How to Combine Investissement Québec Programs with Other Quebec Business Grants

Many Quebec businesses miss out on funding because they think only one government program can be used at a time. In reality, Investissement Québec programs are often designed to work alongside other Quebec business grants, as long as you follow stacking rules. This is especially true for regional programs such as DÉPART, which are intended to complement local and sector-based funding.

If your business operates in a designated region or plans a growth or innovation project, combining programs can reduce the amount of cash you need upfront.

How Grant Stacking Works in Quebec

“Grant stacking” means using more than one public funding program for the same project. In Quebec, this practice is common, but there are regulations.

Most programs have two main rules:

Maximum public funding limits: Public funds (provincial, municipal, and federal combined) usually cannot exceed a certain percentage of total eligible project costs.
No double-dipping on the same expense: You cannot claim the same cost from two programs.

Investissement Québec generally allows stacking with:

Municipal and regional programs (MRCs, cities, CLDs)
Other Quebec ministries and agencies
Federal programs, within set limits

Each program has its own cap, so you need to plan carefully.

Using DÉPART with Other Quebec Business Grants

DÉPART: Programme développement économique pour l’aide à la redynamisation des territoires

DÉPART is an Investissement Québec program that supports businesses in selected MRCs facing economic challenges. The program focuses on regions where economic activity needs to be strengthened.

What DÉPART supports

Business start-up, growth, or expansion projects
Equipment purchases and productivity improvements
Working capital tied directly to a growth project

Who it’s for

Businesses located in eligible MRC territories
SMEs and local enterprises focused on regional economic activity

Type of funding

Financial assistance delivered through Investissement Québec
DÉPART can be structured as grants, loans, or other flexible financing, depending on the project and regional needs.

How DÉPART Can Be Combined

DÉPART is often paired with:

MRC or municipal grants
Local economic development offices may provide non-repayable contributions that can be used alongside DÉPART financing.
PME MTL (for Montreal-based businesses)
PME MTL is city-based and can complement Investissement Québec funding for eligible Montreal projects through loans or grants, depending on the local office.
Sector-specific Quebec programs
Manufacturing, agri-food, and innovation-focused businesses often combine DÉPART with ministry-led grants covering training, technology adoption, or export preparation.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher helps filter programs by province, region, and industry.

Combining Investissement Québec Innovation Programs

Programme Innovation – Investissement Québec

The Programme Innovation supports:

R&D and innovation projects
Commercialization of new products or processes
Partnerships in Quebec or internationally

It mainly targets SMEs with innovation-driven growth plans.

Smart Ways to Combine Innovation Funding

Common combinations include:

Programme Innovation + DÉPART
Use DÉPART for regional expansion and assets, while Programme Innovation covers R&D or commercialization costs.
Programme Innovation + tax credits
Quebec R&D tax credits can often be claimed alongside direct funding, as long as expenses are properly separated.

Clear budgeting helps avoid overlap between cost categories.

Tips for Maximizing Grant Combinations

Separate your expenses
Assign each cost to a specific program and keep records clear.
Check stacking rules early
Some projects limit public funding to 50% or 75% of total costs.
Apply in the right sequence
Investissement Québec may want to see support or intent from regional partners before approving your application.
Disclose all funding sources
Always tell funders about other grants or loans you are applying for.

Eligibility Considerations

Regional eligibility
Programs like DÉPART are only available in certain MRC territories. Check if your business location qualifies.
Business type
Some programs are open to startups, while others focus on established SMEs.
Project scope
Make sure your project fits the goals of each program. For example, innovation funding requires R&D or commercialization activities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming loans and grants follow the same rules
Loans may count toward public funding limits.
Using two programs for the same invoice
This is not allowed and can lead to funding being taken back.
Ignoring regional eligibility rules
DÉPART applies only to specific MRC territories.
Applying too late for local funding
Municipal programs often have smaller budgets and fill quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can DÉPART funding be combined with other Quebec grants?
Yes. DÉPART is designed to complement municipal, regional, and other provincial programs, as long as public funding limits are respected.

Q: Is PME MTL a grant or a loan?
PME MTL offers a mix of loans, non-repayable contributions, and support services, depending on your local office and project.

Q: Can startups use Investissement Québec programs?
Yes. Many programs, including DÉPART and innovation funding, are open to startups that meet regional and project criteria.

Q: Can federal funding be added on top?
Often yes, but total public funding (federal + provincial + municipal) must stay within program limits.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile.

How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?
Impulsion PME vs Other Quebec Startup Funding Programs

Conclusion

Combining Investissement Québec programs with other Quebec business grants requires careful planning, but the benefits can be significant. Start by mapping your project costs and confirming regional eligibility. From there, a funding discovery platform such as GrantHub can help you see which provincial and local programs fit your business. With practical tips and attention to stacking rules, you can maximize your funding options and support your business growth.

How to Combine Investissement Québec Programs with Other Quebec Business Grants