Many Canadian businesses want to sell outside their home market but are unsure if they qualify for export and commercialization support. Programs like Quebec’s PSCE help companies move from a proven product to making real sales in new markets. To check if you qualify, look at where your business is based, your stage of growth, and what you plan to do with the funding.
Export and commercialization support helps businesses turn their products or services into revenue on a bigger scale. This support often includes preparing for new markets, building sales channels, and helping early export growth.
In Quebec, the Programme de soutien à la commercialisation et à l’exportation (PSCE) is a main example. Investissement Québec delivers this program to support both commercialization in Canada and expansion into international markets.
Most export and commercialization programs use similar criteria to decide who can apply. Here’s how PSCE checks eligibility and how you can see if you qualify.
PSCE is for Quebec-based businesses, including:
Your main operations must be in Quebec. A sales office or mailing address alone is not enough.
PSCE does not support early research or idea-stage projects. Your business should have:
If you are still in research and development, you should look for other innovation programs.
Eligible projects usually include:
PSCE supports activities related to marketing, commercialization, and export growth.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and business stage. This is helpful if you are comparing Quebec and federal export options.
Investissement Québec checks if your business can:
You will need up-to-date financial statements and a realistic budget.
PSCE is not a simple non-repayable grant. It usually offers repayable financial support linked to your commercialization or export revenues.
Keep in mind:
PSCE works best for businesses expecting sales growth soon.
Sometimes, PSCE can be combined with other provincial or federal programs, but there are rules. You cannot go over the maximum public funding limits, and each funder must agree to the structure.
Exporters often combine PSCE with:
Plan your funding mix early to avoid delays.
Applying for PSCE takes planning and clear documentation. Here are some steps you can follow:
Check Your Eligibility
Review the main criteria for the program and make sure your business and project fit.
Prepare Your Application
Gather documents like financial statements, your commercialization or export plan, and proof of your Quebec operations.
Outline Your Project
Clearly describe your goals, target markets, activities, and expected results. Be specific.
Submit to Investissement Québec
Follow the guidelines on the Investissement Québec website for submitting your application.
Be Ready for Review
The funding agency may ask for more information or clarifications. Respond quickly to keep things moving.
Applying too early
If your product is still in development, PSCE is likely not the right fit. Commercial readiness is important.
Weak financial documents
Missing or unclear financial statements can slow down or stop your application.
Vague export plans
Saying “we want to export” is not enough. You need to name target markets, sales channels, and timelines.
Thinking PSCE is a grant
Since support is often repayable, make sure you understand the financial commitment before applying.
Q: Who can apply for the PSCE program?
Quebec-based SMEs and large companies can apply, as long as they have active operations in Quebec and a clear commercialization or export project.
Q: What expenses are typically supported?
PSCE supports commercialization, marketing, and export-related activities at a strategic level. The exact eligible costs depend on your project.
Q: Is PSCE currently open?
Yes. The program is open, but intake and terms depend on Investissement Québec’s approval process.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines can differ. Approval depends on project complexity, financial review, and how well your project fits economic priorities.
Q: Can PSCE support Canadian commercialization, not just exports?
Yes. The program also supports commercialization within Canada when it helps long-term competitiveness.
If your business is based in Quebec and has a market-ready product, export and commercialization support like PSCE could be a good fit. The key is to match your business stage, project scope, and financial strength to the right program.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and financing programs across Canada, including export and commercialization support, so you can compare your options before you apply.
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