SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development — Stream 1
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Support for enhancing cultural businesses' entrepreneurial development
SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development — Stream 1 at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $75,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : December 16, 2024
- Closing date : January 30, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Grant Providers
- Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
Program status
Closed
Overview of the SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development — Stream 1 program
The grant program aims to support cultural enterprises in Quebec by enhancing their performance and competitiveness, offering funding of up to $75,000 for entrepreneurial development projects such as creating business strategies, conducting market studies, and implementing technological solutions. Eligible activities focus on significant business growth phases and the acquisition of new expertise necessary for the enterprise's advancement.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant offers substantial financial support through a structured disbursement process, ensuring that funds are available to effectively advance entrepreneurial projects. The financing terms are clearly delineated to align with project objectives and timelines.
- The grant provides financial assistance capped at a maximum of $75,000 per project.
- Up to 50% of eligible expenses can be covered by the grant, with increased coverage of up to 75% for entrepreneurial succession, transfer, or business recovery cases.
- 70% of the financial assistance is disbursed upon signing the agreement, ensuring immediate project funding.
- The remaining 30% is disbursed at the conclusion of project activities, contingent on the submission and acceptance of a final report capturing project impacts.
- The disbursement schedule may be adjusted based on project complexity or specific needs.
- All funding is conditional on the availability of funds and must be aligned with the budget approvals by the National Assembly.
Eligible projects & activities
The SODEC grant supports projects that enable cultural enterprises to overcome specific challenges and advance their development. Eligible activities focus on enhancing strategic business functions and phases.
- Development of business models and plans.
- Feasibility studies and market research assessments.
- Creation of marketing strategies, including those for export.
- Implementation of technological or digital solutions.
- Development of intellectual property protection strategies.
- Enhancement of management capacity strategies.
- Strategies for entrepreneurial succession or business transfer.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 75,000
Developing a digital marketing strategy for an independent publishing house
$ 63,750
Implementing a new inventory management system for an independent bookstore
Eligibility criteria of the SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development — Stream 1 program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by the type of company, its location, and its operational history.
- The company must be a legally constituted entity, either for-profit or non-profit, primarily operating within the activity domains of the SODEC.
- The company's head office and main place of business must be in Quebec, with effective control of the company primarily held by individuals whose tax residence is in Quebec.
- The company must have been in operation for at least one year or possess appropriate professional experience, or be a new company only in cases of the transfer of existing cultural enterprises.
- Individual businesses are not eligible unless in the field of crafts.
Who is eligible?
This grant is designed to support the strategic development of Quebec-based cultural enterprises, whether for-profit or non-profit, that are legally constituted and primarily engaged in activities within SODEC's fields of operation. Eligible projects focus on structured and personalized entrepreneurial support that meets the real needs of these enterprises.
- Legally constituted companies, either for-profit or non-profit, primarily operating in SODEC's cultural sectors.
- Enterprises with their head office and main establishment in Quebec, with effective control held by Quebec residents.
- Companies that have been operational for at least one year or have appropriate professional experience, or are new entities resulting from the transfer of existing cultural enterprises.
- Projects addressing specific challenges in geographic positioning, business strategy, financial management, or entrepreneurial succession and transfer.
Who is not eligible
This grant is not available for certain types of companies due to their business structure or primary activity. The purpose is to align the support with the cultural sector's strategic needs.
- Individual companies, except within the field of arts and crafts.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies that are based in specific geographical areas within Quebec, Canada. Eligible companies must have their main office and principal establishment located in Quebec.
- Companies with their main office and principal establishment in Quebec.
Eligibility criteria of the SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development — Stream 1 program
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.
How to apply to the SODEC — Support for entrepreneurial development — Stream 1 program
1
Preparation of the request
- Fill out the application form duly signed with a complete and detailed description of the project.
- Develop the financial structure and estimate of the project.
- Obtain the service offer or the signed letter of commitment from professional advisors with included fees.
- Gather the financing confirmations from other partners, if applicable.
- Prepare the required documents for opening or updating the master file.
2
Submission of the request
Submit the application via the secure portal SOD@ccès.
Additional information
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.
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