SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development — Stream 1

• The application form must be duly completed and signed, and include the complete and detailed project description, the project financial plan, and the project estimate.
• A detailed and duly signed service offer or letter of engagement from the professional adviser(s), including fees.
• Confirmations of funding from other public or private partners, if applicable.
• Documents required to open or update the master file.
• Any other document necessary for SODEC to assess the file.

Who is eligible?

• Legally constituted companies, for-profit or non-profit, primarily active in SODEC fields of activity.
• Companies with their head office and principal establishment in Quebec, with effective control mostly held by people whose tax residence is in Quebec.
• Companies operating for at least one year, or with appropriate professional experience, or new businesses only in cases involving the transfer of existing cultural enterprises.

Who is not eligible

• Individual businesses, except in the crafts sector.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the entrepreneurial development project.

• Fees for advisors and experts.
• Costs for purchasing specialized information that is pertinent and necessary for the project.
• Any other expenses that are pertinent and necessary for the realization of the project.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Expenses incurred before the application date.
• Daily allowances and representation costs, including meals and transport.
• Costs related to cultural content creation or acquisition.
• Professional training, workshops, seminars, conferences, internships, or courses not specifically designed for the project.
• Membership, accreditation, or subscription fees.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives and the effective use of resources.

• The pertinence of the entrepreneurial support project and the learnings: in line with identified needs, the stage of evolution of the company, regular activities of the company, and the expertise of the advisors.
• The feasibility of the project: realism of the budget and financial structure, admissible expenditures, the amount requested, the company's financial capacity and contribution, and the ability of the company to manage the project and plan favorable measures for the implementation of skills.
• The importance of the project's outcomes: the economic impact on the company's development and the existing or developing cultural content, and the expected short and medium-term results.

• Applications must be submitted through the secure SOD@ccès portal.
• The submission calendar is available on the program’s web page.
• The required documents must be uploaded through SOD@ccès.
• Any documents, information, or reports requested by SODEC must also be filed through the secure SOD@ccès electronic portal.

• The application is analysed by SODEC professionals, and external opinions may be used if needed.
• Projects are prioritised based on relevance and feasibility.
• SODEC’s financial availability is taken into account in the decision-making process.
• Any financial assistance is conditional on signing a funding agreement and complying with its terms, the program, and any previous award, if applicable.
• Applicants may be required to provide any information, documents, or supporting evidence deemed necessary by SODEC for processing and follow-up.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The grant is designed to support cultural enterprises regardless of their stage of evolution, including start-up, diversification, succession, growth, technological shifts, restructuring, or transfer.
• 70% of the financial assistance is provided upon signing the agreement, and the remaining 30% is due once a final report is submitted and accepted.
• Beneficiaries must provide all necessary records and information for SODEC's periodic program evaluations over five years while maintaining confidentiality.
• SODEC promotes sustainable business practices and encourages applicants to adopt green and responsible approaches.
• The SODEC reserves the right to amend the payment terms based on the nature or complexity of certain projects.