Guide to Export Grants in Quebec

The Quebec market is dynamic, but for many ambitious SMEs, true growth comes through the conquest of international markets. Exporting is a powerful growth driver, but it comes with its share of challenges and costs. To help businesses overcome these obstacles, several export grant programs in Quebec have been established by the provincial and federal governments.

Whether you are an innovative manufacturing company, a rapidly expanding technology firm, or a high-value-added service company, these programs can co-finance a significant portion of your market development activities.

This guide presents the main grants available, their criteria, and explains how to prepare your business to cross borders successfully.

Why Export Grants in Quebec Are a Growth Lever

Export grants in Quebec play a determining role in SMEs’ ability to structure a viable international expansion. Accessing new markets represents an opportunity for diversification, revenue growth and reduced dependence on the local market.

However, internationalization involves significant investments in market analysis, regulatory compliance, marketing and business development.

These initial costs often constitute a barrier for companies wishing to test a new country or consolidate their presence abroad. Provincial and federal programs have been specifically designed to mitigate this financial risk. By sharing a portion of eligible expenses, they enable Quebec businesses to adopt a more strategic and structured approach to their international development.

CanExport SME: The Flagship Program for New Exporters

CanExport SME targets Canadian for-profit companies with fewer than 500 full-time equivalent employees that have generated minimum revenue in Canada. The program primarily targets SMEs wishing to explore new international markets, not simply sustain recurring activities in already established markets.

The company must demonstrate that the targeted market represents a new strategic opportunity and that the proposed activities concretely contribute to its commercial expansion. Funding generally covers a percentage of eligible expenses, up to a determined ceiling, depending on available annual envelopes.

Eligible Expenses in Detail

Eligible expenses notably include:

• Costs related to regulatory compliance in the target market
• Fees for specialized export consultants
• Development and adaptation of promotional material for a specific market
• Costs related to participation in international trade shows
• Market studies and demand validation

The objective is to reduce the financial risk associated with exploring a new commercial territory.

The PSCE: A Provincial Lever to Structure Your Growth

The PSCE is a provincial initiative administered by Investissement Quebec aimed at supporting Quebec businesses in their market development efforts, both in Quebec and internationally. Unlike CanExport, which primarily targets the exploration of new foreign markets, the PSCE takes a broader approach by supporting structuring commercialization projects.

The program targets companies wishing to accelerate the marketing of their products or services, strengthen their presence in a target market, or structure an international expansion strategy.

Support may cover a portion of eligible commercialization expenses, including prospecting activities, adapting the offer to a specific market, promotional activities, and certain initiatives aimed at increasing commercial capacity.

Project evaluation is based on several criteria, including the company’s financial viability, the strategic coherence of the commercialization plan, and the anticipated economic impact in Quebec. The PSCE thus aims to support projects with real growth and value creation potential.

Comparison of Main Export-Related Grants

Program	Government Level	Objective	Type of Aid	Suited For
CanExport SME	Federal	Development of new markets	Financial contribution	SMEs exploring a new country
PSCE	Provincial	Commercialization and export	Contribution / structuring support	Quebec SMEs in expansion

Each program has specific criteria, ceilings and stacking rules. Before submitting an application, it may be relevant to analyze which combination of export grants in Quebec truly corresponds to your international growth strategy.

If you wish to validate your approach and structure your file optimally, contact us to discuss your expansion project.

Designing a Credible Plan to Maximize Export Grants

Obtaining export grants in Quebec does not rely solely on submitting a form. The programs evaluate the strategic coherence of the project and the company’s real capacity to succeed in the targeted market.

A credible plan must demonstrate:

• A detailed and justified budget
• Measurable objectives
• A clear market entry strategy
• An understanding of regulatory barriers
• A target market analysis

Authorities seek to fund structured projects, not improvised exploratory approaches. The more articulated and quantified your strategy, the higher your chances of acceptance.

How Export Integrates with Your Innovation Strategy

Exporting and innovation often go hand in hand. If you develop an innovative product through the SR&ED tax credit, export grants can help you commercialize that product in international markets. Similarly, if you automate your production through manufacturing automation grants, you can use export grants to reach new international clients.

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Common Mistakes in Export Grant Applications

Several applications are denied or delayed due to avoidable errors:

• Late submission relative to deadlines
• Absence of a clear action plan
• Poorly categorized expenses
• Already exploited market (not eligible as a “new market”)

Rigorous preparation and precise understanding of the criteria help avoid these pitfalls.

Conclusion

Export grants in Quebec constitute a strategic lever for SMEs wishing to structure their international growth securely. By combining a precise understanding of available programs and rigorous planning of your commercial activities, you can reduce the financial risks associated with entering new markets and accelerate your expansion.

If you are considering developing your activities abroad and wish to validate the financial aids applicable to your situation, contact our team to analyze your export project and structure a funding strategy adapted to your company.

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FAQ

How to obtain export grants in Quebec for a new market?

To obtain export grants in Quebec, you must demonstrate that the targeted market represents a new strategic opportunity for your company. Programs require a structured plan including an analysis of commercial potential, a detailed budget and clearly defined eligible activities. The application must be submitted before incurring expenses and respect the specific criteria of the chosen program.

Can a market study be funded with CanExport?

Yes. Market studies are among the eligible expenses under CanExport SME when they target the exploration of a new country. The study must be directly related to your international expansion strategy and conducted by a qualified provider. The program aims to reduce the risk of entering a new market by supporting preliminary analysis.

Do grants cover international travel expenses?

In several cases, yes. Costs related to participation in trade shows, commercial missions, or business meetings may be eligible depending on the program. However, specific ceilings and conditions apply. It is essential to verify the rules before booking travel to avoid any ineligible expense.

Can multiple grants be combined for an export project?

Yes, it is possible to combine certain federal and provincial programs, provided that the same expenses are not claimed twice. Stacking rules vary by program. Strategic planning helps optimize overall funding while respecting administrative requirements and contribution limits.