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Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy

Supports regional economic 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
Non-profit organizations (NPOs).
See full eligibility

Overview

The Diversify your economy component of the Quebec Economic Development Program supports SMEs and NPOs in Quebec to strengthen local economies and attract international organizations or tourists from outside Quebec. It can support tourism promotion, local business projects, and community economic facilities.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Access new markets
  • Launch or market a product/service

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Economic, Social and Community Development

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

Application steps updated

A new official guide now details how to prepare and submit an application, including the regional office contact step and the supporting documents to provide if the project is found eligible.

See more

The official guide "Presenting a financial assistance application" now sets out the application process for this grant in detail. It explains that applicants should first contact their regional business office, which will assess whether the project is eligible to proceed, and that the application form is then sent if the project is found eligible. It also lists the additional information and documents that may be requested, including the organization structure, financial statements for the last two years, and an Excel file covering project costs and financing. After submission, applicants receive an acknowledgment of receipt, may be asked for more information, and will receive a decision according to service standards; if approved, an agreement is sent for signature.

Official source: canada.ca
September 18, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Non-profit organizations (NPOs).
  • Economic development organizations, municipalities, and regional county municipalities (RCMs).
  • Organizations dedicated to attracting international organizations and foreign investment.
  • Local businesses, cooperatives, and business groups.
  • Indigenous organizations.

Who is not eligible

  • Retail businesses, such as clothing stores, grocery stores, as well as automotive maintenance and sales.
  • Food services, such as restaurants and cafés.
  • Transportation services.
  • Residential construction and daycare services.
  • Hair salons, beauty salons, nightclubs, bars, and cabarets.

Eligible expenses

  • All costs directly related to the project that are deemed reasonable by CED and essential to the implementation of the project.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Non-essential costs not directly related to the project
  • Refinancing of an existing debt
  • Purchase of an asset at a price that exceeds its fair market value
  • Amortization expenses
  • Goodwill costs

Activities funded

  • Implementation of a marketing strategy, such as developing promotional tools or participating in events.
  • Development and enhancement of tourist attractions, festivals, sporting events, or cultural productions.
  • Preparation of estimates, studies, assessments, or action plans to address local economic issues.
  • Acquisition of shared equipment or establishment of infrastructure that supports local economic development.
  • Support for local entrepreneurship, particularly through the acquisition of production equipment, the hiring of experts, or the marketing of products and services.

How to apply

  • Contact the business office team in your region to verify the project's eligibility and be guided through the next steps.
  • Prepare your business plan or, if unavailable, a project summary with a description of the organization, the objectives, the activities, the costs, the financing, the dates and the expected outcomes.
  • If the project is deemed eligible, complete the financial assistance application form sent by the business office.
  • Provide the additional information and documents requested to allow for a complete analysis of the application.

Documents Needed

  • A business plan or, if unavailable, a project summary.
  • The corporate and organizational structure, such as the list of shareholders, the distribution of shares, affiliated companies and members of the board of directors.
  • A precise description of the project.
  • Financial statements for the past two years, as well as the most recent interim financial statements.
  • An Excel file of project costs and financing in the required format.

Selection criteria

  • The expected results of the project.
  • The viability of the business or organization.
  • Technical and financial management capacity.
  • The contribution of partners in financial resources or professional services, as well as the degree of risk.
  • For an economic collective equipment project, the project must benefit several users, be a priority for the region, be part of a regional development approach, and be carried out in one of the low-economic-growth MRCs targeted by DEC.

Processing and Agreement

  • An acknowledgement of receipt is sent after the application is submitted.
  • During the review of the file, additional information may be requested.
  • A decision is made once all documentation has been received, in accordance with service standards.
  • If the decision is favourable, an agreement to be signed is sent and the steps for submitting claims are explained.
  • If the decision is unfavourable, the reasons are communicated as soon as possible.

Contacts

1-800-561-0633

Official sources

canada.ca

Official page

Diversify your economy

Program guide

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

What is the Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy?

The Diversify your economy component of the Quebec Economic Development Program supports SMEs and NPOs in Quebec to strengthen local economies and attract international organizations or tourists from outside Quebec. It can support tourism promotion, local business projects, and community economic facilities.

How much funding can be received?

Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy 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 - Diversify your economy program?

To be eligible for the Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy program, you must: The project may be eligible for flexible program conditions if the applicant is an SME or NPO in an economically vulnerable RCM or in Montréal’s East End. For community economic facilities projects, the project must benefit multiple users, be a regional priority, and fit within the region’s development approach. For community economic facilities projects, the project must be carried out in one of the RCMs targeted by CED because it is experiencing slow economic growth.

What expenses are eligible under Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy?

All costs directly related to the project that are deemed reasonable by CED and essential to the implementation of the project.

Who can I contact for more information about the Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy?

You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) or by phone at 1-800-561-0633.

Where is the Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy available?

The Quebec Economic Development Program - Diversify your economy program is available the province of Quebec.