Startup grants in Quebec and Canada: what are your rights?
Main sources of support
- Federal: Futurpreneur (loans and mentoring for 18-39 year olds), BDC loans, regional development agencies (Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions), IRAP for innovation;
- Quebec: Investissement Québec, programs for young entrepreneurs, Services Québec start-up support (STA measure);
- Local: municipal economic development services (PME MTL in Montreal), local investment funds;
- tax credits (R&D, e-business, film).
Your rights and obligations
A grant is not a right: it is awarded at the discretion of the organization, according to the program criteria and available budget. Once accepted, the financing agreement is a contract: it sets out the eligible expenses, reporting requirements and conditions. Breach (use of funds for other purposes, closing the business, moving outside the region) can lead to repayment.
Tips
Read the agreement carefully, keep all invoices, respect reporting deadlines and get advice before signing personal guarantees for a loan. If a decision seems unfair, ask for the reasons and the available review process.
