112 startup funding programs for Quebec businesses. Investissement Quebec, PME MTL, CED, ESSOR feasibility grants, Quebec R&D tax credits, plus all federal programs. Canada's second-largest startup ecosystem.
Quebec startups have access to 112 programs combining federal and provincial funding. The province's distinct ecosystem adds several unique layers: Investissement Quebec (IQ) provides flexible project financing, PME MTL delivers Montreal-specific grants of $5K–$50K, and the ESSOR feasibility grant (up to $50K) is one of the most accessible provincial entry points. The Quebec R&D Tax Credit (CRIC) at 20–30% stacks on top of federal SR&ED, making Quebec one of the most generous R&D jurisdictions globally. CED (Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions) covers larger innovation and growth projects ($50K–$500K). Most Quebec provincial programs require the business to operate primarily in Quebec.
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| Program | Amount | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRAP | Up to $1M | Grant | Tech-driven R&D |
| Futurpreneur | Up to $75K | Loan | Ages 18–39 |
| CED QEDP | $50K–$500K | Contribution | Innovation + growth |
| PME MTL Jeunes | Up to $15K | Grant | Montreal, under 40 |
| ESSOR Feasibility | Up to $50K | Grant | Manufacturing + tech |
| Quebec CRIC | 20–30% credit | Tax Credit | R&D companies |
| IQ Fonds Impulsion | Varies | Financing | Growth-stage QC businesses |
| Scale AI | Up to $50K | Grant | AI adoption by SMEs |
Quebec's ecosystem is bilingual and program-rich — the key is matching your stage, sector, and Montreal vs. regional location to the right program.
If you're pre-revenue or idea-stage: Start with Futurpreneur (up to $75K in combined financing for ages 18–39 with mentorship) or PME MTL's Fonds Jeunes Entreprises (up to $15K for Montreal-based founders under 40). The ESSOR feasibility grant (up to $50K) covers 50% of costs for validating a new manufacturing or tech project.
If you're doing R&D: IRAP (up to $1M) is the flagship federal R&D program. Layer in the Quebec CRIC tax credit (20–30%) on top of federal SR&ED — combined credits can exceed 50% of eligible R&D spend, among the highest in North America. The Scale AI Acceleration Program (up to $50K) specifically targets AI adoption for Quebec SMEs through AI Montreal and partners.
If you're past prototype and ready to scale: CED QEDP ($50K–$500K) supports innovation and market expansion projects for Quebec-based companies. Investissement Quebec's Fonds Impulsion provides flexible financing from its $120M fund for established startups ready to grow.
If you're in Montreal: PME MTL operates five regional service points across the island. Beyond Fonds Jeunes Entreprises, PME MTL administers the FDES social economy fund ($5K–$50K for social enterprises and coops). Montreal's dense startup ecosystem also gives you access to Scale AI, CDL, and Futurpreneur's national network.
Quebec has more bilingual program officers than any other province — both English and French applications are accepted at all major programs. A structured approach is key:
Quebec has 9 province-specific programs on top of all federal programs. Key Quebec-specific options: PME MTL Fonds Jeunes Entreprises (up to $15K for Montreal founders under 40), ESSOR Feasibility Grant (up to $50K for manufacturing/tech), CED QEDP ($50K–$500K for innovation projects), Quebec CRIC R&D Tax Credit (20–30%), Investissement Quebec Fonds Impulsion (flexible financing), and PME MTL FDES ($5K–$50K for social enterprises). All federal programs — IRAP, Futurpreneur, Canada Summer Jobs, Scale AI — are also fully available.
Not necessarily. Federal programs (IRAP, Futurpreneur, CED, BDC, Mitacs) accept applications in English. Provincial programs from Investissement Quebec and PME MTL are primarily French, though English service is available. If your business operates primarily in English, start with federal programs — the funding is identical.
Yes — and this is Quebec's single biggest advantage for R&D startups. You file federal SR&ED (up to 35% refundable ITC for CCPCs) and the provincial CRIC (20–30%) simultaneously. Combined, these credits can offset 50%+ of eligible R&D expenditures. A Quebec tech startup spending $500K on R&D could receive $250K+ in combined credits. Always confirm with a tax advisor familiar with both programs.
PME MTL (Petites et Moyennes Entreprises Montreal) is the City of Montreal's business development network. It operates 5 service points across the island and administers several grant programs including Fonds Jeunes Entreprises (up to $15K for founders under 40) and the social economy fund (up to $50K). Access via pmemtl.com — services are free and bilingual. PME MTL also provides referrals to provincial and federal programs.
ESSOR Component 1A is a Quebec provincial grant covering up to 50% of eligible expenses (maximum $50K) for conducting a feasibility study before launching a manufacturing, industrial, or tech project. It is one of the most accessible provincial entry points for early-stage Quebec founders because it funds research rather than requiring a proven product. Apply via Investissement Quebec's regional offices.
CED QEDP contributions can reach $500K for large innovation projects. IRAP reaches $1M for technology-driven R&D. Investissement Quebec's Fonds Impulsion draws from a $120M fund for growth-stage companies. With strategic stacking, a Quebec tech company could combine IRAP ($1M) + CRIC credits + CED for $1.5M+ in total government support.
Yes — Montreal has PME MTL programs that are exclusive to businesses operating on the island. Regional Quebec businesses outside Montreal access CED through 14 regional offices across the province. Certain programs like IQ Fonds Impulsion are available province-wide. If you're outside Montreal, contact your nearest CED office first — they serve as the primary navigator for all federal and provincial programs in your region.
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