Support for commercial arteries — Component 2 – Support for economic development projects

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Support for commercial arteries — Component 2 – Support for economic development projects program?

To be eligible for the Support for commercial arteries — Component 2 – Support for economic development projects program, you must: • Business associations in Québec agglomeration representing at least 15 businesses on the same commercial artery or sector

Q: Where is the Support for commercial arteries — Component 2 – Support for economic development projects available?

The Support for commercial arteries — Component 2 – Support for economic development projects program is available the province of QC.

Last Update: August 22, 2025

Québec, QC

Support for economic development initiatives in Quebec’s commercial sectors

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 65% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Support for Commercial Arteries — Component 2 offers non-repayable financial assistance of up to $25,000 per organization to promote the economic development of commercial districts within the Québec agglomeration. Eligible projects include marketing and promotion, strategic positioning, knowledge dissemination, and initiatives that attract or retain businesses and investments in key commercial zones.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable financial contribution covering up to 65% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $25,000 per eligible organization. If multiple eligible organizations submit a joint project, the funding limit is $25,000 multiplied by the number of participating organizations.
The total public financial assistance (municipal, provincial, and federal) for a project cannot exceed 80% of the total project costs.
For promotion projects related to major infrastructure or works altering traffic or parking conditions, the funding cap is $30,000 and cannot exceed 80% of project costs. Eligible work must be conducted at the request of the City of Québec.

Activities funded

Marketing or promotional initiatives for a commercial street or sector.
Development and implementation of strategies to maintain or attract businesses or investments.
Market potential research and knowledge sharing within the business community.
Development, planning, or validation of tools for improved strategic positioning of a commercial street or sector.
Creation, planning, or validation of flagship projects that stimulate business activity in a commercial street or sector.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 24,300

Develop bilingual branding and signage for historic commercial area

$ 24,500

Launch a digital directory for local retailers and promote online

$ 21,100

Conduct a retail vacancy study and market analysis on main street

$ 18,800

Plan winter holiday window contest to increase seasonal sales revenue

$ 24,900

Implement a summer street festival to boost store foot traffic

$ 23,600

Design and distribute eco-friendly promotional kits for local businesses

Eligibility

The applicant must be a business development corporation (SDC) located in the agglomeration of Québec.
Business associations representing at least fifteen (15) businesses on the same commercial artery or sector in the agglomeration of Québec are eligible.
Groups of business associations and/or SDCs are eligible.
Non-profit organizations operating within commercial arteries lacking a business association are also eligible.
The project must support business development and align with the vision and planning of the related business association or non-profit organization.

Who is eligible?

Business development corporations located within the Québec agglomeration
Business associations in the Québec agglomeration representing at least fifteen (15) business locations in the same commercial artery or sector
Groups of business associations and/or business development corporations (SDCs)
Non-profit organizations operating in commercial arteries without a business association group

Who is not eligible

Organizations that are not business development corporations (SDC), business associations, groups of business associations/SDCs, or non-profits located on eligible commercial arteries in the Québec agglomeration.
Projects intended to compete with activities held on another commercial artery.
Organizations proposing projects whose activities are considered controversial or unreasonable for association with the City of Québec by the competent authorities.

Eligible expenses

All costs directly related to the implementation of the project.

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec City
Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures
L’Ancienne-Lorette

Selection criteria

Contribution of the project to the action plan of the business association or non-profit organization.
Mobilization of stakeholders, including the number of organizations supporting the project.
Involvement of businesspeople, such as the number of participating businesses and financial contributions.
Significance of the project’s direct or indirect positive impact on local development.
Project innovation and long-term financial sustainability.

How to apply

Verify eligibility and location

Check that your organization is a commercial development corporation, a business association, a group of such associations, or a non-profit on a commercial artery in the Québec agglomeration
Ensure the project meets eligibility criteria and is not excluded
Verify the project location is within Québec, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, or L’Ancienne-Lorette

Review project and funding criteria

Ensure the project supports business development and targets specified objectives, such as marketing, attraction, market research, or strategic positioning
Review financial aid parameters: maximum 65% of costs (up to $25,000 per RGA/OBNL), overall municipal-provincial-federal aid not exceeding 80% of project costs
Check that project expenses are eligible

Prepare required documents

Obtain the funding application form (PDF) and budget template (XLSX)
Compile all required supporting documents as listed in the application form

Complete application forms

Complete the application form and budget template accurately
Verify that all information and attachments are provided and correct

Submit application package

Submit the complete application dossier as instructed in the funding application form
Retain confirmation of submission for documentation purposes

Additional information

The financial contribution from the City is non-repayable.
The application form includes a required list of supporting documents and details on how to submit your request.
Promotion projects linked to major infrastructure work requested by the City have unique maximum funding conditions.
The total public financial assistance (municipal, provincial, and federal) must not exceed 80% of the total project cost.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Support for commercial arteries — Component 2 – Support for economic development projects Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Support for commercial arteries — Component 2 – Support for economic development projects. 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.