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Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)

Supports regional economic development and diversification in Quebec

Offered by
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Official source: canada.ca

Record updated

Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
NPOs
See full eligibility

Overview

The Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) provides financial support for regional economic development, with funding generally covering up to 50% of eligible costs for SMEs and up to 90% for non-profit organizations. It supports initiatives that promote tourism outside Quebec, attract international organizations, strengthen local economic activity, and develop community economic facilities.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Develop a new product or service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Language Minorities
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Startups
Legal structures
Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Research, Economic, Social and Community Development, Employment and Training, International Activities, Business Associations
Target groups
Rural / Remote communities, Business owners / entrepreneurs
Scope
Local, Municipal, Regional

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

PDEQ scope and eligibility updated

The PDEQ content now includes a new social-economy pooling stream with narrower eligibility, funding terms, and application guidance, and one related stream is shown as closed to new applications.

See more

The PDEQ content now highlights Appui aux projets de mutualisation en économie sociale, adding a new stream with specific eligible and ineligible applicants, sector limits, and project requirements. It also shows funding terms capped at less than $100,000 and up to 50% of eligible costs, with costs eligible from the date of application. At the same time, the related stream page is marked as no longer accepting applications, which changes the active program picture within the PDEQ. The broader PDEQ overview and contact direction remain present, but the program scope is now more clearly segmented by stream.

Official source: canada.ca
April 26, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • NPOs
  • Economic development organizations
  • Tourism organizations
  • Municipalities and regional county municipalities (RCMs)
  • Local businesses

Who is not eligible

  • Retail businesses
  • Knowledge institutions
  • University commercialization corporations
  • College technology transfer centres
  • Private laboratories
  • Groups or associations of businesses

Eligible expenses

  • Costs directly related to the project and deemed reasonable and essential.
  • Equipment, tools, technologies, patents or licenses needed for the project.
  • Consulting, advisory, and specialized resource costs directly tied to project delivery.
  • Networking, partnership, knowledge transfer, and commercialization-related costs.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Refinancing an existing debt.
  • Amortization expenses.
  • Goodwill costs.
  • Retail businesses, food services, transportation services, housing construction, daycare services, hair and beauty salons, and nightclubs, bars or cabarets.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Quebec

Activities funded

  • Development and improvement of products and services.
  • Acquisition of equipment, computer tools, or technologies.
  • Technology transfer, applied research, and innovation projects.
  • Commercialization, networking, and partnership-building activities.
  • Regional development strategies and economic promotion projects.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Contact the Business Information Service
    • Get guidance on the appropriate program and eligibility.
  • Step 2: Review the program guide
    • Read the submission guidelines carefully before preparing your project.
  • Step 3: Prepare your project proposal
    • Describe the project and gather the information needed to submit it.
  • Step 4: Submit your project
    • Use the program’s submission process and contact the regional office if needed.

Selection criteria

  • Expected project results.
  • Viability of the business or organization.
  • Technical and financial management capacity.
  • Partner contributions in money or professional services.
  • Project risk and availability of funds.

Processing and Agreement

  • Applications are reviewed against specific analysis criteria.
  • Funding decisions take into account the availability of program funds.
  • Applicants may be contacted by the Business Information Service for guidance.

Additional information

  • Both repayable and non-repayable contributions may be available under this program.
  • The analysis of applications includes consideration of the availability of the Agency’s funds at the time of submission.
  • For detailed guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult the project submission guide on the official website.
  • Stay informed on updates and advice by subscribing to the newsletter or following CED’s communications.

Official sources

Initiative to Support Economic Development in Montréal’s East End

Program guide

Diversify your economy
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) Program

What is the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)?

The Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) provides financial support for regional economic development, with funding generally covering up to 50% of eligible costs for SMEs and up to 90% for non-profit organizations. It supports initiatives that promote tourism outside Quebec, attract international organizations, strengthen local economic activity, and develop community economic facilities.

How much funding can be received?

Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) program?

To be eligible for the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) program, you must: SMEs or NPOs Regional development focus Aligned with regional priorities

What expenses are eligible under Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)?

Costs directly related to the project and deemed reasonable and essential. Equipment, tools, technologies, patents or licenses needed for the project. Consulting, advisory, and specialized resource costs directly tied to project delivery. Networking, partnership, knowledge transfer, and commercialization-related costs.

Who can I contact for more information about the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP)?

You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).

Where is the Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) available?

The Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) program is available the province of Quebec.