The Commercialization and Export Support Program (PSCE) is preparing to reopen, once again offering Quebec businesses one of the most lucrative grants to support their commercialization and export efforts. In an uncertain economic climate, marked by inflation and market volatility, this government financial aid comes at a crucial time for SMEs seeking new opportunities. The PSCE – a flagship government export support program – was a resounding success in its last edition in 2024, to the point of being closed after only three weeks due to budget constraints. Its upcoming reopening therefore represents a golden opportunity for companies eager to obtain funding for commercialization and expansion into new markets. This blog post explains in detail the economic context of this relaunch, the objectives and components of the PSCE program (components 1, 2 and 3), eligible expenses, eligibility criteria based on your type of business, and the steps to submit an application. You will also discover why it is strategic to prepare in advance and how helloDarwin can support you at every step. Whether you are a small local business or a large company already focused on international markets, the reopening of the PSCE grant could accelerate your growth. Prepare now to take advantage of this financial aid for Quebec businesses for the commercialization and export of your products and services.
Economic context justifying the reopening of the PSCE
In recent years, Quebec businesses have faced a difficult global economic situation. Commercial uncertainty created by the Trump administration's tariff policies and the global economic slowdown have weighed on exports. At the same time, Canada is showing an increased desire to promote internal trade by easing interprovincial barriers, in order to stimulate exchanges between provinces. This context has prompted the Quebec government to strengthen its business support measures to diversify markets.
It is with this in mind that the Quebec government announced the reopening of the PSCE program (Commercialization and Export Support Program). The Minister of Economy, Christine Fréchette, indicated that the program could reopen by fall 2025 to support businesses in their commercialization and export projects. Historically, the PSCE has proven extremely popular: during the last opening in 2024, the application submission window remained open for only three weeks, proof of massive enthusiasm from businesses. In other words, the available funds were exhausted in record time.
Why such interest in the PSCE? On the one hand, current economic uncertainties (high inflation, rising interest rates, market volatility) are pushing businesses to seek financial support to secure their projects. On the other hand, the PSCE meets a need for market diversification: it helps businesses explore new territories (in Quebec, Canada, or internationally) to reduce their dependence on a single market. In an environment where the economic situation can change rapidly, accessing an export and commercialization grant like the PSCE provides a strategic advantage. By reopening this program, Quebec wishes to support the growth of local businesses and strengthen their presence in external markets despite economic turbulence.
In summary, the relaunch of the PSCE is part of the government's response to current economic challenges. It offers businesses a significant financial lever to realize their commercialization and export initiatives, benefiting the entire Quebec economy.
Objectives and components of the PSCE program
The Commercialization and Export Support Program is structured into three distinct components, each with specific objectives and targeting a particular business profile. Regardless of the component, the PSCE takes the form of a non-repayable contribution (a grant) that can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, subject to certain limits. Here is an overview of the three components of the PSCE program and their characteristics.
Component 1: Quebec Markets (first step towards export)
Component 1 of the PSCE aims to strengthen the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises to commercialize their products and services in the Quebec market, as a first step towards export. Specifically, this financial support helps SMEs explore new markets within the province of Quebec and increase their presence in different regions. The objective is also to encourage the integration of businesses into strategic supply chains in Quebec (e.g., becoming a supplier to a major local contractor) and to increase their ability to respond to calls for tenders from major Quebec public buyers. Component 1 also encourages collaboration with local partners to access new regional markets.
In terms of financial aid, Component 1 could offer up to $250,000 per project, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. (These figures are based on the previous edition and remain to be confirmed upon publication of the 2025 applicant guide.) Component 1 generally targets Quebec SMEs with modest or medium turnover (see eligibility criteria below). It serves as a springboard for those who wish to first consolidate their position in Quebec before venturing into external markets.
Component 2: Canadian and International Expansion for SMEs
Component 2 of the PSCE supports Quebec SMEs in their expansion efforts outside Quebec, whether elsewhere in Canada or internationally. Its objective is to support structured interprovincial or international export projects, while encouraging a sustainable development perspective in these projects. More specifically, Component 2 aims to help businesses export to other Canadian provinces (promoting intra-Canada "export") and to increase the visibility of Quebec businesses in the Canadian market outside Quebec. It also covers the first international forays of SMEs by supporting their commercial expansion in foreign markets. In short, if your business has already conquered the Quebec market and wishes to expand elsewhere in the country or abroad, Component 2 is designed to support you in this growth stage.
Financially, Component 2 is expected to offer a maximum contribution of approximately $100,000 per project, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses for a first project. It should be noted that if a company submits several successive projects in this component, the aid rate could decrease (for example, 40% of expenses for a second project, 25% for a third) in order to distribute the envelope among a larger number of beneficiaries. This modality encourages SMEs to prioritize their most strategic projects. Component 2 targets growing SMEs that already have a certain volume of business (there is generally a minimum revenue threshold, see below) and are ready to make themselves known beyond Quebec.
Component 3: Internationalization of Large Enterprises
Component 3 of the PSCE is specifically dedicated to large Quebec companies that wish to intensify their presence in international markets. The stated objective is to promote the international trade of large Quebec companies and encourage them to carry out ambitious internationalization projects. This involves, for example, recruiting specialized resources in international development or export (to equip the company with cutting-edge internal skills) and supporting the establishment of offices, subsidiaries, or commercial representations abroad. In short, Component 3 supports major Quebec industrial and commercial players in their efforts to conquer markets beyond borders.
Regarding financial aid, Component 3 would also offer a maximum of approximately $100,000 per approved project, with a grant rate of up to 50% of the initial project expenses (then 40% and 25% for any second and third projects). This component is aimed at companies whose size and turnover are very significant (large SMEs and established large companies). PSCE Component 3 support can be decisive in realizing complex projects abroad, by halving eligible costs. For the government, the challenge is to stimulate the growth of Quebec's "locomotives" internationally, so that they drive the Quebec economy in their wake.
Eligible expenses of the PSCE program
The PSCE covers a wide range of eligible expenses related to commercialization and export efforts. By obtaining this grant, a company can therefore partially finance many strategic activities that facilitate its expansion into new markets. Here are the main categories of expenses that the program can cover (up to approximately 50%, depending on the component):
Market studies and strategic analyses
– For example, commissioning a market study to target the needs of new customers or evaluate competition in another province/country. These studies help guide the commercialization plan before launching.
Marketing and promotion activities
– This includes creating advertising campaigns for a new market, adapting the website and marketing tools to English or the target language, producing promotional material, and participating in trade shows and international fairs to gain visibility. The PSCE can finance part of the registration fees for trade shows, booth rental, material transport, etc.
Travel and commercial representation expenses
– Overseas trade missions are often costly. The program can cover part of the airfare, accommodation, and living expenses for meeting potential clients outside Quebec or participating in business events abroad. For example, the cost of a prospecting trip to another province or a visit to a foreign distributor may be eligible.
Hiring personnel dedicated to market development
– If you need to recruit an employee whose role will be to develop the targeted market (e.g., an international business development manager or a local sales representative), their salary for the project period can be partially covered. This is significant help to strengthen your team with the skills necessary for export.
Product adaptation and compliance with standards
– Conquering a new market sometimes involves adapting your product or service. The PSCE can finance expenses such as obtaining certifications or approvals required to sell in the target market. For example, a sanitary certification to export a food product, or technical standardization of industrial equipment for a new client. Also eligible are costs related to regulatory compliance (tests, analyses, labeling translation) and logistical adjustments necessary to serve a large client (warehouse layout, inventory adaptation).
Legal and contractual fees related to export
– When it comes time to conclude a distribution contract abroad or protect your intellectual property in a new territory, professional fees apply. The PSCE can partially cover lawyers' fees for drafting or reviewing international contracts, trademark registration fees in other countries, or other related legal costs.
Staff training
– Developing external markets may require training your employees (or yourself) in new skills: second language for customer service, training in the use of an export platform, etc. Training costs directly related to the commercialization/export project are generally among the eligible expenses.
Optimization of production capacities or the logistics chain
– To meet an increase in demand due to export, you may need to optimize your processes. The program can support expenses such as production optimization (adaptation of a production line, small equipment improvements) or increased storage and distribution capacities. The objective is to help the company be able to deliver to the newly conquered markets.
As can be seen, the PSCE essentially covers costs that prepare and facilitate access to new markets. It does not finance the entire project but absorbs a significant portion, thereby reducing the financial risk for the company.
Concrete examples of funded projects: To illustrate, let's take two recent case studies. First, a Quebec retail company obtained approximately $210,000 in aid via PSCE Component 1 to develop a new distribution chain with a major contractor. The project included conducting an in-depth market study, obtaining necessary certifications to become a supplier to this large client, setting up an inventory management system compliant with the requirements of this contractor, hiring several sales representatives to cover the territory, as well as marketing campaigns targeting this new channel. Thanks to these initiatives, 50% financed by the program, this SME was able to penetrate a major regional market in Quebec. Second, a manufacturing company benefited from approximately $180,000 via PSCE Component 2 to expand into the Canadian market (Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia). The project covered the hiring of a new market development manager, the development of an online ordering platform for clients outside Quebec, a prospecting trip to visit potential clients in other provinces, participation in the largest trade show in its industry in Canada, optimization of its production capacity to meet new demand, as well as legal fees to negotiate a distribution contract and product approval required by the distributor. This case demonstrates how the PSCE can support a coherent set of initiatives aimed at successful national expansion, by sharing costs with the company.
Each project is unique, and the PSCE offers the flexibility to finance multiple types of expenses as long as they are part of a well-defined commercialization or export strategy. It is crucial to plan your project well in advance (see below) to maximize the use of these eligible expenses in your application.
Eligibility criteria by business type
The PSCE program is aimed at a wide range of Quebec businesses, but specific eligibility criteria vary depending on the type and size of the business, which determines the appropriate component. Here is a summary of the eligibility conditions by business profile:
PSCE Component 1
– Intended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec with annual turnover of less than $100 million. This component therefore includes micro-enterprises and start-ups as well as established SMEs as long as they do not reach the $100 million annual revenue threshold.
PSCE Component 2
– Designed for growing Quebec SMEs with turnover between approximately $1 million and $100 million. In practice, this means that a certain critical size is required to access markets outside Quebec, generally at least $1 million in annual sales. Businesses eligible for Component 2 could also be eligible for Component 1 if they choose a project in Quebec, but Component 2 is more suitable for national/international projects.
PSCE Component 3
– Targets large Quebec companies with turnover exceeding $100 million. Here, we are talking about national or multinational companies based in Quebec, or very large SMEs exceeding this revenue threshold. These are the companies that can initiate large internationalization projects requiring Component 3 support.
Beyond the financial criterion (turnover), other general conditions apply. The PSCE primarily targets for-profit companies incorporated in Quebec (incorporated companies, etc.). However, social economy organizations such as cooperatives or commercial non-profits may also be eligible, provided they meet the program's revenue criteria and carry out commercialization/export projects comparable to those in the private sector.
It should also be noted that almost all sectors of activity can benefit from the PSCE, with the exception of a few areas excluded by government policies. For example, the agricultural and financial sectors are often excluded from this type of grant (they have their own dedicated programs), as are certain regulated industries. Most manufacturing, service, technology companies, etc., are eligible, but it is always recommended to check the exact list of exclusions in the updated applicant guide once published. In summary, if your company is Quebec-based, generates revenue (regardless of the amount, as long as it is <$100 million for SME components or >$100 million for the large enterprise component) and aims for a commercialization/export project, there is a strong chance that you will be eligible for one of the PSCE components.
Steps to submit a PSCE application
Obtaining a PSCE grant requires following a structured application process. Given the program's popularity and competition among applicants, it is essential to prepare each submission step carefully. Here are the steps to follow to maximize your chances of success:
Monitor the official announcement and program opening
– The first step is to stay informed about government communications regarding the PSCE. The reopening is expected around fall 2025, but the exact date will be announced by the Ministry of Economy or Investissement Québec. As soon as the program is officially launched, companies will be able to submit their applications. Keep in mind that during the last edition, the submission window was limited to only 3 weeks. You will therefore need to be ready to act quickly as soon as it opens, as funds could again be allocated very quickly.
Check your company's eligibility
– Before investing time in preparing an application, ensure that your company and your project meet the PSCE eligibility criteria. Identify which component corresponds to your profile: Component 1 if you are an SME with less than $100 million in turnover targeting the Quebec market, Component 2 if you are an SME (≥$1 million in turnover) targeting Canada/international, or Component 3 if you are a large company (>$100 million in turnover). Also check that your sector of activity is not excluded from the program. This preliminary step will prevent you from preparing a file destined for ineligibility.
Define the commercialization/export project
– This is the core of your application. Clearly describe what you want to achieve with the grant. Which market are you targeting (a region of Quebec, other provinces, one or more foreign countries)? What products or services do you want to commercialize in this new market? List the specific activities you plan to undertake with PSCE aid (for example: conducting a market study, hiring an export manager, participating in an international trade show, adapting your product to European standards, etc.). Also define a timeline (e.g., over 12 months) and measurable objectives – for example, "obtain 3 new clients in Ontario in the first year." The more structured and detailed your project, the more confidence it will inspire during evaluation. Don't forget to budget for each planned activity, as you will need to provide a budget of eligible expenses in the application.
Gather required documents
– The PSCE application will require several supporting documents. It is best to prepare them in advance. These typically include: recent financial statements of the company (to demonstrate your turnover and financial health), legal proof of Quebec business status (e.g., NEQ, articles of incorporation), and a business plan or marketing plan related to your commercialization/export project. This plan can be a more detailed description of the project defined in step 3, including market analysis, strategy, resources involved, etc. It will be the pivotal document of your PSCE file. Other documents may be requested depending on the component, such as letters of intent from partners (distributors, clients) or quotes for certain expenses (e.g., an agency quote for a marketing campaign, a trade show submission, etc.). By preparing these elements in advance, you will be able to submit a complete file without delay as soon as the program opens.
Submit the application online
– PSCE applications are submitted via an online portal (managed by Investissement Québec or the relevant ministry). On the day, you will need to fill out the electronic form with information about your company and your project, then upload the documents prepared in step 4. It is strongly advised, if available, to start with an online pre-qualification form to check the eligibility of your company/project before official submission. This pre-diagnosis (when it exists) will prevent you from wasting time on a non-compliant application. Once the form is completed and all documents attached, carefully reread everything to ensure no information is missing – an incomplete application could be rejected outright. Finally, validate the submission. Ideally, carry out this step at the beginning of the submission period: for a "first come, first served" program, submitting in the first few days increases your chances before funds are exhausted.
Follow up and await decision
– After submission, an acknowledgment of receipt will be sent to you. At this stage, your role is to be available for any questions or requests for clarification from the program analysts. Sometimes, grant instructors may request additional information or clarifications during the evaluation. Be sure to respond quickly so as not to delay the processing of your file. The decision time may vary (a few weeks to a few months). If accepted, you will receive an offer letter specifying the amount of aid granted and the conditions to be met. You will generally need to sign a grant agreement. Congratulations, your project is then partly financed by the PSCE! All that remains is to implement the described activities, then submit proof of expenses to obtain the agreed reimbursement.
By rigorously following these steps, you put all the chances on your side to secure the PSCE grant. The key is anticipation and responsiveness: a file ready as soon as it opens and submitted quickly has a better chance of passing the filter in a program where demand is high.
Why preparing in advance is strategic
If you plan to take advantage of the PSCE, do not underestimate the importance of early preparation. Here's why it's strategic to plan your approach well before the program's official opening:
A very short submission window:
As mentioned, the PSCE was a victim of its own success in 2024, closing after only three weeks. It is very likely that the next opening will generate similar enthusiasm. Preparing in advance allows you to submit your application in the first few days and avoid being caught off guard by a premature closing of registrations. Many companies that waited too long missed the opportunity during the last edition – do not repeat this mistake.
Quality of the application:
Building a strong grant application takes time. By starting early, you have the leisure to refine each section, gather good letters of support, obtain detailed quotes from suppliers, or even have your plan reviewed by a colleague. A well-prepared and complete application will have a better chance of convincing evaluators, especially since competition will be fierce. Conversely, a sloppy or incomplete application risks being rejected without notice.
Adaptation to future criteria:
As you prepare your project (mid-2025), the 2025 PSCE applicant guide may not yet be published. By preparing your project in advance, you will be able to quickly adjust your application as soon as the final criteria are released. For example, if an expense ceiling or new requirements are announced, you can adapt your budget or add the required document without doing everything at the last minute. Regulatory monitoring and flexibility of your plan are easier to manage when you are ahead of the curve.
Mobilization of internal resources:
Preparing an application also involves mobilizing your internal team (management, finance, sales, etc.). By starting early, you can plan meetings to define the export strategy, allocate time to the employee who will write the application, or check the availability of internal funds to co-finance the project. Remember that the PSCE only covers part of the expenses (50% generally) – you must be able to finance the rest. By anticipating, you ensure that your cash flow or other funding sources will be ready to supplement the grant.
Synergy with other programs:
Quebec and Canada offer other financial aid to businesses for export (e.g., the federal CanExport SME program, sectoral programs, etc.). Upfront preparation allows you to examine the possibility of combining the PSCE with these other levers. For example, you could plan to use CanExport for the international travel portion and the PSCE for the hiring and marketing portion. Some expenses not covered by the PSCE could be covered by another program. This orchestration requires research and coordination time, which is another argument for starting early.
In short, being proactive in your PSCE approach can make the difference between obtaining or not obtaining the grant. It gives you a temporal, qualitative, and strategic advantage. Given the potential impact (tens of thousands of dollars at stake and an acceleration of your commercial growth), it is well worth the effort. And do not hesitate to seek help in this preparation: experts like helloDarwin can guide you so that you are ready when the time comes.
How helloDarwin can support you in the process
Setting up a commercialization/export project and submitting a grant application can seem complex tasks. This is where helloDarwin can play a decisive role by supporting you throughout the process. helloDarwin is a company specializing in helping businesses obtain government funding and realize their growth projects. Here's how their services can be useful for the PSCE:
In-depth expertise on grants
– helloDarwin's advisors have extensive experience in government assistance programs. At the heart of the growth of more than 15,000 supported companies, helloDarwin has developed a platform bringing together more than 6,000 partner suppliers and especially specialists in researching, writing, and obtaining government funds. With more than 3,000 grants obtained via their platform, they perfectly master the intricacies of the PSCE and similar programs. Calling on them means benefiting from know-how to build a solid application, compliant with evaluators' expectations, and maximize your chances of success.
Support in drafting the application
– Preparing a PSCE application requires time and a certain writing ease (in administrative French, in particular). helloDarwin can support you in drafting the project plan, formulating objectives, and highlighting the economic benefits of your initiative. Their experts will help you translate your ideas into a convincing argument, while ensuring that each section of the form is correctly filled out and that all necessary supporting documents are included. This support allows you to avoid common errors and to have a clear, complete, and impactful application.
Supplier network for your projects
– Often, securing a grant is just the beginning of the adventure: you still need to successfully complete the project. On this front, helloDarwin offers a unique advantage. Thanks to its platform of more than 6,000 verified suppliers (marketing experts, translation agencies, export consultants, e-commerce developers, etc.), helloDarwin can help you find the best partners to execute the activities planned in your funded project. For example, if you need a market study in Germany, they can connect you with a consultant specializing in that country. If you plan a Canada-wide web campaign, they will help you find the ideal marketing agency. By quickly connecting you with the right suppliers, you save time and increase the potential quality of your project deliverables – which, upstream, also strengthens your application (since you can mention that you have identified qualified partners for each task).
Time savings and efficiency
– Entrusting helloDarwin with the support means relieving yourself of a good part of the monitoring, assembly, and administrative follow-up work, allowing you to focus on your core business. The grant application process can be heavy: forms, exchanges with authorities, follow-ups... helloDarwin specialists know the pitfalls to avoid and the best practices to adopt. They will guide you step by step, from the initial diagnosis (evaluating your eligibility, choosing the right component) to the finalization of the application and even beyond (post-submission follow-up, advice for managing the grant once obtained). This personalized support saves you valuable time and significantly increases your chances of success, as your application will benefit from an expert eye before being submitted. In short, helloDarwin acts as an accelerator and securer of your PSCE process.
By teaming up with helloDarwin, you put all the chances on your side to obtain the PSCE and successfully carry out your commercialization/export project. Their support ensures you navigate serenely through the program's requirements, while benefiting from reliable resources to realize your ambitions in new markets.
Conclusion
The imminent reopening of the PSCE program represents an exceptional opportunity for Quebec businesses seeking to stimulate their commercial growth. Whether your goal is to gain market share in Quebec, launch into the rest of Canada, or conquer international markets, this export and commercialization grant can finance a significant portion of your efforts. We have seen that the PSCE includes three components adapted to the size and needs of each company – from supporting local SMEs that want to structure their commercialization in Quebec, to supporting large companies targeting global markets. Eligible expenses are broad, covering market studies, marketing, travel, specialized hires, and certifications or adaptations necessary for success abroad.
In the current economic context, taking advantage of such government financial aid helps reduce risks and accelerate projects that, without it, might remain on the drawing board. But it must be kept in mind that time is a critical factor: the PSCE attracts many applicants and funds are limited. Hence the importance of preparing your application carefully and in advance, to be among the first ready when registrations open.
Finally, do not hesitate to seek support. Experts like helloDarwin can make the difference between an approved or rejected application, by providing you with the expertise, resources, and support necessary from start to finish of the process. Thanks to a good partner and rigorous preparation, your company will be able to fully seize the opportunity of the PSCE and accelerate its commercialization and export strategy. In short, the Quebec PSCE program is much more than a grant: it is a springboard for growth, diversification, and success in new markets. Prepare now, and put all the chances on your side to benefit from it when it reopens!
