Overview
Quebec and Canada offer some of the most generous startup funding programs in the world. From R&D tax credits to direct grants, there's significant non-dilutive capital available.
This guide covers 29 funding sources available to Montreal startups.
Funding Programs
- vgtr - Type: Gov
- Programme Premier Brevet - Type: GOV - x
- R&D tax credit (Revenu Canada) - Type: Gov
- PARI - Website - Type: Gov - Industrial Research Assistance Program - federal R&D funding.
- Futurpreneur - Website - Financing, mentoring and support for young entrepreneurs (18-39).
- PME MTL - Website - Montreal economic development agency offering business support and financing. - Eligibility: X
- Fonds d'investissement de la culture et des communications - X - Eligibility: X
- university students - Eligibility: X
- Jeune promoteur - Eligibility: X
- Fondation Montreal Inc - 18 à 35 ans - Eligibility: X
- Fonds des Media du Canada - Website - Canada Media Fund supporting Canadian content creation. - Eligibility: X
- Desjardins Cré-Avenir - X - Eligibility: X
- Prêt à entreprendre
- Financement techno BDC - Website - BDC technology financing for growth-stage companies.
- SIJ: garantie de prêt
- Fond de dévelopement emploi Montreal: prêts de démarrage
- RESO MTL
- Cedec - Website - Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation.
- Quartier de l'Innovation
- Montreal International - Website - Economic promotion agency for Greater Montreal.
- Investissement Quebec - Website - Quebec government investment and financing for businesses.
- Jeune Chambre de Commerce - Website - Junior Chamber of Commerce Montreal for young professionals.
- Regroupement Jeunes Chambres du Commerce
- Info Entrepreneurs - Website - Free business information and support services.
- Saje En Affaires - Website - Support services for entrepreneurs in Quebec.
- FondAction & Fond Solidarité FTQ
- CEIM - Website - Centre d'entreprises et d'innovation de Montréal - business incubator.
- Inno-centre - X
- YES - Website - Youth Employment Services - supporting young entrepreneurs.
Key Tax Credits
SR&ED (Scientific Research & Experimental Development)
- Federal: 15-35% refundable credit on eligible R&D expenditures
- Quebec: Additional 14-30% provincial credit
- Combined: Up to 65% of R&D costs can be recovered
Other Quebec Tax Credits
- E-Business Credit - For software development
- Multimedia Tax Credit - For interactive content
- Film/TV Tax Credit - For production companies
Tips For Maximizing Funding
- Stack programs - Many programs can be combined
- Apply early - Some programs have limited funds
- Document everything - Keep detailed records for SR&ED
- Get help - Consider SR&ED consultants for large claims
- Plan ahead - Some programs require pre-approval