How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the QEPD — Diversify your economy - CED (QC)?

QEPD — Diversify your economy - CED (QC) is funded by Government of Canada, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

What are QEPD — Diversify your economy - CED (QC)'s eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be non-profit organizations, economic development organizations, municipalities, regional county municipalities, local businesses, co-ops, business associations, or Indigenous organizations. Projects must demonstrate potential to increase tourism, attract international organizations, or enhance community economic facilities. Applicants should be SMEs or NPOs, preferably in economically vulnerable regions or Montreal’s East End for flexible conditions.

QEPD — Diversify your economy - CED (QC)

grant_single|update March 24, 2025

QC, Canada

Money to develop local economy and tourism in Quebec

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Grant and Funding

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Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)

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Government of Canada
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

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Support for SMEs and NPOs to attract international organizations to the regions, draw tourists from outside Quebec or acquire community economic facilities.

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The QEPD – Diversify your economy grant provides tailored financing options for SMEs and NPOs to enhance regional economic activity by attracting international organizations and boosting tourism. The financial assistance framework is designed to support a wide range of projects, ensuring meaningful economic returns.

For SMEs, financial assistance covers up to 50% of authorized project costs, and is repayable without interest, with repayments commencing two years post-project completion.
NPOs are eligible for non-repayable financial assistance covering up to 90% of authorized project costs.
Eligible costs must be directly related to the project, deemed reasonable by CED, and essential for project implementation.
There are exclusions on ineligible costs, such as refinancing existing debts and expenses beyond fair market value of purchases.

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This grant supports projects that aim to diversify the economy in Quebec regions by boosting local economic development through increased tourist spending, international presence, and strategic investments. Eligible activities are designed to enhance infrastructure and support community and entrepreneurial growth.

Development of the tourism industry, including attractions, festivals, sporting events, and cultural productions.
Participation in events and creation of promotional tools as part of a commercialization strategy.
Support initiatives for communities facing economic challenges due to slow growth or shocks.
Studies, action plans, or diagnostics addressing economic issues identified by the community.
Acquisition or upgrade of community economic facilities to foster local development.
Procurement of production equipment for local businesses to increase operational capacity.
Employment of experts and professionals to enhance business strategies or operations.
Marketing initiatives for products and services offered by local businesses.
Innovative capacity building and process development for new product creation.

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$ 28,500

Marketing initiative for local artisanal products expansion

$ 39,000

Enhancing local community economic facilities for development

$ 45,000

Development of a cultural festival to boost tourism

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's type and the nature of the project.

The applicant must be a non-profit organization, economic development organization, municipality, regional county municipality, organization tasked with attracting international organizations and foreign investment, local business, co-op, business association, or Indigenous organization.
The project must involve activities such as boosting tourist spending from outside Quebec, increasing the presence of international organizations, or developing community economic facilities.
The project must align with regional priorities and contribute to local economic development.
The applicant should not belong to sectors like retail, food services, transportation services, housing construction, daycare services, hair and beauty salons, nightclubs, bars, and cabarets, as these are ineligible.
Additional eligibility may apply to SMEs or NPOs in economically vulnerable regions, offering flexible program conditions.

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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Non-profit Organizations (NPOs), municipalities, regional county municipalities (RCMs), economic development organizations, co-ops, business associations, Indigenous organizations, and organizations tasked with attracting international organizations and foreign investment are eligible to apply for this grant. Eligible applicants should be involved in projects that seek to diversify economic activities, attract international organizations, increase tourism, or develop community economic facilities.

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This grant excludes specific types of companies and industries based on their status or primary activities. The aim is to direct resources towards enhancing regional economic development in line with the grant's objectives.

Retail businesses such as clothing stores, grocery stores, or automobile sales and maintenance outlets.
Food services, including restaurants and cafés.
Transportation services.
Housing construction.
Daycare services.
Hair and beauty salons.
Nightclubs, bars, and cabarets.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This funding supports projects aimed at boosting economic diversity and development in Quebec's regions through international attraction and infrastructure enhancement. Eligible projects emphasize regional tourism development, international engagement, and community economic facilities.

Development of the tourism industry, including promotional tools and event participation.
Development and enhancement of tourist attractions, festivals, sporting events, and cultural productions.
Specifications, studies, diagnoses, or action plans addressing economic issues.
Acquisition of community facilities or implementation of infrastructure for economic development.
Support for local entrepreneurship, including acquisition of production equipment and hiring of experts.
Marketing of products and services to increase regional economic activity.
Enhancement of the capacity to innovate and develop new products or processes.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The eligible geographical areas for applying to this grant are typically regions identified as needing economic support, including some specific areas in Quebec. However, precise regional targets should be confirmed with Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions for accuracy.

Economically vulnerable Regional County Municipalities (RCMs) in Quebec.
Specific locations within Québec identified by CED for community economic facility projects.
Montréal’s East End and other areas designated by the CED as requiring economic development.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that assess the expected outcomes, organizational capabilities, and the fit with regional development priorities.

The expected results of the project.
The viability of the business or organization.
Technical and financial management capacity.
Contribution of partners in terms of financial resources or professional services.
The degree of risk involved.
For community economic facilities projects, the project must benefit multiple users, primarily businesses.
The project's prioritization in the region.
The project's alignment with the region’s development approach.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Assessment
Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your organization qualifies for the grant.
Determine if your project aligns with the funding objectives, such as boosting tourism or acquiring community facilities.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Collect details about your organization, including financial statements and strategic plans.
Compile project specifics, such as expected outcomes, budget, and timelines.
Identify partners and stakeholders who will contribute to the project.
Step 3: Contact CED for Guidance
Reach out to Canada Economic Development (CED) via telephone at 1-800-561-0633 or email to discuss your project.
Seek advice on the application process and clarify any queries.
Step 4: Prepare the Application
Draft a comprehensive project proposal, ensuring to include strategic impact on regional economic development.
Include all required documents, such as project plans, budget estimates, and letters of support.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Ensure that all parts of the application are complete and accurate.
Submit the application to CED as per the guidelines provided during your contact with them.
Step 6: Follow-up and Confirmation
After submission, await confirmation of receipt from CED.
Maintain communication with CED to track the progress of your application.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Businesses or organizations in economically vulnerable regions, such as Montreal's East End, may be eligible for more flexible program conditions.
NPOs can receive up to 90% non-repayable financial assistance for their projects.
Financial assistance for SMEs is repayable but interest-free, with repayment starting two years after project completion.
Eligible costs include those deemed reasonable and essential to the project, while non-essential costs are ineligible.
Non-essential costs include refinancing of existing debt, assets purchased above fair market value, amortization expenses, and goodwill costs.