Business Assistance - Immigrant Investor Program

Available in Quebec only.

Want to help your business in Quebec grow?

The Immigrant Investor Program offers small and medium businesses in Quebec an effective way to get additional financing: a non-repayable contribution.

Economic development and immigration

The mandatory $800,000 CAD deposit required of immigrant investors is invested in a term note guaranteed by the Quebec government. A significant part of the interest generated is earmarked for subsidies to businesses in Quebec. This way, immigrant investors contribute to economic development and job creation in Quebec.

To qualify for a subsidy, your business must operate in one of the following sectors:

• manufacturing
• new economy (biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, aeronautics and aerospace)
• high-value-added information technology
• tourism
• environmental restoration
• recycling, waste recovery and processing
• call centres
• aquaculture, sea farming and marine biotechnology
• horticultural specialties

Eligible projects

Investment and market development projects are eligible for the program. These include:

• business start-up, growth, production modernization or improvement, certification of compliance with a standard, technological or design innovation
• marketing products outside Quebec.

Other requirements

Any creditworthy Canadian business seeking financing to support its operations and maintain jobs may apply. Canadian companies should first contact their Desjardins account manager to determine how the Business Credit Availability Program applies to their situation. In some cases, they will be referred to the BDC or EDC. Companies may also contact the BDC or EDC directly if they already have an established business relationship with these organizations.

• Your business must be competitive.
• Your project must be profitable.
• Project costs must be at least $300,000 CAD ($270,000 CAD for business start-ups).
• Total consolidated assets must be less than $35 million.

	At the caisse	Contact an advisor at a caisse.
	At a Desjardins Business Centre	Contact an account manager at a Desjardins Business Centre.