SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives

Q: How much funding can be received?

SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $100000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives a grant, loan, or tax credit?

SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives?

SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives is funded by Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

Q: Who is eligible for the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives program?

To be eligible for the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives program, you must: • Be a for-profit company headquartered in Quebec • Operate in the cultural sectors supported by SODEC • Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity and management structure

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives?

You can contact Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) by email at Musique.Internationale@sodec.gouv.qc.ca.

Q: Where is the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives available?

The SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives program is available the province of QC.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports major cultural export projects with international development potential

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The SODEXPORT – Component 5: Strategic Initiatives grant offers up to $100,000 or 50% of eligible project costs to support significant projects that enhance the international development and competitiveness of Quebec’s cultural enterprises. Eligible activities include salaries and fees, promotional expenses, international and local transportation, accommodation, interpretation services, and other project-related costs.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial assistance covers up to 50% of eligible project expenses, with a maximum amount of $100,000 per project.
The combined total of all government aid (provincial and federal, including tax credits) may not exceed 70% of the total project budget.
The applicant must contribute at least 30% of the project’s overall budget.

Activities funded

Implementation of large-scale projects that are considered significant for a company or the cultural industry.
Initiatives showing unique and exceptional characteristics that are structuring for the company or the sector.
Strategic actions aimed at substantial international development and increasing the international profile of Quebec's cultural enterprises.
Projects that enhance the company's or industry's ability to undertake major international initiatives.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 35,000

International launch of Quebec artisan crafts through pop-up stores

$ 48,500

Organizing a Quebec contemporary art showcase at Art Basel Miami

$ 35,000

Developing and promoting an export-ready music catalogue in Germany

$ 49,000

Designing an international digital marketplace for Quebec animated films

$ 35,500

Launching an international book rights sale drive at London Book Fair

$ 50,000

Hosting international buyers for a site-specific immersive arts festival

Eligibility

The applicant must be a Quebec-based cultural enterprise operating in one of the following sectors: audiovisual, music and variety shows, book publishing, arts and crafts, visual arts market, or interactive works within these domains.
The business must have a management structure and the necessary competencies to undertake and complete the proposed activities, as well as the financial foundation to carry them to completion.
The company must comply with Quebec ownership requirements as detailed by SODEC for its sector.
The project must be unique, exceptional, and have a significant structuring impact on the company or the industry; projects eligible for other SODEXPORT components are not admissible under this stream.
Previous obligations to SODEC, if any, must have been met for prior participation in SODEXPORT or other SODEC programs.

Who is eligible?

Companies in the audiovisual sector
Companies in the music and variety show sector
Companies in the book and publishing sector
Companies in crafts and art market
Companies involved in interactive works within these domains

Who is not eligible

Companies operating outside the cultural industries supported by SODEC (audiovisual, music and variety shows, book publishing, arts and crafts, art markets, and interactive works in these fields).
Businesses whose head office is not located in Quebec.
Companies that do not meet the Quebec ownership requirements as specified by SODEC for each sector.
Applicants submitting projects eligible under other components of the SODEXPORT program (i.e., projects that fit another component cannot be submitted under Component 5).

Eligible expenses

Salaries and professional fees directly related to the project.
Promotion, press, and advertising expenses (including both traditional and digital media).
International and local transportation costs in economy class.
Accommodation expenses in the targeted territories.
Interpreter fees, if applicable.
Other pertinent and necessary expenses required for project realization.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies with a head office located in Quebec.

Selection criteria

Relevance of the project to the development of the company or the industry.
Capacity of the company to complete the project, including prior export experience.
Expected international development outcomes.
Specificity of the project to the targeted territory, innovative approach, or exceptional nature.
Realism of projected costs and anticipated benefits for the company or industry, including foreign contributions to the project’s financial structure.

How to apply

Review program guidelines

Read the program guide to become familiar with eligibility criteria and specific requirements
Download the latest templates for your application

Gather required documents

Prepare the required documentation (project description, target markets, activities, financial forecasts, etc.)
Ensure all documents are up-to-date, complete, valid, and, where required, signed by authorized individuals

Access the SOD@ccès portal

Log into the SOD@ccès secure online portal
Create a user profile or use your login codes if you are already registered
Select program number 40-53-05 for Strategic Initiatives

Complete and upload application

Complete the application form for Component 5
Upload all required and properly completed documents using the download templates

Submit the application

Submit the completed application through SOD@ccès at least eight weeks before the project start date
Ensure the application is signed by an authorized person

Sign the funding agreement

If the application is accepted, sign the contract specifying the financial assistance details

Submit final report

Within three months after project completion, submit a detailed final report (activities, expenses, and, if applicable, sales report)
Provide any supporting document requested by SODEC, if required

Additional information

All required documents must be up to date, complete, and signed by authorized individuals at the time of application.
Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the start of proposed activities and only through the SOD@ccès secure portal.
Regularly updated templates for applications are available and should be downloaded from the SODEC website before completing the submission.
A final report including detailed activity, expense, and, if applicable, sales reports must be submitted within three months after project completion.

Contacts

Musique.Internationale@sodec.gouv.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the SODEXPORT — Component 5: Strategic initiatives. 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.