SODEC — Support for strategic projects
QC, Canada
The "Strategic Project Assistance Program" supports Quebec's cultural enterprises by funding exceptional, structuring projects to enhance competitiveness, discoverability, and collaborative strategies.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Programme d'Aide aux Projets Stratégiques supports strategic and exceptional projects that enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Quebec's cultural enterprises. It focuses on initiatives that ensure the discoverability and promotion of Quebec cultural products, both nationally and on digital platforms. Eligible activities include project labor costs, production and implementation expenses, promotional efforts, material and equipment costs, and more, with the possibility of receiving up to 75% of allowable project costs, capped at $750,000.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is exclusively available to companies situated in a specific region as determined by the funding body. Eligibility is confined to ensure alignment with regional and cultural development objectives.
- Businesses headquartered and with their main establishment in Quebec, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$262,500
Creation of a mobile app for the promotion of Quebec literature
$337,500
Creation of a bilingual e-commerce website for Quebec artisans
$600,000
Opening of a cultural center for Quebec visual artists
$375,000
Development of a digital platform to promote independent Quebec music
$450,000
Launching a film festival showcasing Quebecois cinema
$525,000
Development of an interactive exhibit on Quebec heritage
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company’s profile and operations.
- The company must be a Quebec cultural enterprise primarily operating in sectors covered by SODEC.
- The company's head office and main establishment must be located in Quebec.
- Effective control of the company must be majority held by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with their tax residence in Quebec.
- The company must have been in operation for at least two years or have appropriate professional experience.
- Eligible entities include for-profit enterprises, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, or a consortium of Quebec enterprises and sectoral business associations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Programme d'aide aux projets stratégiques targets Quebec-based cultural businesses. Eligible applicants need to meet several criteria related to their geographic and operational status.
- Be a Quebec cultural business primarily operating within SODEC's activity sectors.
- Have its head office and main establishment in Quebec.
- Be majority-owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with fiscal residence in Quebec.
- Have been operational for at least two years or possess appropriate professional experience.
- Can be a for-profit business, non-profit organization, cooperative, or consortium of Quebec cultural companies and business associations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant program does not explicitly list ineligible companies or industries, but it is implied that companies not meeting the core criteria may not apply. Restrictions ensure alignment with the program's cultural and strategic goals.
- Companies not operating within the cultural industries in which SODEC is involved.
- Businesses not located or based in Quebec.
- Entities not majority-controlled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in Quebec.
- Projects receiving support from other SODEC financial aid programs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant program supports strategic projects that provide key leverage for significant impact in their respective fields. These are projects not funded through other SODEC programs and promote substantial benefits to Quebec's cultural industries.
- Direct labor costs associated with the project.
- Professional fees related to the project.
- Production and implementation expenses, including design and testing of a prototype.
- Project-specific material and equipment costs (capped at 50% of the financial aid).
- Project promotion expenses.
- Expenses for acquiring necessary specialized information.
- Transportation fees for equipment and materials.
- Costs for technology adaptation.
- Administration expenses (capped at 10% of the financial aid).
- Other relevant and necessary project expenses, noting that only the expenses borne by the Quebec applicant are eligible for collaborative projects with out-of-province partners.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- The direct labor costs associated with the project.
- Fees related to the project.
- Production and implementation expenses, including design and testing of a prototype, if applicable.
- Material and equipment expenditures specific to the project (limited to 50% of the aid).
- Promotion expenses of the project.
- Costs associated with purchasing specialized, relevant, and necessary information for the project's execution.
- Transportation costs of equipment and material.
- Technological adaptation costs.
- Administrative expenses (limited to 10% of the aid).
- Any other relevant and necessary expenses for the project's execution. In collaborative projects with companies outside Québec, only expenses covered by the applicant company are eligible.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure they are strategic and beneficial to the Quebec cultural industries.
- The pertinence of the project in relation to the business model of the company.
- The major impacts expected for Quebec's cultural industries.
- The quality and realism of the project's implementation plan.
- The project's budget realism, the financing structure, and partner support.
- The ability of the company to successfully execute the project.
- The financial health of the company.
- The experience of the company and the competence of partners involved in the project.
- The quality of the application submission.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Read Guidelines
- Carefully read the program and the application guide before starting your application.
- Step 2: Check Eligibility
- Ensure that your project and organization meet all the eligibility criteria outlined in the guidelines.
- Step 3: Create an Account
- Access the SOD@ccès portal to create an account or log in.
- Step 4: Prepare Application
- Prepare all required documents, including a detailed project proposal, budget forecast, and proof of Quebec residency, if necessary.
- Gather all supporting materials such as letters of intent from partners or any other endorsements.
- Step 5: Online Submission
- Log into the SOD@ccès portal.
- Select the program by the program number 30-56-00.
- Upload all required documents and complete the online application form.
- Step 6: Confirmation
- After submission, receive a confirmation email with your application number for tracking purposes.
- Retain the confirmation for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
This grant supports strategic projects to enhance the competitiveness of Quebec cultural industries, with a focus on exceptional and structuring initiatives.
- Applicants must be Quebec-based cultural enterprises with a majority Canadian ownership.
- Projects must not have received funding from other SODEC financial aid programs.
- The grant covers up to 75% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $750,000.
- Applicants must assume at least 25% of the project budget, including a minimum of 10% as a financial investment.
- Eligible expenses include labor costs, professional fees, production and promotion costs, and technological adaptation costs.
- Evaluations are based on project relevance, potential major impacts, implementation quality, budget realism, and financial health of the enterprise.
- Applications can be submitted anytime via the SOD@ccès secure portal, under the program number 30-56-00.
- Payments are subject to fund availability and approval by the National Assembly.
Apply to this program
Supporting Strategic Cultural Projects in Quebec
The "Programme d’aide aux projets stratégiques" offers financial subsidies to enhance the competitiveness and visibility of Quebec's cultural enterprises that undertake strategic, impactful projects. This initiative is specifically aimed at projects that fall outside the traditional scope of SODEC’s sectoral programs, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the cultural industry.
In-Depth Look at the Programme d’Aide aux Projets Stratégiques
Administered by SODEC, the "Programme d’aide aux projets stratégiques" is a targeted financial support initiative designed to bolster Quebec's cultural industries by supporting unique, strategic projects. This program, which became effective in February 2023 and underwent revisions as recent as January 2024, specifically aims at projects that promise significant enhancements to competitive standing, market visibility, or collaborative ventures in the cultural sector.
The core intent of the program is to bridge the gap for cultural initiatives that do not fit neatly within existing sector-specific financial aid offerings. This ensures that innovative projects with the potential to significantly impact the cultural landscape in Quebec still receive the necessary support to thrive. The grant structure provides up to 75% of eligible project expenditures, with a cap of $750,000. This augments the ability of cultural enterprises to pursue projects that might otherwise be financially prohibitive.
The program places strong emphasis on projects that drive forward the discoverability and appreciation of Quebecois cultural content, whether on national stages or digital platforms. In promoting such projects, SODEC aims to enhance not only the competitiveness and profitability of individual enterprises but to foster sustainable and collaborative growth across the cultural sector. Enterprises are encouraged to pursue partnerships and risk-sharing strategies where feasible, underlining the collaborative ethos at the heart of the grant.
Strict eligibility criteria ensure that the grant supports only those projects and enterprises truly aligned with SODEC’s strategic objectives. Eligible recipients must be Quebec-based cultural companies primarily engaged in SODEC’s areas of focus, with substantial control held by Canadian citizens or permanent residents based in Quebec. Importantly, the program stipulates that companies must demonstrate financial solvency and the potential for project sustainability beyond the life of this grant, ensuring the strategic use of public funds.
Furthermore, applications undergo a rigorous evaluation process where the feasibility, financial solidity, and strategic alignment of proposed projects are meticulously scrutinized. This comparative analysis aids SODEC in its mission to select only the most viable and impactful projects for funding, ensuring that these investments energize Quebec’s cultural industries effectively.
Overall, the "Programme d’aide aux projets stratégiques" represents a dynamic opportunity for cultural enterprises in Quebec. By encouraging strategic thinking, innovation, and collaboration, the program helps ensure that Quebec’s cultural sector not only remains competitive but also distinctive on the global stage. Projects supported by this initiative are positioned to drive significant growth, enabling enterprises to reach new audiences and create sustainable cultural capital for the future.
