Support program for positioning Quebec alcohol in the SAQ network

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.

• Step 1: Complete the Application Form
  • Fill out the official financial assistance application form provided by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy.
• Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
  • Include required supporting documents, which may include:
  • Certificate of francisation, or alternative documentation issued by the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) if applicable (attestation of registration, analysis receipt, or attestation of implementation).
  • Declaration of conformity with the Employment Equity Program if your business has more than 100 employees and is requesting $100,000 or more.
  • Financial statements for the previous two years.
  • Certificates of compliance for products with IGP or valorizing terms (when relevant).
  • Detailed invoices, supplier proof for ingredients, proof of payment of annual dues (if applicable), documents confirming the use of Quebec-sourced raw materials, and any other documents relevant to your project and requested in the program instructions.
  • Detailed project description and financial breakdown (for associations/organizations under Volet 3).
  • Strategic plan and consultant's service offer, if applicable (for associations).
• Step 3: Submit Application
  • Send the completed application form and all required supporting documents to the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy.
  • Adhere to the deadlines and submission guidelines specified in the program documentation.
• Step 4: Follow-up and Compliance
  • Monitor communication from the Ministry for requests for additional information or clarification.
  • If awarded, sign the required funding agreement specifying the obligations and payment conditions.
  • Submit reporting and evaluation documents as required at the project’s completion and possibly up to three years after project end.

• 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.