Quebec is an excellent place for business and has many opportunities for business-minded people. Whether in the form of an emerging start-up or a large-scale corporation, the opportunities for business endeavors within the province are vast and waiting to be seized. This blog will focus on the different programs and procedures for starting a business in the Quebec region.
Quebec Entrepreneur is a program for individuals who want to invest in a business in the province of Quebec. The program is split into two streams, each designed for a different type of business venture.
Stream 1: This stream targets business owners who have the capital to create and sustain a new business venture. It requires involving a business incubator, accelerator, or university entrepreneurship center.
Stream 2: This stream is designed for individuals planning to start or buy a small or medium-sized business (SME) in Quebec. It demands the entrepreneur to maintain at least 25% shareholding of the capital stock.
Quebec has many strengths for businesspeople, such as a strong economy, the availability of skilled human resources, and friendly government policies.
Quebec is one of the most developed provinces in Canada and has a diversified and stable economy focusing on the technology, manufacturing, and the service industry. The GDP growth rate of the province and the corresponding investment in infrastructure also make the province suitable for business investment.
Economic Indicator | Value |
GDP Growth Rate | 3.1% (2023) |
Unemployment Rate | 5.6% |
Major Industries | Technology, manufacturing, services |
The province is well endowed with a youthful, skilled, and educated human resource in the form of post-secondary education qualifications. This availability of skilled labor is a great advantage for the business that intends to innovate and grow.
Quebec’s government provides several incentives and support programs for start-ups and business people, including grants, tax credits, and incubation support. These policies are formulated to support business activities and promote the development of commerce.
The requirements for each stream include the applicant's age, level of education, working experience, language skills, and financial position. The table below summarizes the essential requirements for each stream:
Criteria | Stream 1 | Stream 2 |
Business Project | Innovative project | SME creation or acquisition |
Financial Resources | Adequate to start and operate | CAD 900,000 net worth |
Control of Business | Not specified | At least 25% equity |
Language Proficiency | French or English | French or English |
Experience | Relevant to business | Relevant to business |
Support Organization | Incubator, accelerator, or university | Not required |
Applying for the Quebec Entrepreneur Program is a step-by-step process, with each step requiring careful preparation and the submission of specific documents.
Collect all the documents required, such as proof of financial means, business proposal, and identification documents.
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) using the Arrima portal, describing the business venture and experience.
If successful, you will be invited to apply for the program.
All the documents accompanied by a detailed business plan should be submitted with the application.
Meet the Quebec immigration authorities for an interview on your business proposal.
Wait for the final judgment of the application you have submitted.
The documents required for the application include:
Birth certificate and passport
Business plan
Financial statements
Proof of language proficiency
Work experience certificates
Educational diplomas
Quebec is a great destination that provides various services to help the owners at each phase of their business development. These resources help entrepreneurs from the time of starting a business to the time of expanding by providing them with tools and advice.
Quebec has many business incubators and accelerators established to help businesses and new companies. Through such organizations, the beneficiaries get mentorship, networking, and access to capital, among other things.
Key Incubators And Accelerators:
Name | Focus Area | Notable Programs |
Centech | Technology and high-tech startups | Acceleration Program, Propulsion Program |
District 3 Innovation Center | Diverse industries, including tech | Validation Program, International Programs |
Founder Institute Montreal | Early-stage startups | Pre-Seed Accelerator, Global Network |
TandemLaunch | Deep tech ventures | Venture Studio Model, Co-Founding Partnerships |
The provincial government offers many grants and funding opportunities to Quebec entrepreneurs. These programs have been enacted to remove certain financial barriers and thus foster business growth and development.
Major Funding Programs:
Program Name | Description | Eligibility |
Innovation Program | Supports innovative projects | SMEs, startups, and large enterprises |
Export Program | Assists businesses in expanding globally | Quebec-based companies in export industries |
Productivity and Innovation Voucher | Funds to improve productivity and innovation | SMEs focusing on modernization |
Strategic Innovation Fund | Large-scale transformative projects | Companies with significant economic impact |
Therefore, the role of a mentor and networking are essential to an entrepreneur's success. Quebec has several resources and associations that aim to bring together experienced business people and young entrepreneurs.
Notable Mentorship Programs:
Organization | Services Offered | Target Audience |
Réseau M | One-on-one mentorship, workshops | Entrepreneurs at various stages |
Fondation Montréal Inc. | Mentorship, grants, and resources | Early-stage startups |
Futurpreneur Canada | Financing, mentorship, resources | Young entrepreneurs (18-39 years old) |
YES Montreal | Mentorship, training, and resources | New and aspiring entrepreneurs |
Education and training should continue once an individual starts a business, so any entrepreneur must engage in continuing education. Quebec has several educational programs and training sessions to improve business knowledge and practical skills.
Educational Resources:
Institution | Programs Offered | Key Features |
HEC Montréal | Executive education, short programs | Specialized courses in entrepreneurship |
McGill University | Entrepreneurship programs, workshops | Interdisciplinary approach, startup support |
Concordia University | MBA in Entrepreneurship | Practical focus, real-world applications |
Université de Sherbrooke | Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub | StartUP Sherbrooke, support for startups |
Quebec has a very active and friendly entrepreneurial environment with many events, meetings, and organizations focused on cooperation and development.
Key Community Networks:
Network | Activities | Benefits |
Startup Montreal | Events, meetups, pitch competitions | Networking, exposure, investment opportunities |
Québec International | Support for international entrepreneurs | Integration support, business services |
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal | Networking events, advocacy | Business development, policy influence |
Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) | Mentorship, venture building | Access to capital, expert guidance |
Quebec has the potential to be the best place to invest due to its sound economy, skilled human resources, and friendly government policies. This blog describes everything you need to apply including the eligibility criteria and the application process that can help aspiring business owners prepare for the future in this dynamic province.
Start your entrepreneurial path in Quebec today and become one of the modern business world leaders.