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SME in action

Supports Quebec SMEs in productivity, growth, and competitiveness

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec
See full eligibility

Overview

The "SME in Action" program provides up to $17.5 million in financial support to businesses, aiming to boost productivity and competitiveness among Quebec SMEs. Eligible activities include investment project feasibility studies, implementation of productivity-enhancing business practices, and support for business recovery and retention initiatives.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Increase operational productivity

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Startups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Receipt of requests is now closed

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Availability timeline

2020
Periods: 1

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec
  • Companies in the manufacturing sector in Quebec

Eligible expenses

  • Costs related to preliminary studies such as process or technology evaluations and market analyses.
  • Expenses for implementing integrated management systems or customer relationship management systems.
  • Costs for optimizing supply chains and implementing cost accounting systems.
  • Expenses associated with preserving major industrial assets.
  • Financial or operational situation assessments of the company.
  • Development and monitoring costs for business recovery plans.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Quebec

Activities funded

  • Conducting preliminary studies for investment projects, including assessments of processes or technologies and market analyses.
  • Implementing targeted business practices or actions aimed at productivity gains, such as introducing integrated management systems and optimizing supply chains.
  • Undertaking analyses to support business recovery or retention, including financial or operational assessments and the development of turnaround plans.

Selection criteria

  • Relevance of the project in addressing persistent productivity challenges among Quebec SMEs, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
  • Potential effectiveness of the project in contributing to business development and achieving targeted outcomes for productivity and competitiveness.
  • Coherence and complementarity of the proposed project with other government support programs aimed at SME growth.
  • Reasonableness of project costs relative to expected results (cost-efficiency).
  • Proper alignment of project management and reporting practices with the program’s normative framework.

Additional information

  • The program's evaluation emphasizes maintaining complementarities with other government support programs targeting business growth.
  • There are proposed improvements related to digitalizing project result data collection and ensuring completion of all result forms for finished projects.
  • High satisfaction rates were recorded among program beneficiaries, with levels exceeding 94% across surveyed elements.
  • The evaluation recommends considering the addition of quantified targets in the program's normative framework during future renewals.

Contacts

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Frequently Asked Questions about the SME in action Program

What is the SME in action?

The "SME in Action" program provides up to $17.5 million in financial support to businesses, aiming to boost productivity and competitiveness among Quebec SMEs. Eligible activities include investment project feasibility studies, implementation of productivity-enhancing business practices, and support for business recovery and retention initiatives.

Who is eligible for the SME in action program?

To be eligible for the SME in action program, you must: The business must be a Quebec-based SME (small or medium enterprise). Projects must aim to increase productivity or business growth.

What expenses are eligible under SME in action?

Costs related to preliminary studies such as process or technology evaluations and market analyses. Expenses for implementing integrated management systems or customer relationship management systems. Costs for optimizing supply chains and implementing cost accounting systems. Expenses associated with preserving major industrial assets. Financial or operational situation assessments of the company. Development and monitoring costs for business recovery plans.

Who can I contact for more information about the SME in action?

You can contact Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE) by email at evaluation@economie.gouv.qc.ca.

Where is the SME in action available?

The SME in action program is available the province of Quebec.

Who are the financial supporters of the SME in action?

SME in action is funded by Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)