The Quebec Small Business Guide:
A Comprehensive Resource for Helping Businesses Succeed in Quebec
We’re so glad that you’re finally here to learn more about how to set up or scale your business in Canada’s New France or, simply put, Quebec. Here is an essential guide curated just for you to help you learn the key steps involved in establishing, operating, and expanding a small business in Quebec. Our CanadianSME Small Business Hub team is always at the forefront of research to bring you the latest information and resources that deliver crucial tools and genuine insights to guide you through every phase of your entrepreneurial journey. We put in serious efforts to deliver the support and advice needed for your business to flourish in this lovely province.
For a province that was declared Canada’s second-largest economy in 2021, Quebec has been contributing to Canada’s economic growth by being a hub of natural resources marked by a well-developed infrastructure and high average productivity. With a myriad of opportunities spread across industries, Quebec is a dynamic place for entrepreneurs.
The economy of Quebec is characterized by its diversification and resilience, encompassing several key sectors such as information and communication technologies, aerospace, life sciences, clean technology, and multimedia. This presents a diverse range of business prospects.
Quebec’s advantageous position and substantial transportation network make it a particularly desirable center for international trade and commerce. As a result, it offers extensive access to a broad spectrum of markets, including those in North America and the rest of the world.
The province of Quebec takes great pride in its highly skilled and talented labour or workforce – a telling trait characterized by its top-rated universities and vocational institutions. The labour force in this province possesses significant expertise in the said professions, which plays a crucial role in driving the growth and competitiveness of key industries. And this contributes to the overall economic prosperity of the province.
The Quebec government actively fosters a business-friendly environment through various incentives, grants, and funding programs aimed at encouraging growth, innovation, and sustainability
Quebec provides a high quality of life due to its rich cultural heritage, bilingual population, and picturesque natural beauty. Being a robust and strong economic zone, the people living in this province particularly enjoy a great deal of benefits which includes quality education, civic amenities at par with international standards, and high-income bars with ample job opportunities. And best of all, the Quebec government offers many incentives and active assistance in establishing a successful venture to business owners from all backgrounds.
Explore the Best Available Resources for
SMBs and StartUps in Quebec
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Quebec
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur hoping to establish a business in Quebec one day? Well, then the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Quebec is a great place to start. Established decades ago, the CCIQ works towards empowering business owners by providing them with proper resources and correct tools. Additionally, it advocates for various issues that young entrepreneurs face with the government, therefore, being a strong force behind policy-making, changes, and so on.
With its extensive network of professionals, the CCIQ helps in training and promoting the business of aspiring entrepreneurs. Furthermore, its vision is “to be the essential leader of the business community which brings together, mobilizes and influences the entire ecosystem in order to contribute to the development and economic prosperity of the Capitale-Nationale.” For more information, you can visit their official website by clicking on the link provided above.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is another excellent option to turn to when you feel you need some help with your small-scale business in Quebec. Dedicated to helping small firms and entrepreneurs, CFIB is the largest non-profit organization with more than 95,000 members.
The CFIB plays a vital role in advocating for small-scale businesses, whether with the government or politicians. Additionally, they provide specific business tools and practical resources plus on-call counsellors if you still have a doubt.
Quebec City Chambers
The economic convention center in Quebec City is directed towards helping members of the community in four specific areas, “recognition of entrepreneurial success, networking, skill-building, and economic development.” The Chamber of Commerce in Quebec City has more than 4300 members, making it the biggest group of businesspeople in eastern Quebec. The CCIQ works together in helping bring together the local business community across every single sector.
Indigenous Community Business Fund
The Indigenous Community Business Fund is providing $117 million in non-repayable financial contributions to help support First Nations, Inuit and Métis community-or collectively-owned businesses and microbusinesses whose revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Budget 2021 renewed this funding with an additional $117 million.
Native Commercial Credit Corporation
Looking for a savings product, financing for the purchase, renovation or construction of your home, for the start-up, acquisition or expansion of a construction-related business, for support to develop your Access to First Nation housing program, or even a combination of these services? We are here!
The idea behind ABSBAN is simple: “investing our savings in our communities” in a safe manner.
Business Development Bank of Canada
At BDC, we know business owners. We’ve been working with them for more than 75 years. We know their challenges and we understand their needs. And we want them to grow and succeed.
Entrepreneuriat Québec
Entrepreneuriat Québec is the result of collaboration between visionary community advocates from different school boards who, in 1994, wanted to share working and teaching methods in addition to resources for the Ministry of Education’s Lancement d’une entreprise program that began in 1992.
Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for over two decades. We are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,600 volunteer mentors.
Investissement Quebec
Investissement Québec is the go-to partner for foreign and Québec-based businesses seeking to make a go of it in the province. You can count on our experienced team, resources and financial solutions to assist you on the road to success.