New U.S. tariffs can disrupt cash flow quickly. For Québec manufacturers and primary-sector exporters, the FRONTIÈRE program helps stabilize operations and fund resilience when export conditions change. Investissement Québec delivers this program. It provides large-scale financing to help eligible businesses respond to tariff shocks. The goal is to protect export capacity and keep your business running smoothly.
The FRONTIÈRE Program (Québec) is a provincial financing solution for export-oriented businesses affected by new U.S. tariffs. It is repayable financing (a loan)—not a grant. The program supports liquidity, working capital, and projects that strengthen export resilience.
There are two main FRONTIÈRE offerings administered by Investissement Québec:
Program availability can change. For the latest status, check the Investissement Québec website or use GrantHub’s program tracker to confirm if applications are currently open.
Eligibility is assessed by Investissement Québec. The focus is on business size, export exposure, and financial health.
You may qualify if your business:
Important: If a relevant federal support program exists, you are generally expected to explore that option first before applying to FRONTIÈRE.
FRONTIÈRE provides much larger loans than most Québec programs. The maximum funding is $50,000,000 per business. The financing is a repayable loan with terms of up to 7 years. There can also be a capital repayment moratorium for up to 24 months, although interest may still apply.
The final amount depends on your company’s size, financial needs, and how tariffs affect your operations.
FRONTIÈRE is designed to protect liquidity and help your business stay stable. Eligible uses usually include:
The program does not fund speculative expansion. You must show a direct link between tariffs and financial pressure.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if FRONTIÈRE—or a federal program—fits your business before you start an application.
Applications are handled directly through Investissement Québec. The process is more hands-on than a standard grant.
Typical steps include:
Because this is a large financing program, being well-prepared helps. Clear documentation speeds up approvals.
Being organized helps your application move faster. If you are unsure about eligibility, GrantHub can help you compare programs quickly.
Q: Is the FRONTIÈRE program a grant or a loan?
It is a repayable loan, not a grant. However, it offers flexible terms and a possible capital repayment moratorium of up to 24 months.
Q: How quickly can funding be approved?
Timelines vary. Well-prepared applications with complete financials move faster, especially when tariff impacts are clearly documented.
Q: Can SMEs apply for FRONTIÈRE funding?
Yes, but only if they meet the $3 million annual revenue threshold and other eligibility requirements.
Q: Do I need to be profitable to qualify?
Yes. Your business must show profitability in at least one of the last two fiscal years.
Q: Can FRONTIÈRE be combined with other programs?
In some cases, yes. Investissement Québec will assess stacking rules during the review.
If U.S. tariffs are putting pressure on your export operations, FRONTIÈRE may be one of the few Québec programs offering financing at this scale. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and financing programs across Canada—including provincial and federal export supports—so you can quickly see what matches your business before approaching Investissement Québec.
See also:
Knowing your funding options in advance puts you in a stronger position—before tariffs force rushed decisions.
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