Boost your business internationally with the PSCE grant
Learn how the Commercialization and Exportation Support Program helps Quebec SMEs grow
Details about the PSCE
Who is the PSCE for?
- For-profit businesses or cooperatives based in Quebec.
- Businesses with sales under 100 million for the first stream.
- Businesses with sales between 1 million and 100 million for the second stream.
- Businesses with sales over 100 million for the third stream.
- Engage in pre-production and post-production activities.
What exactly is the PSCE?
- A $200 million program over 5 years started in december 2021.
- Aims to promote the products and services of Quebec businesses on local and international markets.
- Divided in three components: strengthening SMBs in their local presence, helping exports outside Quebec and supporting large companies in their international ambitions.
- Managed by Investissement Quebec.
How is helloDarwin involved?
- A dedicated and experienced helloDarwin digital consultant will accompany you through the entire process, from grant application to project mapping.
- Full support and tailored advice to help you plan your project, establish your goals, and manage your partner relationship.
Schedule your call today!
The three streams of the PSCE
Marketing products and services in Quebec
Part 1 of the program is for Quebec SMEs aiming to integrate the province's supply chains and respond to public calls for tender. Offering up to $250,000 annually in non-repayable contributions, covering 50% of eligible costs (minimum expenditure $25,000), the program supports projects such as hiring market development specialists, obtaining certifications, and developing communication strategies including market research. Trademark registration is also eligible, making this program a valuable opportunity for SMEs seeking to strengthen their local market presence and satisfy the requirements of major public-sector clients.
Strengthening the export capacity and international projects
Section 2 of the program supports exports by Quebec SMEs with up to $100,000 in non-repayable assistance (50% for the first project, declining thereafter). It includes hiring specialists, developing export and marketing strategies, and studying foreign markets. The program also provides assistance in obtaining contracts, certifications, setting up foreign offices and registering international trademarks. The aim is to accelerate the commercialization and development of markets outside Quebec for SMEs.
Supporting large companies and international projects
Stream 3 of the program supports major companies in their international projects. It covers the hiring of representatives, obtaining contracts and certifications abroad, setting up offices outside Quebec, and marketing strategies, including digital development and international brand registration. Companies can receive up to $100,000 in non-repayable assistance, with declining funding for successive projects. This component is designed to stimulate the internationalization of large companies, contributing to the province's economy and international influence.
How to take part of the program
Prequalification
First, you must complete the pre-qualification process to determine if you are eligible for the Investissement Quebec program.
Submit an application
Then register with the Ministry to access the portal and gather the required documents. Follow the steps in the questionnaire and complete the application by providing the necessary information.
Analysis of your request
Investissement Quebec will look into your request and analyze it for 4 to 6 weeks and make a decision in 5 to 6 weeks. After receiving confirmation, you will be ready to start your activities.
Grow your business with PSCE!
FAQs & other questions about the PSCE
Who is helloDarwin?
helloDarwin offers a free service that connects the best service provider - including web marketing, video marketing, SEO, video production or ERP/CRM integration - to the companies we support in their digital transformation through dedicated programs and assistance in accessing government grants and subsidies to help them reach their full digital potential.
What is the PSCE?
The PSCE (Programme de soutien à la commercialisation et à l'exportation) is a Quebec government initiative designed to help local companies expand into national and international markets. With a budget of $200 million over five years, the program is divided into three components: support for SMEs in the local market, assistance for exports outside Quebec, and support for large companies in their international projects, effectively managed by Investissement Quebec.
Am I eligible for the PSCE?
To be eligible, your company must be a for-profit, social economy or non-financial cooperative, with sales corresponding to one of the program's three components (<$100 million for the first, between $1 million and <$100 million for the second, and >$100 million for the third). It must operate in an eligible sector, carry out pre-production and post-production activities, and have its head office in Quebec, excluding certain sectors such as agriculture, finance and healthcare, among others.
What projects are eligible to the PSCE?
Projects eligible for PSCE, depending on the component, include hiring market development specialists, developing communication and marketing strategies, and obtaining approvals or certifications for SMEs and large corporations. It also includes setting up offices abroad, studying international markets, and registering trademarks internationally.
All projects related to the commercialization of a new product or service or in a new market (not product development).
How to participate in PSCE?
To participate in the PSCE, your company must first meet the eligibility criteria, namely be a for-profit, social economy or non-financial cooperative, and have sales corresponding to one of the program's three components. In addition, it must engage in pre-production and post-production activities, such as marketing and distribution, and be headquartered in Quebec, while not belonging to excluded sectors such as agriculture, finance or healthcare.
What are the grants offered in the PSCE?
For the first component, a maximum non-repayable contribution of $250,000 per year is available, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses. For the second and third components, companies can receive up to $100,000 in non-repayable support, with a declining rate of assistance for successive projects.
What are the benefits of PSCE?
The PSCE offers significant benefits, in particular by helping Quebec businesses to develop on both local and international markets, thereby strengthening their competitiveness. It offers substantial financial support and personalized coaching through its three components, aimed at increasing sales, creating jobs, and promoting Quebec on a global scale.
How much funding is available for the first phase of the PSCE?
For the first part of the program, companies have access to a grant of up to $250,000 per year. This non-refundable contribution covers 50% of eligible costs, and requires a minimum expenditure of $25,000.
How much funding is available for the second phase of the PSCE?
Under the second component of the PSCE, eligible companies can receive a grant of up to $100,000. This grant helps companies by financing 50% of their expenditure on projects aimed at strengthening their export capacity. The non-refundable contribution covers 50% for the first project, decreasing for subsequent projects.
How much funding is available for the third phase of the PSCE?
For the third component of the program, companies can benefit from a grant of up to $100,000 for their first project, followed by a sliding scale of financing for subsequent projects.
How much time do I have to submit my application for the PSCE?
We don't have an end date for the subsidy. 18 months ago, 1.9 billion dollars were sold in 3 months, so we estimate that by the end of February, the program should be finished.
Can I submit several applications at the same time?
No, it's one application at a time (it's also not possible to apply for both part 1 and part 2).