Support program for positioning Quebec alcohol in the SAQ network

• Subsidies for eligible companies are based on product category and represent up to 18% of net sales (after client rebates) or a fixed amount per volume sold, depending on the product type.
• The maximum annual financial assistance per company is $450,000 for certain categories, or up to $650,000 per year for combined Volets 1 and 2, with a global cap of $1.95 million from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027.
• Eligible projects under Volet 2 may receive $2 per 750 ml of qualifying product sold, up to $200,000 per year, combined with other aid, up to the overall cap.
• For associations (Volet 3), funding may cover 70% to 75% of eligible expenses, up to $250,000 per year and a maximum of $750,000 over the program duration, with a public funding cumulative ceiling of 80% and a minimum private contribution of 20% required.
• Artisanal wine producers (Volet 4) may receive up to 50% of the pre-tax sales price for eligible wines sold through grocery retailers; the rate is set according to available program budgets and subject to a maximum for the program period.

• The applicant must be a legally incorporated for-profit company, an individual business, or a collective enterprise under Quebec’s social economy legislation, with valid registration in Quebec.
• The business must have an establishment in Quebec and actively conduct operations in the province.
• The company must hold the appropriate artisanal production or distiller’s permit issued by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ), for the specific product category for which aid is requested.
• The business must demonstrate sales through the relevant distribution network (SAQ or grocery stores, depending on the program stream) during the specified reporting periods.
• For association support (Volet 3), the applicant must be a non-profit organization established in Quebec, engaged in the alcoholic beverages or tourism and restaurant sectors, and demonstrate capacity to carry out structuring projects for the industry.

Who is eligible?

• Quebec-based individual businesses and for-profit companies legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian law
• Enterprises collective as defined by Quebec's social economy legislation
• Non-profit organizations (NPOs) legally constituted under Quebec or Canadian law
• Associations or organizations representing producers in the Quebec alcoholic beverages sector
• Businesses holding an artisanal production permit or distiller's permit for alcoholic beverages, or an artisanal production permit for wine

Who is not eligible

• State-owned enterprises or companies majority-controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal) or by a municipal entity.
• Companies primarily engaged in the production or distribution of weapons.
• Businesses involved in the exploration, extraction, production, or refining of fossil fuels (except those transitioning to a low-carbon economy).
• Organizations active in gambling, games of chance, violent games, combat sports involving living beings, sexual exploitation, or production/distribution of tobacco or drugs.
• Applicants listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA) or who have defaulted on previous government financial obligations in the last two years.

Eligible expenses

• Professional fees for external consulting firms.
• Internal labour costs related to the project.
• Travel expenses for training activities, in compliance with Quebec government standards.
• Rental costs for venues used for trade shows or commercial events.
• Internet referencing fees.
• Communication and promotional expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec

• Representativeness of the applicant organization in relation to the sector concerned.
• Ability to manage, supervise, and successfully execute the project.
• Quality and relevance of the project, including alignment with the organization's strategic plan.
• Structural impact and innovation of the proposed activities for industry development.
• Potential benefits and leverage effect on the sector, as well as compliance with government priorities.

• The program is administered by the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, including oversight and accountability monitoring.
• Subsidies are contingent upon the availability of government budget credits at the time of approval.
• A beneficiary must promptly notify the ministry in writing if any additional financial aid is received for the same project.
• Non-compliance with program terms can result in the reduction, cancellation, or reimbursement of funding by written notice from the Minister.