CED: Targeted Support for Quebec's Economically Vulnerable RCMs (REGI)
Get up to 75% interest-free support for your project in eight vulnerable Quebec regions. This is a repayable contribution from CED, so you must repay the full amount starting two years after your project ends.
“Financial assistance For SMEs Financial assistance of up to 75% of authorized costs.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
You need written approval before you spend any money. Do not start work or buy assets until CED has approved your project.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are an SME located in one of the eight targeted RCMs, including Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent, Avignon, Haute-Gaspesie, Rocher-Perce, La Tuque, Kativik, Pontiac, or Vallee-de-la-Gatineau.
- You have a project that creates concrete economic spin-offs, such as launching a new business, improving tourism assets, or expanding primary processing in agri-food, fisheries, or forestry.
- You can cover your share of the costs upfront, since this is a cost-share model where you pay first and receive reimbursement later.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside the eight specified RCMs, as this program is strictly regional.
- You need non-repayable funding of $100,000 or more. SMEs generally receive repayable contributions, and non-repayable help below $100,000 is only for exceptional cases.
- Your project involves excluded costs like refinancing existing debt, purchasing assets above fair market value, amortization, or goodwill.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 75% of authorized costs for SMEs. The official page does not list a maximum dollar amount. Ask CED before you apply.
What may be supported
- Launch or growth of local businesses.
- Tourism accommodation projects or attraction improvements.
- Primary processing projects in agri-food, fisheries, forestry, or mining.
- Technology demonstration, adoption, or commercialization.
- Essential service or retail businesses that create or retain employment.
- Collective equipment in industrial zones.
What's excluded or restricted
- Refinancing of existing debt
- Purchase of an asset above its fair market value
- Amortization expenses
- Goodwill costs
- Non-essential costs not directly related to the project
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must submit a detailed project proposal to CED and likely engage in discussions with an officer to demonstrate economic spin-offs.
- 01Read the program guidelines on the CED website to confirm your project fits the eligible categories.
- 02Verify your business is located in one of the eight targeted RCMs.
- 03Prepare a detailed project proposal outlining costs, economic spin-offs, and how the project revitalizes the region.
- 04Submit the project to CED via the official application process.
- 05Wait for written approval before spending any money on the project.
- 06Execute the project, keep detailed records of authorized costs, and submit for reimbursement.
Who to ask: Use CED's 'Contact us' page.
Documents commonly required
- Detailed project proposal with cost breakdown.
- Proof of location within the targeted RCM.
- Evidence of economic spin-offs or regional revitalization impact.
- Financial statements or business plan to demonstrate viability.
- Quotes or contracts for authorized costs (to be confirmed with CED).
What to know before you count on it
- It is a loan, not a grant: you must repay the full amount over time, though it is interest-free and unsecured.
- Cash flow pressure: you must fund your share of the costs upfront and wait for reimbursement.
- Repayment delay: repayments begin two years after the project ends, but you must still repay the full amount.
- Discretionary approval: funding is not guaranteed and depends on the economic spin-offs your project generates for the region.
What are your odds?
CED decides case by case. A strong, well-documented plan that clearly shows economic benefits for the region is essential.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay interest on this funding?
No, the repayable contribution for SMEs is interest-free and unsecured.
When do I start repaying the money?
Repayments begin two years after the project ends.
Can I get non-repayable funding as an SME?
Generally no, but exceptional non-repayable assistance below $100,000 may be considered.
Is this available for businesses in Montreal or Quebec City?
No, it is restricted to eight specific economically vulnerable RCMs listed in the eligibility criteria.
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What you can combine it with
This funding covers part of your costs. Check if other federal or provincial programs can cover the rest. You cannot claim the same costs twice.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.