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Subsidies for SMEs in Quebec and Canada

At NoviaFond, we support SMEs across Quebec and Canada with their SR&ED and CRIC tax credit claims. Our work begins well before a claim is prepared: we first assess the eligibility of the work performed, the technical substance of the projects, and the available documentation to determine whether the claim genuinely merits being submitted.

You have a growth project. Could it be supported by a grant?

Hiring, equipment, digital transformation, exports, training, innovation: some expenses can be supported by government programs.

It is still necessary to identify the options that are truly suited to your business, your project and your timeline.

YOUR PROJECT BEFORE THE PROGRAM

A Grant Should Never Dictate Your Strategy

We start by understanding what you want to achieve, why you want to do it, and when. We then identify which funding programs may align with your business and your project.

Our role is not to present you with a long list of programs. It is to determine which opportunities are truly worth your time and resources.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS CAN WE ASSESS?

We particularly support SMEs that are preparing projects related to:

  • equipment purchasing and automation

  • digital transformation and artificial intelligence

  • hiring and training

  • innovation and the development of new products

  • marketing and export

  • productivity improvement

  • the energy and environmental transition

Having a project in one of these categories does not guarantee eligibility. Each program has its own criteria, eligible expenses, timelines, and geographic scope.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT US?

Ideally, before incurring expenses or starting the project.

Many programs require an application to be submitted before signing a contract, purchasing equipment, hiring employees, or starting the work.

An early assessment helps identify what may be eligible before certain funding opportunities are no longer available.

WHAT WE ASSESS

  • Your company’s current situation and stage of development

  • The nature and objectives of the project

  • Where the project will be carried out

  • Planned expenses

  • The project timeline

  • Your company’s financial capacity

  • The status, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and conditions of the targeted programs

Tens of thousands of dollars to support international expansion

A Canadian SME wanted to expand its presence into new international markets.

Its project included business travel, participation in industry events, meetings with potential partners, and the adaptation of certain tools needed to support its international expansion.

The challenge was not simply to present a list of expenses. It was necessary to demonstrate the alignment between the target markets, planned activities, business objectives, timeline, and the company’s ability to carry out the project.

After the application was structured and submitted, the company was awarded funding of several tens of thousands of dollars during a previous CanExport SMEs intake period.

CanExport SMEs operates through recurring application intake periods, with specific opening and closing dates

Beyond the funding received, the company had a clearer roadmap for organizing its business development activities and documenting project-related expenses.

This example has been anonymized to protect the company’s confidentiality.

OUR SUPPORT

Qualify the Project

We clarify your objectives, timeline, and planned expenses.

Identify Relevant Opportunities

We assess your project against the criteria of applicable funding programs.

Structure the Strategy

We prioritize the appropriate steps based on their relevance, requirements, and timelines.

Prepare and Follow Up on the Application

We coordinate the required information, structure the application, and manage the follow-up.

SOMETIMES, WE WILL ADVISE YOU NOT TO APPLY

An available program is not necessarily the right fit for your business.

If the eligibility criteria, timeline, or planned expenses do not support a strong enough application, we will tell you clearly. Part of our role is to help you avoid pursuing an application that is unrealistic or premature.

IS YOUR PROJECT WORTH EXPLORING?

Answer a few questions about your business, your project, and your timeline. We can then determine whether an initial conversation would be worthwhile.

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