Québec is a thriving hub for businesses, offering a wide range of financial support programs, including grants, tax credits, and loans. These government funding programs aim to foster innovation, support workforce development, and drive economic growth across industries.  

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur in Québec, knowing which government funding programs to tap into can provide the financial boost you need to grow your business in 2025. 

In this blog, we’ve outlined the top funding opportunities available this year, including their timelines, funding eligibility criteria, and benefits.  

Please note that your business can contact our team of leading government funding experts to help streamline, optimize, and maximize success with your funding applications.  

Grants and Loans for Québec Businesses 

MFOR 100 K$ et plus – Les Projets de formation d’envergure 

This program supports large-scale training projects aimed at developing workforce skills, particularly in high-demand industries. Designed for medium and large organizations, this grant enables businesses to create tailored training initiatives for employees. 

Timeline:  

• Applications are open year-round. Businesses should apply early to secure funding for their planned training projects. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Businesses must operate in Québec; 

• Have a project budget upwards of $150,000 CAD; 

• Projects should focus on upskilling or reskilling employees; 

• Collaboration with recognized training providers is recommended. 

SWPP-AUS – for Co-op Hires 

The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) supports businesses hiring students through co-op placements. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring fresh talent into your organization while receiving financial support.  

The subsidy provided is up to $7,000 per student.   

Timeline:  

• Funding is available on a rolling basis, but businesses should align their applications with academic semesters for optimal placement opportunities. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Businesses must hire students in co-op or work-integrated learning positions; 

• The position must provide meaningful and relevant work experience; 

• Eligible employers must be one of the following: a private company, non-profit, or post-secondary institution. 

CanExport – PME 

The CanExport – PME program helps Canadian businesses expand into international markets by offsetting export marketing costs. This funding is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  

Eligible businesses can access funding up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $50,000 per project.   

Timeline:  

• Applications are accepted year-round but must be submitted at least 60 days before incurring any eligible expenses. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• SMEs with 1–499 employees; 

• Minimum annual revenue of $100,000 and maximum of $100 million; 

• Projects should focus on new export market activities, such as trade shows, marketing campaigns, or market research. 

DEC Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP) for Québec Regions 

Delivered by Canada Economic Development (CED), this program provides financial support to businesses seeking to scale up and increase productivity through investments in technology, equipment, and process optimization.  

Eligible businesses can access up to 50% of eligible project costs.   

Timeline:  

• Applications are ongoing. It’s advisable to apply early, as funding is limited. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Businesses must operate in Québec and demonstrate growth potential; 

• Projects should focus on scaling operations, adopting advanced technologies, or improving productivity. 

Regional Assistance to Industry and Innovation (RAII) 

The RAII program, also delivered by CED, supports regional economic development by funding innovative projects. With a total budget of $38.2 million, this program aims to drive growth in Québec’s industries.  

Eligible businesses can access funding that covers up to 50% of eligible costs, with the possibility of loans and/or grants depending on the project’s scope.   

Timeline:  

• Applications are open throughout the year, with decisions typically made within 60 days. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Businesses must operate in regional areas of Québec; 

• Projects must demonstrate innovation and economic benefits for the region. 

Prompt – Partenar-IA for AI Projects 

Prompt’s Partenar-IA program supports collaborative artificial intelligence (AI) projects involving SMEs and large corporations. The program’s goal is to advance AI technologies through partnerships, increasing the technology readiness level (TRL) of AI solutions. 

Eligible businesses can access funding that covers 50% of eligible costs, up to $1.5 million.  

Timeline:  

• Applications are reviewed in cycles. Check Prompt’s website for submission deadlines. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Projects must involve a partnership between at least one SME and a large corporation; 

• Focus areas include developing and advancing AI technologies. 

Primo-Adoptant 

The Primo-Adoptant program helps tech startups collaborate with incubators or accelerators to bring their innovations to market. This program encourages the adoption of new technologies by fostering collaboration. 

Eligible businesses can access funding that covers up to 60% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $75,000.   

Timeline:  

• Applications are open year-round. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Startups must be based in Québec;  

• Collaboration with a recognized incubator or accelerator is required. 

Tax Credits for Québec Businesses 

In addition to government grants and loans, Québec businesses can benefit from several tax credit programs designed to reduce operational costs and encourage growth: 

Multimedia Tax Credit 

This tax credit supports the development of multimedia titles, including video games and web applications. Eligible businesses can claim up to 37.5% of labour costs associated with production activities. 

E-Business Tax Credit 

Designed to support the software and IT industries, this program provides a tax credit of 30% of eligible labour costs for companies developing or integrating e-business systems such as management software and transactional platforms. 

Design Tax Credits 

The Design tax credit supports industrial manufacturing companies in the fashion and industrial design sector. Product design, whether it be apparel or furniture, requires employing fashion or industrial designers, graphic designers, and pattern makers. This program provides a tax credit of up to 24% for eligible design activities of manufactured goods. 

Scientific Research and Experimental Development 

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit is the largest single source of Canadian federal government support that incentivizes business-led research and development projects. The SR&ED program provides more than $3 billion in tax incentives to over 20,000 claimants annually. 

A SR&ED tax credit may be allotted for up to 69% of labour and overhead costs, 36% of contractor costs, and 45% of material costs. Please note that there are provincial variants of this program SR&ED applicants should explore. 

Timeline: 

The reporting deadline for this program is 18 months from the end of the tax year in which the qualifying expenses were incurred. 

To learn more about the SR&ED program, visit our comprehensive Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program page. 

Eligibility Criteria:   

• Applicants must be conducting basic research, applied research, or experimental development in Canada. They must also be developing new products or processes or making incremental improvements. 

• Eligible expenditures include labour, contractors, materials, and overhead costs that directly relate to and commensurate with the needs of the activity required to attempt to resolve the technological uncertainty, obstacle, or challenge. 

Government Funding Application Support for Québec Businesses 

Québec’s wide array of grants, loans, and tax credits offers valuable opportunities for businesses to innovate, expand, and thrive in 2025. 

Whether you’re investing in employee training, pursuing AI advancements, exploring international markets, or scaling operations, there’s a funding program that can support your goals.  

By leveraging funding resources, your business can unlock its full potential and contribute to Québec’s dynamic economy. Contact us to learn more about optimizing your funding application and take the next step in your business’s growth journey.