SODEC — Support for innovative initiatives
QC, Canada
The "SODEC Innovative Initiatives Support Program" empowers Quebec cultural enterprises by stimulating technological, digital, and business process innovations to enhance their national and international competitiveness.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 30, 2025
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The SODEC's Aid for Innovative Initiatives Program aims to support strategically significant projects involving technological, digital, or business process innovation. Eligible activities include development phases such as intellectual property protection, detailed market studies, research and development, project production, and implementation. These projects should promote the competitiveness of Quebec's cultural enterprises, stimulate innovation, and enhance business intelligence.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports entities within specific geographical parameters set by the funding entity, focusing primarily on reinforcing the cultural sector of Quebec, Canada. Only businesses with their primary establishment in Quebec are eligible for application.
- Companies with headquarters located in Quebec.
- Businesses where effective control is majorly held by residents with Quebec fiscal residence.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$110,000
Montreal
Creating an AI-driven recommendation engine for a Montreal-based music streaming service
$100,000
Vancouver
Developing an innovative VR platform for digital art galleries
$80,000
Halifax
Developing an interactive e-learning platform for cultural content creators
$75,000
Toronto
Establishing a blockchain-based intellectual property protection system for creators
$65,000
Ottawa
Building an advanced data analytics tool for film production companies
$100,000
Calgary
Implementation of a mobile app for real-time performance analytics for theaters
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's organizational status and location.
- The applicant must be a legally constituted organization, which can be either for-profit or non-profit, primarily operating in the fields of activity of SODEC.
- The organization's head office and principal place of business must be located in Quebec, with the effective control of the organization primarily held by persons whose tax residence is in Quebec.
- Individual businesses are not eligible, except in the field of arts and crafts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The SODEC grant targets projects that demonstrate significant advancement in the production, distribution, promotion, or commercialization of Quebec cultural content, or in business intelligence or operational models. It supports both individual enterprises and collaborations between businesses that meet specific criteria.
- Innovative nature: The project must show a leading advantage in product, process, or service development, its commercial potential, targeted markets, or the business sector.
- Ownership of rights: The majority ownership of project copyrights and, if applicable, intellectual property belongs to the eligible enterprise.
- Business model relevance: The project's alignment with the business model of the enterprise or business consortium.
- Project execution capability: The applicant's ability to successfully complete and sustain the project (company history and achievements, financial capacity, manager experience).
- Partner quality: The quality of the partners involved in the project.
- Implementation plan quality: The structured and realistic project implementation plan, including the quality of service offered by consultants.
- Project risk level: The inherent risk associated with the project.
- Budget and financing structure: Focus on partner support and financial structuring.
- Outcomes and impact: The potential economic and sector impact for the enterprise, consortium, or industry, including socio-economic benefits.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain types of companies and industries due to their legal status or main activities not aligning with the program objectives. The restrictions ensure that funding is directed toward eligible entities within the cultural sector.
- Individual businesses, except those in the field of crafts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports innovation-driven projects aimed at enhancing the creation, dissemination, and commercialization of Quebec cultural content. Eligible initiatives focus on new product development, process innovations, and business model improvements.
- Planning activities including intellectual property protection, detailed market studies, and technical or financial feasibility studies.
- Research and development tasks such as development, design, prototyping, and testing.
- Production and implementation phases of the project.
- Deployment and commercialization efforts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the innovative project.
- Fees for specialized services.
- Production and implementation expenses.
- Direct labor costs dedicated to the project.
- Material and equipment expenses specific to the project.
- Costs related to the purchase of specialized, relevant, and necessary information for the project realization.
- Prototyping expenses.
- Any other relevant and necessary expenses for the project realization.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives and the potential socio-economic impact.
- The innovative nature of the project, characterized by a significant advantage of the product, process, or service, in relation to company development, commercial potential, targeted markets, or sector of activity.
- The company's majority ownership of the project's copyright and, where applicable, intellectual property.
- The relevance of the project to the business model of the company or group of companies.
- The applicant company's ability to successfully execute and sustain the project (including company's history and achievements, financial capability, management experience).
- The quality of partners involved in the project.
- The quality and realism of the project's implementation plan, as well as the quality of the service offer by the consultant(s).
- The level of risk associated with the project.
- The budget, funding structure, and especially the support of partners.
- The expected outcomes for the company, group of companies, or the sector, and the potential socio-economic benefits.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Contact Program Representative
- Email innovation@sodec.gouv.qc.ca to validate the eligibility of your company and project.
- Step 2: Access SOD@ccès Portal
- Register or log in to the secured SOD@ccès portal.
- Locate the program using the number 30-40-00.
- Step 3: Prepare Your Application
- Gather all necessary documentation, such as project proposals and budget details.
- Ensure documents meet the requirements specified in the program guidelines.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Upload all necessary documents to the SOD@ccès portal.
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application through the portal.
- Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of your submission.
- Retain confirmation details for future reference.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The SODEC periodically evaluates the program and conducts various studies to adapt its intervention strategy to the needs of cultural enterprises. Projects that violate laws and regulations or oppose government policies are not accepted.
- Companies that have received financial aid must provide necessary records and documents within five years of participation.
- The SODEC maintains confidentiality of collected information, only publishing aggregated data.
- Projects promoting violence, sexism, pornography, or discrimination are not accepted.
- SODEC encourages green and responsible business practices.
grant_single_labels|contact
innovation@sodec.gouv.qc.ca
Apply to this program
Empowering Cultural Enterprises Through Innovation
PROGRAMME D’AIDE AUX INITIATIVES INNOVANTES aims to support and enhance the competitiveness of Quebecois cultural enterprises globally by promoting technological, digital, or business process innovation projects. This program is specifically designed to enable enterprises to address contemporary consumer trends and leverage new creative and distribution tools effectively.
In-Depth Perspective on PROGRAMME D’AIDE AUX INITIATIVES INNOVANTES
Introduced in March 2023, the PROGRAMME D’AIDE AUX INITIATIVES INNOVANTES is a strategic initiative by SODEC designed to propel Quebec's cultural enterprises onto international platforms through innovation. The program specifically targets projects that drive significant advancements in the production, dissemination, or commercialization of cultural content, thereby bolstering the overall business intelligence and operational models within this vibrant sector.
The grant focuses on nurturing a diversified cultural market by encouraging the creation and exploration of novel business models. It prioritizes projects that highlight Quebec's intellectual property, expand cultural content formats, enhance export capabilities, and improve the discoverability and commercial feasibility of cultural products. This aligns with the program’s overarching goal to stimulate both the national and international competitiveness of Quebec’s cultural industries.
Eligible enterprises must be legally constituted, primarily involved in SODEC's fields of activity, and have a significant base of operations in Quebec. Notably, for projects to qualify, they must demonstrate either the development of new products, services, or processes or the substantial improvement of existing ones. Crucially, projects need to pose a technological or business risk and require substantial research and development efforts to qualify for financial assistance.
The financial support, which can reach up to $150,000 per initiative, or up to $500,000 in collaborative projects, covers a wide array of activities. These include stages from project planning to research, development, production, and commercialization. Such comprehensive coverage ensures that projects are well-supported from inception through to market entry. The aid provided is determined by the project's capacity to innovate and its alignment with SODEC's strategic vision, thus prioritizing projects with clear and achievable objectives that promise significant impact.
The collaborative aspect of the grant is particularly forward-thinking. It encourages Quebec-based enterprises to partner with international firms while ensuring that the benefits and intellectual properties largely favor Quebec. This cross-collaboration is expected to bring substantial economic and technological benefits back to Quebec, fostering a more dynamic and interconnected cultural ecosystem.
This initiative underscores the importance of sustainable and ethical development in cultural projects. The SODEC emphasizes adherence to ethical standards and the encouragement of environmentally responsible business practices. Thus, participating enterprises not only receive financial support but are also part of a broader movement towards a sustainable future in cultural enterprise.
Overall, this grant is a powerful tool for Quebecois cultural enterprises aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. By providing targeted support for innovative projects, PROGRAMME D’AIDE AUX INITIATIVES INNOVANTES ensures that the cultural voices of Quebec have the tools they need to echo on the world stage, securing their relevance and sustainability for the future.