Business scale-up and productivity (REGI)

Overview of the Business scale-up and productivity (REGI) program:

The BSP programme, delivered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), is designed to assist ambitious, high-potential businesses in scaling operations, enhancing productivity, and expanding their market reach, particularly internationally. Targeting businesses that are experiencing rapid growth or possess strong potential for expansion, the BSP programme enables firms to adopt advanced technologies, improve productivity, modernise operations, and commercialise innovative products. Support is available in the form of interest-free, repayable contributions to mitigate financial risks associated with growth and expansion initiatives. Funding is aimed at key activities that facilitate business scale-up such as equipment purchases, digital adoption, process optimisation, and business model transformation. CED prioritises firms contributing to regional economic development, particularly those operating in strategic sectors aligned with government priorities such as clean technologies, agri-food, advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and life sciences. To be eligible, companies must demonstrate financial health, growth potential, and clear strategic planning for expansion. This programme forms part of Canada’s broader Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) initiative, which seeks to support innovation and productivity across Canadian regions by fostering inclusive growth. The BSP programme is not a grant, but a repayable financial contribution, with flexible repayment conditions. The programme is ongoing and applications are accepted year-round. Firms interested in applying must work with a CED advisor to develop a proposal that aligns with BSP priorities and submit it through the appropriate channels.

Benefits of the Business scale-up and productivity (REGI) program:

• Provides interest-free, repayable financial support to reduce the financial risk of scaling up.
• Supports technology adoption, modernisation, and productivity-enhancing investments.
• Helps businesses expand into new domestic and international markets.
• Encourages innovation and business model transformation.
• Flexible repayment terms tailored to the project and the companys growth trajectory.
• Supports priority sectors including clean tech, digital industries, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, and life sciences.
• Aligns with Canadas economic growth and innovation priorities under the REGI initiative.
• Provides advisory support from CED officers to guide application development and ensure alignment with programme priorities.

Eligibility criteria of the Business scale-up and productivity (REGI) program:

• To qualify for the BSP programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a for-profit incorporated business operating in Quebec.
• Demonstrate strong growth potential, such as high revenue growth, employee expansion, or market expansion plans.
• Have a solid financial structure and management team.
• Be in a position to repay the contribution under agreed-upon terms.
• Show the ability to execute the project and measure its impact.
• Operate in one of CEDs priority sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean technology, agri-food, digital industries, life sciences, or others aligned with regional development.
• Proposals must clearly align with the objective of scaling-up and enhancing productivity.
• Eligible expenses include equipment acquisition, process improvements, market expansion activities, and related costs.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to operate in Canada and in good standing with the government.
• CED may prioritise projects with inclusive or sustainable economic development outcomes.