SODEC — Aide aux entreprises culturelles

Insider Tip

First-timers: contact SODEC 1 month before deadline — showing up without prior contact leads to rejection. Publishers need agrément before applying. Corporate TV production offers 3-year envelopes to established exporters.

Success Profile

Quebec-based independent production company with 2+ years, strong track record, prior SODEC relationship, project increasing QC cultural output.

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation varies by stream but common criteria across all: (1) Project quality and artistic/cultural merit; (2) Company track record and capacity to deliver; (3) Market viability and distribution plan; (4) Quebec cultural content and contribution to the French-language cultural landscape; (5) Financial viability of the project budget; (6) Prior SODEC relationship (established clients have advantage via envelope systems); (7) Export potential (for export-eligible streams). Film/TV: broadcaster attachment and co-production potential are critical factors. First-time applicants must pre-consult with SODEC at least one month before the intake deadline.

Application Steps

Required Documents 6

Eligible Expenses 10

• Development costs: script, rights acquisition, concept development (audiovisual streams)
• Pre-production and production labour costs (Quebec-based talent and crew)
• Post-production and finishing costs (editing, VFX, sound, colour correction)
• Distribution and promotion costs (marketing materials, festival submissions, publicity)
• Trade show participation and export market development costs
• Publishing costs: author advances, editorial, design, printing (book/publishing streams)
• Music recording, production, and promotion costs (music streams)
• Performance creation and touring costs (live performance streams)
• Digital interactive media development costs (digital creativity streams)
• Artisan product development and business development costs (crafts streams)

Ineligible Expenses 7

• Projects not in French or not increasing Quebec cultural content
• Costs incurred before the official project start date in the funding agreement
• General business overhead not directly tied to the funded project
• Projects by broadcaster-controlled entities (arm's-length requirement)
• Distribution costs for non-Quebec content
• Costs covered by other SODEC programs in the same fiscal year (no double-funding)
• Projects that do not meet the minimum Quebec content and labour requirements

Intake Periods

Audiovisual: 2 intakes per year: Typically spring and fall intake windows. Exact dates published annually on sodec.gouv.qc.ca. First-time applicants must pre-consult 1 month before the intake deadline. Book/Publishing: Annual — April–May: Primary intake for book and publishing programs in spring. Agrément required before applying. Music and Performance: Multiple intakes: Music promotion, gérance/édition musicale, and spectacle programs have separate intake schedules. Check current calendar at sodec.gouv.qc.ca. Digital and Crafts: Annual or rolling: Digital creativity and crafts programs have individual intake schedules — consult SODEC directly or check the current program calendar.

Deadline Notes

Each stream has its own intake. Audiovisual: 2 intakes/year. Book/Publishing: April-May. Check sodec.gouv.qc.ca for current calendar. First-time applicants must consult SODEC 1 month before deadline.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Companies not incorporated under Quebec law
• Companies without principal establishment in Quebec
• Companies not majority-controlled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents with Quebec fiscal residency
• Broadcaster-controlled entities (arm's-length from broadcaster required for audiovisual)
• Publishers without valid agrément certification (for book publishing streams)
• Individuals (programs are for incorporated enterprises, not sole proprietors)
• Non-profit organizations (programs are for for-profit cultural enterprises)
• Companies outside eligible cultural sectors

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk