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Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages

Supports official language minority communities

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
SMEs in an RCM whose English-speaking population is greater than 5 %, outside Greater Montreal.
See full eligibility

Overview

This program supports the economic development of official language minority communities in Quebec. It can fund innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships, and economic diversification projects.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • 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
All groups
Legal structures
Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
Social Services
Revenue structures
100% donations / grants
Scope
Provincial

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 information updated

The application information guide now adds a costs and financing section and clarifies that costs incurred before the signed application is officially submitted are generally not allowed.

See more

The application information guide now adds a costs and financing section, with in-page links to the project cost table and financing breakdown. It also states that costs incurred before the signed funding application is officially submitted are generally not allowed, and asks applicants to report any project costs already incurred.

Official source: canada.ca
October 9, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • SMEs in an RCM whose English-speaking population is greater than 5 %, outside Greater Montreal.
  • Non-profit organizations in an RCM whose English-speaking population is greater than 500 inhabitants.

Who is not eligible

  • Retail businesses, including clothing stores, grocery stores, automotive maintenance and sales.
  • Food services, including restaurants and cafés.
  • Transportation services and residential construction.
  • Daycare services, hair salons and beauty salons.
  • Nightclubs, bars and cabarets.

Eligible expenses

  • Acquisition of equipment, computer tools, and technologies.
  • Construction, modernization, expansion, or development of facilities.
  • Hiring specialized resources.
  • Project-related services, advice, and support.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • A representative’s fees cannot be reimbursed with DEC financial assistance.
  • Costs incurred before the official submission of the duly signed financial assistance application form are generally not eligible.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Quebec
  • RCMs with more than 500 anglophone residents

Activities funded

  • Development of strategies, including monitoring, studies, assessments and action plans.
  • Matchmaking, networking, business contacts, information services, advisory services and support.
  • Implementation of a commercialization strategy and design of new products and services.
  • Acquisition of equipment, IT tools and technologies.
  • Fitting out, construction, modernization or expansion of facilities, as well as the use of specialized resources.

How to apply

  • Contact CED for more information on submitting a project.

Documents Needed

  • Financial statements for the last two completed fiscal years.
  • Most recent interim financial statements.
  • Table of project costs grouped by activity and type.
  • Financing plan including amounts, sources and types of financing: government and private sources, estimated tax credits and the applicant’s contribution.
  • Confirmation of funding sources.

Selection criteria

  • The economic spinoffs for an official-language minority community.
  • The project's contribution to achieving the initiative's objectives and expected results.
  • Alignment with DEC's mandate and priorities.
  • The incentive effect of the assistance and demonstration of the financial need, taking into account other existing sources of funding.
  • The proponent’s management capacity, the viability of the business or organization, the degree of risk, the impact on competition and the availability of DEC funds.

Processing and Agreement

  • Projects are reviewed against the program’s analysis criteria.
  • The funder assesses the project’s fit with the initiative’s objectives and available funds.
  • Applicants are informed through the program’s funding process.
  • A project submission guide is available before applying.

Additional information

  • The program is part of the Quebec Economic Development Program.
  • Applicants are encouraged to contact a regional business office or advisor for guidance.
  • Other activities may be eligible, subject to review.

Official sources

canada.ca

Official page

Economic Development Initiative - Official Languages
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages Program

What is the Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages?

This program supports the economic development of official language minority communities in Quebec. It can fund innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships, and economic diversification projects.

How much funding can be received?

Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages 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 - Foster official languages program?

To be eligible for the Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages program, you must: Non-profit organization. Located in an eligible RCM. Project benefits official language minority communities.

What expenses are eligible under Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages?

Acquisition of equipment, computer tools, and technologies. Construction, modernization, expansion, or development of facilities. Hiring specialized resources. Project-related services, advice, and support.

Who can I contact for more information about the Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages?

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

Where is the Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages available?

The Quebec Economic Development Program - Foster official languages program is available the province of Quebec.