Exporting food products is expensive. Trade shows, market research, and local compliance costs add up fast. Quebec’s Support for Biofood Exports program helps agri-food businesses cover up to half of those costs when selling outside the province, with funding of up to $100,000 per project.
This guide explains who can apply, which markets qualify, and how the application process works.
The Support for Biofood Exports program is delivered by the Agri‑Food Export Group Québec‑Canada (Groupe Export). It provides repayable financial contributions to help Quebec biofood companies strengthen their export capacity and diversify markets outside Quebec.
Key funding details:
This program is often used for trade missions, distributor searches, and international marketing efforts.
The program targets Quebec-based biofood exporters who are ready to grow beyond the provincial market.
You may be eligible if your business:
Both small and mid-sized agri-food companies can apply, as long as the project supports export growth.
The program supports sales outside Quebec, not just outside Canada.
Eligible markets include:
The main requirement is that the activity helps diversify or expand sales beyond Quebec’s borders.
If your export plan targets more than one region, you can usually include them in one project, as long as the costs are clearly broken down.
Funding covers activities that strengthen your export readiness and execution.
Common eligible expenses include:
Expenses must be directly tied to your export project and incurred within the approved project period.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you confirm whether your planned export expenses fit program rules before you apply.
The application process is structured but manageable if you prepare early.
Typical steps include:
Define your export project
Outline target markets, activities, timelines, and expected outcomes.
Prepare a detailed budget
Show total project costs and clearly identify the 50% you are requesting.
Submit your application through Groupe Export
Applications are reviewed based on export potential and project quality.
Sign a funding agreement if approved
This confirms repayment terms and reporting requirements.
Approval timelines can vary. Submit your application well before your main export activities to avoid delays.
Thinking the funding is non-repayable
This is a repayable contribution. Plan for repayment in your cash flow.
Submitting unclear export plans
Applications with vague markets or activities are often delayed or declined.
Including costs that are not eligible
General operating expenses not tied to export activities are usually excluded.
Waiting until after expenses are incurred
Most costs must be approved before you spend the money.
Q: How much funding can I receive from Quebec Support for Biofood Exports?
You can receive between $5,000 and $100,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Q: Is the funding repayable or a grant?
The support is a repayable financial contribution, not a non-repayable grant.
Q: Does the program only support international exports?
No. It supports all markets outside Quebec, including other Canadian provinces.
Q: Can I hire export staff or interns with this funding?
Yes. Wage subsidies and export interns can be eligible when directly tied to export development.
Q: Can this be combined with other export funding?
Stacking may be possible, depending on other program rules and overall funding limits.
GrantHub tracks thousands of active grant programs across Canada — including export funding — so you can quickly check which ones match your business profile.
If your biofood business is ready to sell beyond Quebec, this program can offset major export costs while you scale. The key is matching your export plan to eligible markets and expenses.
For a broader view, see also:
A centralized tool like GrantHub helps you compare Quebec and federal export programs side by side, so you can move forward with confidence.
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