Export your business with the PSCE grant
Learn how the Commercialization and Exportation Support Program helps Quebec SMEs grow
Join the 25,000 organizations on the helloDarwin platform
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.
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 a Canadian digital platform and custom consulting service that helps businesses secure non-dilutive public funding—grants, tax credits, wage subsidies, and subsidized loans—without giving up equity. It combines a searchable database of 4,000+ government programs (over $760M in available support) with smart matching that aligns opportunities to a company’s sector, province, and project type. The platform automates eligibility checks, monitors new programs weekly, and provides real-time application tracking.
In parallel, helloDarwin’s advisors deliver tailored diagnostics, funding strategies, application writing, and coordination with funders. It supports projects such as digital transformation, AI adoption, hiring and training, market expansion, sustainability, R&D, and capital investment, with strong expertise serving SMBs in retail, food processing, hospitality, agriculture, arts and culture, construction, manufacturing, and tourism across Canada.
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).