DÉPART Program: Economic Development Funding for Quebec Regions

Many Quebec regions face challenges in attracting investment and supporting local business growth. The DÉPART program was created to boost economic activity in targeted areas by making financing more accessible for entrepreneurs. Investissement Québec delivers this program to help revitalize specific regional county municipalities (MRCs) where extra support can make a real difference.

What Is the DÉPART Program?

The DÉPART: Programme développement économique pour l’aide à la redynamisation des territoires is a Quebec government initiative aimed at strengthening local economies in selected regions. DÉPART offers flexible financial assistance, including different types of financing, to help businesses start, grow, or expand in eligible MRCs.

Program Objectives

Support local entrepreneurship in targeted Quebec regions
Encourage business creation, growth, and expansion
Improve access to financing where private capital is limited

Who Can Apply?

Based on Investissement Québec’s program description and FAQs, DÉPART is designed for:

For-profit businesses located in eligible MRC territories
Companies at the startup, growth, or expansion stage
Businesses with projects that contribute to local economic vitality

Eligibility depends on location. Only businesses operating in MRCs identified by Investissement Québec as priority territories can apply. This list changes over time, so confirming your MRC’s status is an important first step.

Benefits of the DÉPART Program

The DÉPART program offers several advantages for businesses in eligible Quebec regions:

Access to financial solutions that may not be available through private lenders
Support for business projects that directly benefit the local economy
Flexible funding options that can be custom-fit to your project’s needs
Opportunity to combine DÉPART funding with other Quebec or regional programs, as long as public assistance limits are respected
Guidance from Investissement Québec advisors throughout the application and funding process

These benefits help businesses overcome barriers to growth and encourage economic activity in regions that need it most.

Type and Amount of Funding

DÉPART is not a traditional non-repayable grant. In most cases, financial assistance is structured as:

Flexible financing
Preferential loans
Other custom financial solutions

Investissement Québec does not publish a fixed maximum amount for DÉPART funding. The amount awarded depends on several factors. These include the scope and cost of your project, the size and financial needs of your business, and the expected impact on the regional economy. Each application receives an individual assessment.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Quebec programs by region and business stage, saving time before you contact a funding agency.

How to Apply for DÉPART Funding

The DÉPART process follows a clear evaluation approach:

Check regional eligibility
Make sure your business operates in an MRC covered by the DÉPART program.
Define your project
Projects usually involve business startup, modernization, capacity expansion, or market development.
Contact Investissement Québec
Applications are handled through Investissement Québec advisors. There is no open online intake form.
Financial analysis and review
Investissement Québec evaluates:
- Financial viability
- Economic benefits for the region
- Ability to repay, where applicable
Funding offer and conditions
If approved, funding terms are customized to your business and project.

DÉPART funding can often be combined with other Quebec or regional programs, as long as total public assistance limits are respected.

Tips for Successful Applications

Start by confirming your MRC’s eligibility. This is essential before preparing your application.
Prepare a detailed project plan. Include clear financial projections and show how your project will benefit the local economy.
Be ready to discuss your business’s financial health. Investissement Québec looks for viable projects with a positive impact.
Understand the terms of financing. DÉPART usually involves repayable loans or flexible financing, not grants.
Check stacking rules. Make sure you do not exceed government assistance limits if combining DÉPART with other programs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming DÉPART is a grant
Many businesses apply expecting non-repayable funding. DÉPART usually involves repayable financing, which affects cash flow planning.
Not confirming MRC eligibility first
Location is a dealbreaker. Applying without verifying your MRC wastes time and resources.
Submitting an underdeveloped project plan
Investissement Québec expects clear financial projections and regional impact. Vague expansion ideas rarely move forward.
Ignoring stacking rules
While DÉPART can be combined with other programs, total government assistance limits still apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the DÉPART program from Investissement Québec?
DÉPART is a regional economic development program designed to revitalize targeted Quebec territories by supporting local businesses with flexible financing solutions.

Q: Which MRC territories are eligible for the DÉPART program?
Eligibility depends on Investissement Québec’s current list of priority MRCs. This list changes, so check before applying.

Q: Is DÉPART a grant or a loan?
DÉPART is generally structured as flexible financing, such as loans. Terms depend on the project and business profile.

Q: How much funding can a business receive through DÉPART?
Investissement Québec does not publish a fixed maximum amount. Funding is determined case by case, based on project costs, financial needs, and regional impact.

Q: Can DÉPART funding be combined with other Quebec programs?
Yes, DÉPART can be combined with other Investissement Québec or regional funding programs, as long as public funding limits are respected.

After reviewing your options, GrantHub tracks active grant and financing programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile before committing time to an application.

Next Steps

If your business operates in a targeted Quebec region, the DÉPART program may be a good fit for growth or expansion financing. Confirm your regional eligibility early and consider how this program works with other provincial and local supports. GrantHub helps you compare Quebec funding options in one place, so you can focus on programs that match your location and growth plans.

DÉPART Program: Economic Development Funding for Quebec Regions