Export your business 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?

Be a for-profit business or a cooperative based in Quebec.
Engage in pre-production or post-production activities.
Have an annual revenue:
- Stream 1: less than $100 million.
- Stream 2: between $1 million and $100 million.
- Stream 3: more than $100 million.
Intend to integrate into a supply chain in Quebec.
Have a project aimed at commercializing outside Quebec.

What exactly is the PSCE?

Support Program for Commercialization and Export (PSCE) supports Quebec-based businesses.
- Stream 1: Up to $250,000 to integrate into a supply chain.
- Stream 2: Up to $100,000 to export outside Quebec.
- Stream 3: Up to $100,000 for large company projects.
Eligible expenses: hiring, studies, marketing, certifications, trade missions.

How is helloDarwin involved?

A dedicated and experienced digital advisor from helloDarwin supports you at every step, from the grant application to the full planning of your project. Benefit from personalized guidance, practical advice, and strategic support to structure your initiative, achieve your goals, and collaborate effectively with a qualified supplier.

The three streams of the PSCE

Marketing products and services in Quebec

Supports SMEs seeking to integrate into strategic supply chains or public procurement in Quebec. Offers up to $250,000 per year, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses. Eligible costs include hiring commercial staff, certifications, marketing strategies, market studies, inventory management, and trademark registration.

Strengthening the export capacity and international projects

Helps SMEs develop and expand into markets outside Quebec. Provides up to $100,000 per year, with a contribution rate ranging from 25% to 50%. Eligible expenses include export-related hiring, trade missions, international marketing, market studies, certifications, and setting up operations abroad.

Supporting large companies and international projects

Supports large companies with high-impact internationalization projects. Offers up to $100,000 per year, with a decreasing funding rate per project. Eligible expenses include hiring international reps, digital marketing, certifications, trademark registration, and establishing foreign subsidiaries or offices.

How to take part of the program

To benefit from the support of Investissement Québec, a structured process must be followed. This process allows for the verification of your eligibility and ensures a rigorous handling of your financing request.

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.

Step 3: receive candidates in your inbox

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

Please refer to our FAQ to better understand this grant program, how it works, the eligibility criteria, the amounts offered, and how helloDarwin can assist you throughout the process.

Who is helloDarwin?

helloDarwin is an innovative platform that simplifies the search for grants and connects businesses with B2B service providers. We offer a turnkey service to identify, analyze, and draft grant applications tailored to the needs of businesses. With our interactive platform featuring over 3,000 Canadian grants, helloDarwin supports clients at every step of securing funding, maximizing acceptance rates, and driving business growth across Canada.

Our platform also facilitates connections between businesses and specialized providers for projects such as app development, digital transformation, and marketing strategy. With more than 6,000 verified suppliers, we assist you in selecting the ideal business partner, offering a human and personalized approach to optimize your company’s growth.

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.