Investissement Quebec - Quebec Business Funding

Overview

Investissement Quebec (IQ) is the Quebec Government's economic development crown corporation responsible for stimulating business investment and growth throughout the province. IQ provides a range of financial tools including loans, loan guarantees, and non-repayable grants to Quebec-based businesses at all stages of development. Key programs cover innovation and R&D, export market development, startup financing, green transitions, and attraction of foreign direct investment. IQ also manages the ESSOR program (loan guarantees) and various tax credits available to Quebec businesses, making it the primary entry point for Quebec business financing.

What You Can Find Here

Loans and loan guarantees for Quebec SMEs through the ESSOR program
Non-repayable grants for innovation, R&D, and productivity improvement
Export development financing for Quebec businesses entering international markets
Startup financing programs including capital for early-stage companies
Green transition grants for businesses reducing their environmental footprint
Quebec research tax credits and refundable R&D tax credit information
Foreign direct investment attraction support for international companies expanding to Quebec

Who Should Use This

Quebec-based SMEs seeking financing for growth, innovation, or export activities
Quebec startups seeking early-stage capital and business development support
Businesses undertaking R&D or productivity improvement projects seeking government co-funding
Quebec exporters seeking financing for international market expansion
International companies considering Quebec as a location for new investment

How to Get Started

Step 1: Visit investissementquebec.com to explore programs by business stage or type of financing needed
Step 2: Contact an IQ advisor for a consultation - IQ has regional offices across Quebec
Step 3: Identify the most suitable IQ instrument (loan, guarantee, or grant) for your project
Step 4: Prepare financial and business documentation as requested by the IQ advisor
Step 5: Submit a formal financing request to IQ through the online portal or regional office

Things to Check Before Applying

Most IQ programs require the business to be based in Quebec and create or maintain Quebec jobs
IQ primarily provides debt (loans and guarantees), not equity - consider this in your financing structure
Non-repayable grants from IQ are typically for specific programs like export, innovation, or green transition
Quebec also has federal programs through Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) that complement IQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an IQ loan and an IQ grant?

IQ loans are repayable financing instruments at competitive interest rates. IQ grants (non-repayable contributions) are available for specific programs like innovation, export, and green transition, and do not need to be repaid.

Does Investissement Quebec support startups?

Yes. IQ has specific programs for startups including early-stage financing and the Quebec startup ecosystem support. IQ also works with Quebec venture capital networks.

Can companies from outside Quebec apply for IQ programs?

IQ programs are for Quebec-based businesses or for international companies committing to establish Quebec operations. Foreign investment is actively encouraged through IQ's investment attraction services.

What are Quebec R&D tax credits?

Quebec offers refundable and non-refundable R&D tax credits that complement the federal R&D Tax Incentive. IQ's advisors can help businesses understand and access these tax-based R&D incentives.

Does IQ do equity investment?

Historically IQ has taken equity stakes in strategic Quebec businesses. Check current IQ programs for available equity or quasi-equity instruments alongside debt products.