SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2?

You can contact Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC).

Q: Where is the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 available?

The SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 program is available the province of QC.

Q: Are startups eligible for the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Financial support for young Quebec artisan businesses for their development

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $10,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : September 22, 2025
Closing date : October 23, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Closing Soon

Overview

The SODEC grant — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Component 2 finances up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a cap of $10,000, for startup companies to develop their production and improve their marketing in the Quebec market. It supports the purchase of equipment, the integration of technologies, as well as the creation of stands and promotional tools.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance is provided in the form of a grant, covering up to 50% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum grant limit of $10,000.
Eligible expenses are those incurred after the specified application deadline.
70% of the grant is disbursed upon the signing of the financial aid agreement.
The remaining 30% of the grant is disbursed upon the completion of the project activities, contingent on the submission and acceptance of a final report.
Disbursements are subject to the availability of funds and approval by the National Assembly.

Activities funded

Development of production means for Quebec arts and crafts products.
Commercialization of Quebec arts and crafts products within the Quebec market.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Quebec-based business, either an individual or a legally constituted entity (corporation, non-profit, cooperative, partnership) within the arts and crafts sector.
The applicant's headquarters and main establishment must be located in Quebec, with control fully held by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with tax residency in Quebec.
The applicant must be a start-up company operational for at least one year but less than three years, with generated revenue and expenses related to business activities.
The applicant must commit to investing an amount equal to the assistance received.
The applicant must not be eligible for Stream 1 of the program.
The applicant must only submit one application per 12-month period.
The project must focus on developing production methods and/or commercializing Quebec arts and crafts products, explaining the company's vision and needs for achieving business development objectives within the coming year.

Who is eligible?

Individual Quebec-based businesses in the arts and crafts sector
Legally constituted Quebec businesses in the arts and crafts sector, such as corporations, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and partnerships
Businesses specializing in the commercialization of Quebec arts and crafts products

Who is not eligible

Companies involved in complete factory-based production.
Businesses producing sets of machined parts ready for assembly.
Enterprises creating products from molds not designed by artisans.
Producers of ephemeral products such as soaps, candles, and cosmetics.
Projects targeting markets outside of Quebec for promotion and commercialization.

Eligible expenses

Purchase and modernization of equipment, including delivery and installation costs.
Integration of technologies in the design and manufacturing process.
Installation of health and safety equipment (e.g., ventilation systems, dust collectors).
Purchase of raw materials.
Labor and subcontracting costs related to production stages (limited to 25% of the project's budget).
Design and fabrication of exhibition booths and displays.
Fees and development costs for physical and digital promotional tools (e.g., photos, videos, websites, and e-commerce platforms).
Fees and costs related to traditional and digital advertising.
Expenses related to product discoverability (e.g., web page indexing optimization, metadata structuring, and SEO).

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec, Canada

Selection criteria

Quality of overall creation and product.
Conformity with the program's objectives.
Justification and relevance of the project for the business development.
Realism of the costs and financial capacity.
Clarity, conformity, and precision of the application.

How to apply

Eligibility Check

Make sure your business meets all general and specific eligibility requirements.

Preparation of documents

Write a project detailing your company's development vision and the needs to achieve your business goals.
Include a precise budget with a minimum of $5,000 in eligible expenses.
Prepare the proof of Quebec control and tax residency.

Project Submission

Submit the project during the designated submission windows: from March 17 to April 17 or from September 22 to October 23 for the current year.
Use the transmission method prescribed by SODEC for sending the application (check their website for details).

Waiting and Follow-up

Wait for the receipt of an acknowledgment confirming the submission of your file.
If necessary, be prepared to provide additional information or to clarify certain elements of your project.

Reception of the decision

Receive a notification from SODEC regarding the granting or refusal of the subsidy.

Additional information

70% of the financial assistance is disbursed upon signing the financial aid agreement.
The remaining 30% is released once the project activities are completed, pending submission and approval of a final report.
All disbursements are contingent upon the availability of funds and sufficient credit approvals from the National Assembly.
The SODEC reserves the right to modify payment terms.
Evaluations are conducted by SODEC professionals and may include external opinions if necessary.
The grant application is reviewed based on the overall quality, alignment with program objectives, justification and relevance to business development, cost realism, financial capacity, and clarity of the request.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2?

Who is eligible for the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 program?

To be eligible for the SODEC — Assistance for businesses in the arts and crafts sector — Stream 2 program, you must: The company must have its headquarters and principal establishment in Quebec, with control held 100% by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with fiscal residence in Quebec. The company must be active for at least one year but less than three years, having generated revenues and expenses related to its activities. The applicant must commit to investing an amount equal to or greater than the financial assistance received.