Support for biofood exports - individual projects
QC, Canada
SEB supports Quebec agri-food market expansion outside Quebec
grant_single|update March 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)
- Export Group
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The SEB program, funded by MAPAQ, offers financial assistance of up to $100,000 for regular projects and $250,000 for large exporter projects to support Quebec-based agri-food businesses in increasing sales outside Quebec through marketing and market development activities. Eligible activities include expenses for trade shows, marketing, business development fees, and travel outside Quebec.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers defined financial support mechanisms for Quebec-based agri-food businesses aiming to expand outside Quebec. The assistance is tailored to support both regular and large export projects with specific financial stipulations.
- Financial assistance covers 50% of eligible expenses for both Regular and Large Exporter Individual Projects.
- The maximum financial aid for a Regular Project is capped at $100,000.
- For a Large Exporter Project, the funding limit is set at $250,000.
- An additional bonus of 10% of eligible expenses is available for projects predominantly involving certified organic food products.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports individual marketing and market development projects aimed at increasing sales of Quebec agri-food products outside Quebec. Eligible projects focus on strategic activities to enhance market entry and presence.
- Participation in the GS1 Product Registry.
- Hiring a market development specialist.
- Marketing activities to promote products in new markets.
- Engaging in business development through consultancy fees.
- Attending trade shows to showcase products.
- Organizing travel and accommodations for business development outside Quebec.
- Hosting potential clients in Quebec to establish business relationships.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 100,000
Launching a new organic product line in the USA
$ 112,500
Promoting maple syrup in the Asian market
$ 125,000
Expanding the market reach for vegan snacks in Europe
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, companies must meet specific registration and operational criteria, as well as additional conditions based on their revenue and market goals.
- The company must be registered with the Quebec Business Registry (REQ) and have an operational facility in Quebec.
- The company must meet at least one of the following characteristics:
- Be a food processor.
- Be an agricultural operation.
- Be in the fisheries or commercial aquaculture sector.
- Be a company outsourcing its food processing, provided:
- The majority of subcontracting is carried out to one or more food processing establishments in Quebec.
- If all food processing is outsourced, the applicant must declare an economic activity related to the food or beverage industry to the Quebec Business Registry (REQ).
- The project must focus on the applicant's food products processed in Quebec either by themselves or through subcontracting.
- Additional criteria depending on the export market:
- For projects targeting Canada (outside Quebec):
- The company must have a minimum revenue of CAD 1 million.
- Hold a license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
- Must have marketed products outside Quebec for at least two years or regularly sell in at least one other Canadian province or territory.
- For projects targeting international markets (outside Canada):
- The company must have a minimum revenue of CAD 2 million.
- Hold a license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
- Must have marketed products outside Canada for at least three years or regularly sell internationally for at least one year.
- Possess an import-export program account with the Canada Revenue Agency.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is intended for Quebec-based biofood companies looking to develop or strengthen their presence in markets outside Quebec. Eligible companies must be registered in Quebec, generate a minimum revenue of $1 million, and operate in specific sectors of the biofood industry:
- Food processors operating in Quebec.
- Agricultural businesses located in Quebec.
- Companies in the fisheries or commercial aquaculture sectors based in Quebec.
- Companies that rely primarily on subcontracting in Quebec for food processing.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant specifically targets well-established companies in the biofood sector with significant prior experience in exporting. Restrictions are in place to direct financial support toward projects that genuinely enhance the presence of Quebec biofood products on national and international markets. The grant does not apply to:
- Companies not registered in Quebec.
- Companies with no prior export experience.
- Pre-commercialization projects.
- Companies with annual revenue below $1 million.
- Companies not operating in the biofood sector.
- Companies that do not hold a license from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant allows for reimbursement of specific costs essential for the marketing and market development of bioalimentaire products outside Quebec.
- GS1 product registration costs.
- Salary for a market development specialist.
- Marketing expenses.
- Business development fees.
- Professional trade show attendance costs.
- Travel and accommodation expenses outside Quebec.
- Costs for hosting potential clients in Quebec.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Support for Biofood Exports program targets Quebec-based agri-food businesses. Eligible companies must have operations within Quebec but aim to explore or expand their reach into markets outside Quebec.
- Quebec-based businesses aiming to export outside Quebec within Canada.
- Quebec-based companies targeting international markets outside Canada.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that assess the project’s relevance, quality, and alignment with the objectives of the Soutien aux exportations bioalimentaires program.
- Pertinence and quality of the project:
- Structured approach and level of preparation of the company.
- Suitability between the activities proposed and the objectives of the company.
- Demonstration of realistic potential benefits in Quebec.
- Company's capacity to successfully execute the project.
- Demonstration that the project aligns with and supports the objectives of the SEB program.
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Prequalification
- Download the prequalification and financial data form (Excel file) from the website once the program opens.
- Complete the forms with the required information.
- Send the completed forms to seb@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca.
Step 2: Submission of the Complete Application
- Once prequalification is successful, you will receive an email with the necessary forms.
- Fill out the application form along with a recent export plan.
- Complete the project cost form, including supporting documents for the selected activities.
- Submit the application within 20 business days of receiving the forms.
Step 3: Application Review
- The submitted application will undergo analysis based on various criteria, such as the relevance and quality of the project.
Step 4: Disbursement of Financial Aid
- Receive a contribution agreement outlining the granted amount and the terms of the financial aid.
- Provide the required supporting documents for the disbursement of the aid.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program offers a 10% bonus on eligible expenses for projects involving a majority of certified organic food products.
- Eligible expenses need to include activities listed in the Applicant Guide, with a detailed table of allowable expenses provided in the annex.
- A contribution agreement will detail the granted amount and associated terms after project approval.
- Justifications and verifications of expenses are required for financial disbursements.
- The project must have a duration of 12 months (regular project) or 24 months (large exporter).
grant_single_labels|contact
seb@groupexport.ca
