expansion outside Quebec. Eligible activities focus on market preparation, business promotion abroad, and strategic development for global engagement.

Hiring a market development specialist outside Quebec for up to 52 weeks.
Hiring a commercial representative in a market outside Quebec.
Development of a business plan or strategy for export or internationalization.
Acquisition of market development knowledge (accompaniment).
Development and implementation of a marketing strategy, including digital strategies, tools development, and foreign advertising.
Business promotion activities abroad, including virtual events, client prospecting, and market visits.
Studies of foreign markets.
Efforts to secure contracts outside Quebec via tenders or invitations.
Obtaining certifications or compliance to facilitate exports.
Setting up an office, subsidiary, or joint venture abroad with benefits to Quebec's economy.
International trademark registration.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 85,000

Conducting market research to expand into Latin America

$ 100,000

Launching a subsidiary to enter the European market

$ 75,000

Developing a digital marketing strategy for Asian markets

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the PSCE - Component 2 grant is determined based on specific criteria for companies applying.

The company must be a for-profit entity, a social economy enterprise (cooperatives and non-profit organizations) according to the Social Economy Act (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1), or a non-financial cooperative.
The company must have a revenue of more than $1 million and less than $100 million.
The company must not operate in the following sectors, unless exceptions apply:
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
Retail trade
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)
Retail trade is eligible if four specific criteria are met:
A revenue of $5 million or more.
Engage in pre-production activities (product development).
Engage in post-production activities (marketing, commercialization, and distribution).
Have its headquarters located in Quebec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the PSCE - Stream 2 grant include for-profit businesses, social economy enterprises (cooperatives and non-profit organizations) as defined by the Law on Social Economy (RLRQ, E 1.1.1), and non-financial cooperatives. These businesses must have annual revenues between $1 million and $100 million. Excluded sectors from eligibility include agriculture, forestry, fisheries and hunting, mining and oil and gas extraction, utilities, retail trade (unless specific criteria are met), 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. Retail trade businesses may be eligible if they have revenues of $5 million or more, engage in preproduction and postproduction activities, and are headquartered in Quebec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. These restrictions aim to focus resources on companies with strategic market potential outside Quebec.

Companies in Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting.
Businesses in Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.
Organizations in Utilities.
Businesses in Finance and insurance.
Entities in Real estate and rental and leasing services.
Companies in Management of companies and enterprises.
Organizations in Administrative and support services.
Businesses in Educational services.
Companies in Health care and social assistance.
Entertainment sectors including Arts, entertainment, and recreation.
Entities in Accommodation and food services.
Other services excluding public administration.
Retail trade industries unless they meet specific criteria such as having a head office in Quebec, a turnover of $5M or more, and engaging in preproduction and postproduction activities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The program supports projects focused on preparing for export, market consolidation, or diversification of foreign markets, and should not be recurring activities for the business.

Hiring a market development specialist outside Quebec for a maximum of 52 weeks.
Hiring a sales representative on a market outside Quebec.
Development of an export-focused diagnostic, business plan, or strategy.
Development of an internationalization-focused diagnostic, business plan, or strategy.
Acquisition of market development knowledge and consultancy.
Development and implementation of a marketing strategy including digital strategies for foreign markets.
Execution of business promotion activities abroad including virtual activities.
Market study of a foreign market.
Efforts to secure a contract outside Quebec through tenders or invitations.
Acquisition of approval, compliance, or certification aiding export.
Steps for setting up an office, subsidiary, or joint venture abroad, or acquiring a business outside Quebec.
Registration of trademarks internationally.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is specifically targeted towards companies with their headquarters in Quebec. The geographical eligibility is strictly confined to ensure regional economic growth within the province.

Companies with their headquarters located in Quebec, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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

The pertinence of the project in relation to the company's business model.
The company's capacity to execute the project based on its financial and human resources.
The situation of the company, assessing whether financial assistance is a decisive factor in the decision to pursue the project.
The potential economic impacts of the project in Quebec, particularly in terms of jobs and investments.
The established governmental priorities concerning exportation, if applicable.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the PSCE Volet 2 grant:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria outlined for businesses and projects.
Ensure your business meets the financial and sector-specific requirements.
Step 2: Preliminary Assessment
Complete the prequalification form to verify initial eligibility for the grant.
Gather relevant documentation as per the prequalification requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Application
Develop a detailed project proposal focusing on export capacity building.
Gather all necessary supporting documents, such as financial statements and strategic plans.
Step 4: Application Submission
Compile your application following the Guide de présentation des demandes - Volet 2.
Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the designated contact at Investissement Québec when submissions reopen.
Step 5: Follow-Up
Wait for confirmation of receipt and further instructions from Investissement Québec.
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

This program supports Quebec-based enterprises in commercializing their products and services outside the province, with a maximum aid of $100,000 per enterprise per year.

Suspended as of February 9, 2024, to ensure fund availability.
Requires a minimum of $25,000 in expenses, with at least 25% funded from private sources.
Government aid cannot exceed 65% of eligible expenses.
Eligible sectors exclude agriculture, mining, public services, retail (with exceptions), and several service-oriented sectors.
Projects must focus on export preparation, market consolidation, or diversification.
Eligible expenses include professional fees, travel costs, marketing strategies, and salaries for market development roles.
Priority criteria include relevance to the business model, resource capacity, impact on Quebec's economy, financial necessity, and alignment with government export priorities.

grant_single_labels|documents

PSCE – Component 2

grant_single_labels|contact

soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com

1-844-474-6367

Apply to this program

Empowering Quebec-Based SMEs to Excel Beyond Borders

The Programme de soutien à la commercialisation et à l'exportation (PSCE), specifically in its second stream, is dedicated to bolstering the export capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based in Quebec, helping them accelerate their ventures into markets outside the province. Through substantial financial backing, the program aims to drive economic enrichment by assisting eligible businesses in overcoming barriers to entry while opening up new avenues for international growth.

Diving Deep into PSCE - Volet 2: Opportunities and Impact

The PSCE - Volet 2 serves as a cornerstone initiative fostering the growth and market expansion of Quebec-based SMEs. By focusing support on non-recurrent export and market diversification projects, the program underscores its commitment to strengthening Quebec's economic mark on the global stage. It offers a non-refundable financial aid structure where businesses can avail up to $100,000 annually, contingent upon meeting specific project requirements. This aid is integral to funding diverse strategic actions that facilitate preparations for export and broader international market engagements.

The program allows for comprehensive allocations across various project elements designed to fuel overseas success. It supports the employment of market development specialists or sales representatives dedicated to navigating non-Quebec markets, partially sponsoring their salaries for up to 52 weeks. Beyond personnel, the PSCE encourages companies to construct thorough diagnostics, business plans, and marketing strategies tailored for enhanced global interaction. These efforts are bolstered by covering costs such as market research, promotional activities, and participation in international trade events, ensuring that SMEs have the tools to make informed and strategic expansions.

Noteworthy is the program's cap on governmental assistance, mandating a cumulative aid ceiling of 65% of eligible expenses and requiring a private sector contribution totaling at least 25%. This financial structuring ensures a vested interest from both public and private sectors, promoting a balanced investment into the projects. Companies looking to leverage the PSCE must exhibit a robust business model capable of utilizing such funds effectively, aligning with the grant's objectives and Quebec's broader economic development goals.

Eligible businesses span a diverse range of sectors, though some are notably excluded, such as agriculture, mining, and certain service industries; however, exceptions apply under specific conditions for retail businesses. This selective eligibility ensures that funding is channeled towards sectors with substantial export potential and alignment with Quebec's strategic priorities.

Ultimately, the PSCE is not only about financial assistance but also fostering a culture of innovation and global competitiveness among Quebec SMEs. By providing a structured yet flexible support system, the program encourages enterprises to push beyond local confines, exploring and establishing a foothold in a global economy ripe with opportunities. The overarching goal is to stimulate sustainable growth, attract international collaborations, and create tangible economic benefits that reverberate back to Quebec, enhancing the province's reputation as a fertile ground for business innovation and expansion.

As businesses prepare their applications, meticulous adherence to the program’s criteria and careful preparation of necessary documentation will be critical. Once the current suspension lifts, applicants can expect a rigorous evaluation process designed to identify projects with the highest potential for success, ensuring that the resources are optimally allocated to maximize enduring benefits for Quebec’s economic landscape.