Open
Source verified August 24, 2026
Funding available
$ 300,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Private for-profit businesses legally incorporated under the laws of Quebec or Canada, incorporated, operating in Québec for less than two years and in the commercialization phase.
See full eligibility
Overview
City of Québec — Business Loans — Startup supports eligible private for-profit businesses and collective businesses for projects in the Québec City agglomeration. The assistance targets the startup phase and can cover working capital, capital expenditures, and professional fees related to the project.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec City
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- The startup phase of a business, meaning the period between the beginning of its commercialization and the achievement of demonstrated profits in its annual financial statements.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Private for-profit businesses legally incorporated under the laws of Quebec or Canada, incorporated, operating in Québec for less than two years and in the commercialization phase.
- Collective businesses, namely cooperatives and NPOs within the meaning of the Social Economy Act, with commercial activities, operating in Québec for less than two years and in the commercialization phase.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants registered in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors planned for carrying out the project work.
- Applicants not compliant with the francization process, those listed on the List of Enterprises Non-Compliant with the Francization Process or who do not hold the francization certificate or one of the valid documents required by the OQLF.
- State-owned corporations, corporations directly or indirectly controlled by a government, businesses majority-owned by a state-owned corporation, applicants under the protection of the CCAA or the BIA, or those who have failed to meet their obligations after formal notice from the MEIE or the City of Québec during the two years preceding the application.
- Applicants exhibiting ethical behavior likely to tarnish the image of integrity and probity of the government or the regional county municipality, environmentally irresponsible behavior, or a history of non-compliance with labour standards or human rights.
- Unless they have obtained prior exemption from the MEIE, businesses in the pre-startup phase or in restructuring, as well as those operating in the following sectors, are excluded: controversial weapons, fossil fuels, gambling and games of chance, violent games, sexual exploitation, real estate management and development, tobacco or drugs; for cannabis and hemp, recreational products, medical products not approved by Health Canada and additional cannabis products are not permitted.
Eligible expenses
- Additional working capital needed to carry out the project, for a maximum period of two years.
- Capital expenditures directly related to the project, including the acquisition of technology, land, building, equipment, machinery and rolling stock, as well as the construction, expansion, renovation and development of the land and premises.
- Professional fees incurred before the project, such as feasibility analysis, external audit or impact study.
- Professional fees directly related to the project, notably for the implementation of technology, equipment and machinery, as well as the acquisition, construction, renovation and development of the land and premises.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses incurred before the application is submitted.
- Debt service, repayment of upcoming loans, a capital loss, capital replacement, as well as any payment or amount disbursed as capital.
- Transactions between related businesses or partners.
- Research and development expenses, expenses related to the normal operations of the business, and applicable Québec sales taxes.
- Businesses engaging solely in subcontracting or outsourcing operations that displace an economic activity and jobs, as well as financial interventions related to cannabis for recreational products, medical products not approved by Health Canada and additional cannabis products.
Eligible geographic areas
- The business headquarters must be in the province of Québec.
- The project must be carried out in the Québec agglomeration.
Selection criteria
- The economic viability of the funded business.
- The knowledge and experience of the promoters.
- Environmental and social impacts.
- Openness toward workers.
- Subcontracting and outsourcing of operations, as well as the participation of other financial partners.
How to apply
- Contact the team before submitting an application.
- Consult the funding application form to learn about the required documents and submission terms.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up Program
What is the Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up?
City of Québec — Business Loans — Startup supports eligible private for-profit businesses and collective businesses for projects in the Québec City agglomeration. The assistance targets the startup phase and can cover working capital, capital expenditures, and professional fees related to the project.
How much funding can be received?
Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up Funds up to $300,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up program?
To be eligible for the Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up program, you must:
Be operating in Québec for less than two years and in the commercialization phase.
Belong to an eligible applicant category.
What expenses are eligible under Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up?
The startup phase of a business, meaning the period between the beginning of its commercialization and the achievement of demonstrated profits in its annual financial statements.
Who can I contact for more information about the Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up?
You can contact Quebec City by email at degp@ville.quebec.qc.ca.
Where is the Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up available?
The Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Quebec City — Business Loans — Start-Up is a Loans and Capital investments