PSCE – Component 2
QC, Canada
Strengthening SMEs' Export Capacity and Accelerating Their Projects Outside Quebec
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMarch 01, 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
- Investissement Québec (IQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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|projects
The Programme de soutien à la commercialisation et à l'exportation (PSCE) Volet 2 is managed by the Ministry of the Economy, Innovation and Energy. It aims to support businesses in Québec in their export efforts to markets outside Québec.
- Companies must have their head office in Québec to qualify.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$60,000
Developing a digital marketing strategy for European markets
$50,000
Creating an export business plan for the Asian market
$50,000
Hiring a market development specialist to expand into the US market
$65,000
Setting up an office in London to facilitate European operations
$35,000
Conducting a feasibility study for exporting to South America
$60,000
Hiring a commercial representative for the Middle East market
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
The grant covers eligible expenses related to exporting and expanding into international markets.
- Professional fees and related travel expenses for external experts, limited to $25,000 per project.
- Travel and accommodation costs outside Quebec per government regulations.
- Travel and accommodation expenses in Quebec for visitors (clients and partners) per government regulations.
- Rental costs for exhibition spaces, virtual or physical office space outside Quebec.
- Purchase of market studies or access to databases.
- Testing and analysis fees for export-related certifications.
- Transportation costs for goods for commercial events outside Quebec.
- Salaries for new hires focusing on market development outside Quebec, capped at $45,000, maximum one hire per program duration.
- Salaries for representatives working abroad, capped at $45,000 per hire, maximum of three hires per program duration.
- Combined costs for advertising, social media, newsletters, SEO services, and initial annual fees for online sales platforms, not to exceed $15,000 per project.
- Commercial event registration or pass fees.
- Access fees for a business networking platform.
- Shipping expenses for samples and promotional materials for commercial events outside Quebec.
- Purchase of regulatory documents.
- Trademark registration fees internationally.
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|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.
