Bourse de démarrage et repreneuriat — Ville de Québec
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
The Ville de Québec startup and business-takeover grant (Bourse de démarrage et repreneuriat) supports new business creation and business acquisitions (repreneuriat) within Québec City limits, offering non-repayable contributions to eligible entrepreneurs. The program is part of the Vision entrepreneuriale Québec 2030 action plan, which renewed the city's business support programs in 2025–2026. Social economy enterprises (co-operatives, solidarity co-ops, and NPOs operating commercially) receive priority coverage of up to 80% of eligible costs; standard for-profit businesses receive lower coverage rates. Detailed eligibility criteria and exact award amounts are managed by DEGP and confirmed during consultation.
Eligibility Requirements
- New business being created or an existing business being acquired (repreneuriat) within Québec City limits
- Social economy enterprises (co-operatives, solidarity co-ops, commercially active NPOs) are prioritized and receive up to 80% coverage
- For-profit businesses creating new enterprises or acquiring existing ones within city boundaries are eligible
- Project must represent genuine business creation or ownership transfer — not expansion of an existing business under same ownership
- Must demonstrate viable business plan and economic contribution to Québec City
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $50,000 (up to 80% of eligible costs for social economy; standard rate for for-profits)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Municipal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 80% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing — rolling intake
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win Bourse de démarrage et repreneuriat — Vill... — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 6-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 4-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 2-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipInitiate contact with DEGP early via the email listed on the program page — advisors will guide your file and confirm eligibility before you invest time in the full application. Social economy status (co-operative, solidarity co-op, or NPO with earned revenue) unlocks the 80% coverage rate and is worth structuring for if your business model allows it. The program is part of the 2030 Vision entrepreneuriale renewal, so updated program guidelines may differ from pre-2025 rules.
Success Profile
A Québec City food service entrepreneur acquiring an existing café with $40,000 total acquisition and setup costs, receiving a $15,000 city startup grant. Or a worker co-operative providing cleaning services receiving up to $40,000 at 80% of eligible launch costs under the social economy stream.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated by DEGP advisors on viability of the business concept or acquisition, economic benefit to Québec City (job creation, local spending), quality of the business plan and financial projections, and the applicant's capacity to execute. Social economy enterprises receive priority coverage rates. Files are assessed on a rolling basis rather than in competitive cohorts.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 6
Eligible Expenses 6
- Business launch costs (permits, registration, legal fees)
- Market research and business planning services
- Initial inventory directly tied to launch
- Equipment for business creation (not ongoing operations)
- Acquisition-related professional fees (for repreneuriat stream)
- Marketing and communications for launch
Ineligible Expenses 5
- Operational overhead for existing businesses
- Expansion of a business under same ownership
- Real estate or land purchase
- Personal compensation
- Debt repayment
Intake Periods
Rolling intake throughout the year, subject to available annual budget under the Vision entrepreneuriale Québec 2030 framework. No fixed intake window or annual competition deadline.
Deadline Notes
The program operates on a rolling intake basis with no fixed annual deadline. Contact DEGP at [email protected] or visit 295 boulevard Charest Est to initiate an application. Intake capacity may fluctuate based on fiscal year budget.
Ineligible Organizations
- Businesses located outside Ville de Québec municipal boundaries
- Existing businesses expanding under same ownership (not a creation or acquisition)
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskStandard municipal grant recovery provisions apply if funds are misused or business does not launch as planned.
How Bourse de démarrage et repreneuriat — Vill... Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourse de démarrage et repreneuriat —... | Up to $50,000 | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing — rolling intake |
| Quebec R&D Tax Credit (CRIC — Researc... | 20-30% tax credit (CRIC) | Hard | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing |
| Investissement Québec — Project Finan... | Varies | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| Canada Economic Development for Quebe... | Varies | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| PME MTL - Fonds Jeunes Entreprises | Up to $15,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
Related Programs
Other programs you might be eligible for