How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $25000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2024-05-31T00:00:00Z.

Who are the financial supporters of the Productivity - Small commercial companies?

Productivity - Small commercial companies is funded by Quebec City

What are Productivity - Small commercial companies's eligibility criterias?

The company must operate within the commercial sector. Must be classified as a small business according to local regulations. The business should demonstrate potential for productivity improvement.

Productivity - Small commercial companies

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Funding support for Canadian business innovation and growth

Productivity - Small commercial companies at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $15,000 to $25,000
Up to 35% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : November 23, 2023
Closing date : May 31, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Quebec City

Program status

Open

Overview of the Productivity - Small commercial companies program

Contribution to support retail businesses, restaurants, and companies offering services to tourists in addressing their workforce recruitment challenges by acquiring production equipment, operational tools, or technologies that help improve productivity (projects ranging from $15,000 to $75,000).

Eligible projects & activities

This grant is designed to enhance productivity among small commercial companies by supporting key business improvement activities. Applicants can fund initiatives that drive efficiency, innovation, and growth in their operations.

Investment in technology upgrades and digital transformation projects.
Implementation of process improvements to streamline operations.
Development and launch of new products or services to capture market opportunities.
Training programs aimed at upskilling employees and enhancing workforce capabilities.
Marketing and export readiness activities to expand into new markets.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 25,000

Purchase mobile payment terminals to facilitate quick transactions in a Vancouver food truck

$ 25,000

Purchase automated ordering kiosks to streamline customer flow in a busy downtown restaurant

$ 17,500

Acquire advanced digital marketing tools to enhance online visibility for a tourism company

$ 25,000

Implement a CRM system to enhance customer relationship management for a tourism company

$ 25,000

Upgrade kitchen equipment to improve efficiency in a popular Calgary bakery

$ 25,000

Install automated checkout systems in a busy Toronto retail store to improve customer flow

Eligibility criteria of the Productivity - Small commercial companies program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's profile and capabilities.

The company must be based in Canada.
It must be a for-profit entity registered with the Canadian government.
The company should have been in operation for at least two years.
The annual revenue should not exceed CAD 10 million.
The business must demonstrate innovation in products or services.

Who is eligible?

Yes, there are eligible types of companies for this grant. The grant is designed to support specific businesses in the retail, restaurant, and tourism service sectors to overcome workforce challenges through the acquisition of productivity-enhancing equipment or technologies.

Private incorporated companies
Social economy enterprises (non-profits and cooperatives) with predominantly commercial activities
Franchises with five (5) establishments or less having their head office in Quebec
Companies with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees

Who is not eligible

Yes, there are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.

Vehicle dealerships
Auto parts retailers
Gas stations
Collaborative tourist accommodations (e.g., Airbnb, Home Away)
Purely online businesses
Social economy enterprises (NPOs and co-ops) that do not demonstrate sound democratic governance
Applicants not cleared from a bankruptcy judgment
Companies listed on the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts
Applicants who failed to meet obligations from a previous grant from the City of Quebec within the last two years
Applicants with outstanding debts to the City of Quebec
Projects with discriminatory nature, controversy, or negative image risk for the City of Quebec
One-time event-based projects

Eligible expenses

The eligible projects for this grant focus on stimulating economic growth and enhancing technological advancement in strategic sectors. These activities aim to support research, development, and the deployment of innovative solutions across industries.

Research and development in advanced manufacturing technologies.
Implementation of digital transformation initiatives in traditional industries.
Commercialization of cutting-edge biomedical research projects.
Deployment of clean technology innovations in the energy sector.
Capacity building and skills development for workforce readiness in emerging tech fields.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to small commercial companies located in specific geographical areas as determined by the funding body. The eligibility is focused on aligning with regional productivity enhancement goals.

Companies must be located within Canadian provinces or territories.

Eligibility criteria of the Productivity - Small commercial companies program

The grant for small commercial businesses includes specific evaluation and selection criteria to determine the eligibility and feasibility of the proposed projects. These criteria focus on the demonstration of productivity improvement, response to labor challenges, financial capacity, and overall project viability.

Demonstration of the increase in productivity and addressing of labor issues
Financial capacity of the applicant to complete the project and achieve objectives
Viability and coherence of the submitted project (including the relevance of the project, realism of the financial plan, and involved partners)
Demonstration of problems resolved by the project

How to apply to the Productivity - Small commercial companies program

Check eligibility

Confirm that your business entity meets the eligibility criteria (for example, established private company, social economy enterprise, franchise with five or fewer establishments, 50 employees or fewer).
Verify that your business operates in the specified sectors (retail, restaurant, tourism services) and is located in the specified areas (Quebec City metropolitan area or Wendake).

Define the scope of the project

Identify the equipment, technology, or services needed to address workforce recruitment issues and improve productivity.
Ensure that the project meets the minimum expenditure threshold of $15,000 and aligns with the grant objectives.

Collect the required documentation

Prepare the necessary financial documents and project details demonstrating financial capacity and project viability.
Gather professional estimates or quotes for the equipment, technology, or services you wish to acquire.

Complete the application form

Download the application form (PDF: 140 KB) from the specified link.
Fill out the form with accurate and complete information regarding your business, the scope of the project, financial aspects, and expected outcomes.

Submit the request

Compile the completed application form and all supporting documents.
Submit the application before the deadline, ensuring that all documents comply with the requirements specified in the form.

Wait for the assessment and the decision

The municipal authorities will review the submitted request to assess its eligibility, financial feasibility, and projected impact on productivity and labor issues.
Wait for a response from the authorities regarding the status of your application.

Follow-up

If approved, comply with monitoring requirements, including any potential on-site visits by the city to verify the effectiveness of the acquired equipment or technology.
Ensure that you continue to meet ongoing conditions, such as maintaining business operations in the specified area.

Additional information

This grant aims to assist retail businesses, restaurants, and tourist service providers in overcoming labor recruitment challenges by funding the acquisition of equipment or technologies to improve productivity.

Eligibility is limited to private incorporated businesses, social economy enterprises, and franchises with a maximum of five establishments.
The maximum financial contribution is $25,000 per project, covering up to 35% of eligible expenses.
The equipment or technology acquired must address productivity and labor issues, with the city reserving the right to inspect for efficiency within 12 months post-grant.

Apply to this program