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 a dollar
Written approval is mandatory before you spend a dollar; do not start work or purchase 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.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →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 a non-repayable grant for a project over $100,000, since SMEs generally receive repayable contributions unless exceptional circumstances apply for smaller amounts.
- 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 overall project ceiling is not published, so confirm the maximum dollar limit on the official page.
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: Via the CED 'Contact us' page (no direct phone/email on this page)
Before you apply
Your lender will want to see what the money buys
A written quote for the project makes your application concrete and shows the lender exactly where the money goes. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →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).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and online store with the loan funds, giving you a professional digital storefront to reach customers beyond your immediate neighborhood.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile so local shoppers find you when searching for your services or products in your region.
- BBN installs a Google review system using QR codes and NFC tags, turning satisfied customers into five-star reviews that build trust and drive new foot traffic.
- BBN coordinates the trades for your tourism or processing facility upgrades, managing the project so you deal with one partner while securing the funding for eligible assets.
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 the obligation exists.
- Discretionary approval: funding is not guaranteed and depends on the economic spin-offs your project generates for the region.
What are your odds?
Approval is discretionary and relationship-based; a strong, well-documented plan that clearly shows regional economic benefits 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.
Related BBN services
Branding, Print & Promotional Materials
Logos, brand guidelines, menus, cards and print that match your storefront. One consistent identity everywhere.
Photography, Video & Drone Media
Food, product, storefront and aerial media that makes everything else work harder: site, menus, ads, signage.
Export Readiness & Market Diversification
Market-specific websites, translated marketing materials, catalogues and B2B portals, built the way export programs expect.
Storefront Signs & Sign Boards
Sign concepts, mockups and measurements done right. Fabrication and installation quoted and managed for you.
What you can combine it with
This is a cost-share contribution; check if other federal or provincial grants can cover the remaining balance, but ensure no double-dipping on the same costs.
Related programs
Réseau des SADC et CAE — Loans
Up to $300,000
Access locally managed financing and hands-on technical support for small businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and community projects across Quebec.
Checked today
Food and Beverage Industry Financing (FCC)
Access tailored financing from Farm Credit Canada to build, expand, or equip your food and beverage operation anywhere in Canada.
Checked today
Community Futures Network of Canada
Tap into a network of 267 non-profit offices across Canada that provide small business loans, training, and local support to help rural and remote…
Checked today
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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.