Support for mobilising projects

Who is eligible?

This grant is aimed at supporting innovation projects by legally constituted enterprises or groups of enterprises in all sectors of activity, as well as social economy enterprises, that have an establishment operating in Quebec.

• Enterprises or groups of enterprises legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian laws with an active establishment in Quebec.
• Social economy enterprises as defined under the Act on the Social Economy (RLRQ, chapter E-1.1.1).
• Entities not registered in the Register of enterprises not eligible for public contracts (RENA).
• Entities who have fulfilled their previous financial obligations towards the Ministry of Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec within the last two years.
• Enterprises that are not state-owned or controlled by any government entities.
• Enterprises that are not under bankruptcy protection or are not holding companies.
• Enterprises or projects that do not adversely impact the ethical image of the Quebec government.
• Enterprises whose business activities do not include prohibited sectors such as arms, fossil fuel production (unless for transitioning purposes), gambling, erotic services, or similar areas.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure the integrity and appropriate allocation of funds for innovation projects.

• Companies listed on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
• Organizations that failed to meet their obligations from previous financial aids within the past two years.
• State-owned enterprises or those directly/indirectly controlled by a government entity.
• Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
• Holding companies.
• Companies with ethical issues that could harm the image of the Quebec government.
• Businesses involved in arms production or distribution.
• Entities associated with fossil fuel activities, except those working towards a low-carbon transition.
• Businesses related to gambling, violent games, or combat sports involving living beings.
• Companies in the sexual exploitation business.
• Entities focusing on tobacco or drugs, except those related to cannabis and industrial hemp.
• Projects or activities primarily based on religion, politics, or advocacy protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Eligible expenses

The grant supports innovative projects across different phases, focusing on the development and commercialization of products or processes. The activities aim to ensure successful implementation while overcoming technological and business challenges.

• Conducting preliminary activities and studies essential for planning and executing the project, such as project setup with partners and market or technical studies.
• Validation of the concept to ensure feasibility and alignment with project goals.
• Development or improvement of a product or process through design, engineering, and prototyping.
• Testing and validating the product or process through prototype testing, pilot production trials, and laboratory demonstrations.
• Developing a commercialization plan and preparing for certification or homologation.
• Demonstrating the product or process in real operational situations outside of laboratories to scale up and finalize development.
• Setting up a technology showcase at a partner's site to mitigate potential clients' risk perceptions and facilitate the product or process's market entry.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available for companies that are legally constituted and operational within Quebec, Canada. It aims to support companies that are based in these locations to foster regional innovation and economic development.

• Companies with an establishment in Quebec, Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The financial assistance provided is non-refundable.
• Projects with higher innovation levels and potential benefits are prioritized for funding, especially in the context of economic recovery.
• For collaborative projects involving multiple businesses, there are specific conditions regarding remuneration and contributions between parties.
• Private contributions in cash must cover at least 25% of eligible expenses, or 20% for social economy enterprises.
• Assistance can’t be combined with other financial aid from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation or Investissement Québec.
• Applications are continuously accepted and processed, but the financial aid must align with the budgetary availability.
• There is a maximum cap of $500,000 per company for the duration of the program.