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 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
- 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|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|contact
soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com
1-844-474-6367
