Info-Guide - Start-Up and Expansion

This document is designed to help guide you through different federal, provincial, municipal and private programs and services available for those who wish to start or expand a business in Quebec. This Info-Guide has been prepared by Info entrepreneurs from information provided by Canada Business to answer a growing demand for strategic information by business people. While most of your questions will be answered in this document, it is not intended to be exhaustive. Further information can be obtained by contacting Info entrepreneurs at 514 496-4636, Ressources Entreprises at 418 649-4636 or, across the province, at 1-800-322-4636.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. A STEP BY STEP PROCESS
  1.1 The Business Plan
  1.2 The Legal Structure of the Business
  1.3 Licenses and Permits
2. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
  2.1 General Financing Programs
  2.2 Assistance for Innovation, Research and Development
  2.3 Programs for Young Entrepreneurs 
  2.4 Programs for the Unemployed or Low Income Recipients and for Visible Minorities
  2.5 Starting Up Social Economy Entreprises
  2.6 Local and Regional Development
  2.7 Venture Capital 
  2.8 Financial Angels
  2.9 Tax Incentives
3. COUNSELLING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
  3.1 Local and Regional Development
  3.2 Young Entrepreneurs
  3.3 Academic Network
  3.4 Business Incubators
  3.5 Government
  3.6 Retail Business
  3.7 Women Entrepreneurs
4. INFORMATION SOURCES
 4.1 Guides 
 4.2 Directories

1.   A STEP BY STEP PROCESS

1.1 THE BUSINESS PLAN

A large percentage of entrepreneurs venture into business without a plan. This is partly why half of businesses fold in the first two years, and 90% fail to reach the ten-year point. With a business plan, you can structure your project on paper; it is an essential tool in obtaining financing from a financial institution or government program. In addition to the market study, the plan should indicate how you intend to attract your clientele and develop your products and services. In addition, you will require financial statements, forecasts for the next two or three years, and funding sources. The plan should be updated regularly as the business develops.

In order to obtain a list of references on consultative services available for preparing a business plan, please see Section 3 of this document, "Counselling and Technical Assistance".

Business Start-Up Assistant (BSA)
The Business Start-Up Assistant (BSA) is your Web gateway to all the information you need to start a business in Canada. Organized by topic and province, the BSA provides reliable information from government and non-government sources. This is a Web site that consolidates essential information required by anyone wishing to launch a successful business. For more information, see the document Business Start-Up Assistant (BSA) or visit the Web site at: Business Start-Up Assistant

Interactive Business Planner (IBP)
The Interactive Business Planner (IBP) is a computer software program that uses the capabilities of the Internet to assist you in preparing a 3-year business plan for a new or existing business. For more information, see the document Interactive Business Planner - IBP or visit the Web site at: Interactive Business Planner

Online Small Business Workshop (OSBW)
The Online Small Business Workshop (OSBW) is a Web-based workshop designed to provide you with techniques for developing your business idea, starting a new venture and improving your existing small business. For more information, see the document Online Small Business Workshop - OSBW, or visit the Web site at: Online Small Business Workshop

1.2   THE LEGAL STRUCTURE OF THE BUSINESS

One of the more important decisions you will have to make is choosing the legal structure of your company. Your lawyer or your accountant can help you make the right choice. Further information on the advantages, disadvantages and conditions of each legal form can be found in a brochure entitled "The Principal Juridical Forms of Enterprises in Québec"; it is available from Publications du Québec. Publications Québec

Here is a brief description of the four legal structures most often used:
(see also document Forms of Business Organization)

1) Registration of a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, with this type of business, you are responsible for all the debts and liabilities that the business, or you, might incur. If you wish to operate an individual company under a name which does not include your family name or first name, you must file a declaration of registration with the clerk of the Superior Court at the courthouse. This declaration is valid for the province of Quebec.

2) A Partnership is an association of two or more people in a business. You must register the same way as a person operating alone and renew the registration whenever a new partner joins the company. Each partner is responsible personally and without limits for the debts and liabilities incurred on behalf of the company.

3) Incorporation of a business: also known as a company, a corporation is a "legal person". This means that the company becomes independent from its shareholders and has rights and powers separate and different from the physical persons who make it up. The company can be incorporated under Québec or federal law. When there are a number of shareholders, it is desirable to have a shareholders' agreement. The shareholders' liability in the company is limited to the funds they have put into it, unless they assume additional personal liability.

If a company is planning to carry on business in more than one province or outside the country, federal incorporation should definitely be considered. The enhanced protection provided to federal corporations is often a selling point for choosing incorporation under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA). This is seen as an important element of the right to carry on business in Canada. Once a company is federally incorporated, the corporate name has a protected status second only to trade-mark protection. CBCA corporations, or companies set up under other  jurisdictions, may be required by a province or territory to register in order to conduct business in that jurisdiction; however, only CBCA corporations enjoy the inalienable privilege of operating anywhere in Canada under the approved federal corporate name.

4) A cooperative is an organization formed by people with similar needs in order to acquire goods or services, or to make joint use of their available resources to improve their income. Their business structure ensures:

- an equal say for all members (one vote per member, regardless of the number of shares held);
- open and voluntary membership;
- limited interest on share capital;
- a dividend to members in proportion to the value of their patronage.
See document Cooperatives Info-Guide

        Provincial Incorporation

Registraire des entreprises (REQ)
800 Place Victoria
Victoria Square Tower
Montréal, Québec  H4Z 1H9
Tel.: 1-888-291-4443
               
Registraire des entreprises (REQ)
800 Place d'Youville, RC
Victoria Square Tower
Québec, Québec  G1R 4Y5
Tel.: 418 643-3625 or 1-888-291-4443

The financial institutions surveillance and control component is under the responsibility of Autorité des marchés financiers: Autorité des marchés financiers

The firm component is under the responsibility of Registraire des entreprises (REQ): Registraire des entreprises

Federal Incorporation

Industry Canada
Corporations Directorate
5 Place Ville Marie, Room 800
Montréal, Québec  H3B 2G2
Tel.:  514 496-1797 or 1-888-237-3037
Consult the document Federal Business Incorporation - Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA)

Register your business on line !
Corporations Canada On-Line Filing Centre: Electronic Filing Centre

1.3   LICENSES AND PERMITS

When creating a company, the entrepreneur must contact the municipality involved, along with the governments of Quebec and Canada. The following is a list of the most important places to visit and/or contact. For more details, consult Info-Guide Info-Guide - Permits and Licences Required for Certain Types of Businesses

Basic Steps

1. Consult your City Hall for information on zoning regulations, city permits, construction permits, water tax, business tax, school and property taxes. Consult the Directory of Regions, MRC and Québec Municipalities at: Répertoire des municipalités du Québec (In French only)
   
   
2. Obtain a Business Number - BN from the Canada Revenue Agency. The Business Number (BN) replaces the many numbers businesses need to deal with the Federal government. The number is composed of 15 digits: the first 9 digits are the registration number and the next 2 letters and 4 digits identify the different accounts (i.e., Corporate Income Tax, Importer / Exporter Account Number, Payroll Deductions, Goods and Services Tax (GST)).  In Québec the GST is managed by Revenu Québec. For more information, dial 1-800-959-5525, see the document  Business Number - BN  or visit the Web site at: Business Account Registration
   
   
3. Obtain a Québec Business Number - QBN . Since 1 January 1998, businesses can use one identification number for all of their transactions with the Quebec government. This unique number, known as Québec Business Number (QBN) is allocated by the Registraire des entreprises (REQ) when a new company registers. In Montréal and elsewhere in Québec, call 1-888-291-4443; in Québec City, 418 643-3625, or visit the Web site at: Québec enterprise number (in French only)
   
   
4. Register with Revenu Québec for:
   - Québec Sales Tax (TVQ) and Goods and Services Tax (GST);
   - Your Employer's Number (monthly submission of deductions, Québec Pension, Commission des normes du travail, the Health Services Fund (HSF) and the Fonds national de formation de la main-d'oeuvre.For more information, please call 514 873-4692 in Montréal, 418 659-4692 in Québec or 1-800-567-4692 or visit the Web site at: Registration
   
   
5. Register with the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST). Any business person who employs at least one full-time or part-time worker must register with the CSST and make contributions. The registration and the management of files can be done on-line at: CSST QC  For more information, please call 514 906-3000, 418 266-4000 or 1-800-668-6811.
   
   
6. Information on work legislation: An entrepreneur who has employees, must comply with the Act respecting labour standards which sets the rules governing working conditions, including the minimum wage, holidays, special leave and dismissal. The employer must make contributions to the Commission des normes du travail, as mentioned at point 4. For more information, please call 514 873-7061, 418 646-1262 or 1-800-265-1414. Visit the Web site at: Commission des normes du travail
   
   
7. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office - CIPO is responsible for the administration and processing of the greater part of Intellectual Property in Canada, such as patents, trade-mark, copyright, industrial design, integrated circuit topography. For more information please call 514 496-2908 or 1-888-237-3037. You may also choose to submit your application and pay your contribution on the Internet at: Canadian Intellectual Property Office
   
   -   Patents
   
   -   Copyrights
   
   -   Trade-marks
   
   -   Industrial Designs
   
   -   Integrated Circuit Topographies
   
   
   Management of Québec government copyrights: The Publications du Québec central clearing house is the gateway to government material for the public, companies and institutions, and to copyright information for departments and public bodies. Visit the Web site at: http://www.droitauteur.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.php
   
8. Specific procedures and requirements
   Depending on your activity sector, you may have to obtain a specific license or permit. These are issued by departments or agencies of the provincial and federal governments (the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux, for example, issues liquor licenses). For further information consult   Info-Guide - Permits and Licences Required for Certain Types of Businesses, to obtain a list of the different permits from the issuing organisations.

2   FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

2.1   General Financing Programs

Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program
The CSBF Program, under the Canada Small Business Financing Act, can assist businesses in obtaining term loans of up to $250 000 to help finance fixed asset needs. The loans are made directly by a qualified lender (chartered banks, caisses populaires, most credit unions, many trust, loan and insurance companies). Agricultural enterprises are not included in the program (see program below). For further information, please call 514 496-4636 or 1-800-322-4636, consult the document  Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program or visit the Web site at: Canada Small Business Financing Program

Capital Leasing Pilot Projet
The Capital Leasing Pilot Project, under the Canada Small Business Financing Act (CSBFA), assists small businesses in obtaining capital leasing up to $250 000 for new or used equipment. Capital leases are made directly by participating leasing companies (lessors). For further information, please call  514 496-4636 or 1-800-322-4636, see the document  Capital Leasing Pilot Project or visit the Web site at: Capital Leasing Pilot Project

Farm Improvement and Marketing Cooperative Loans Act - FIMCLA
This program offered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), is a loan garantee program which facilitates credit availability for producers to a maximum of $250 000 and for farmer-owned marketing cooperatives to a maximum of $3 million to improve farm assets, strengthen production and/or improve financial viability.  For further information, call at 1-888-346-2511, or see the document  Farm Improvement and Marketing Cooperatives Loans Act (FIMCLA) or visit the Web site at: FIMCLA

Business Development Bank of Canada
BDC plays a leadership role in delivering timely and relevant financial and management services, with a particular focus on the emerging economic sector businesses and exporters BDC's mission is to promote the creation and further the expansion of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.

The BDC offers a variety of flexible terms and conditions, such as graduated principal payments, seasonal payments and, in some cases, deferred principal repayment.

Financial Services

• Growth Capital for Aboriginal Business;
  
• Innovation Financing Solution;
  
• Term Financing Solution;
  
• Tourism Investment Fund;
  
• Venture Capital;
  
• Productivity Plus Financing Solution.

For further information, contact the nearest BDC office or call 1-888-INFO-BDC (1-888-463-6232), see the document  Business Development Bank of Canada or visit the Web site at: Business Development Bank of Canada

Co-Vision - Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is prepared to take more risk to finance business start-ups in Canada. Co-Vision loans can go up to $150,000 and be repaid over a period of up to 6 years. The Co-Vision business solution specifically targets businesses in the manufacturing, distribution, services and tourism sectors. It can be used to finance various types of projects such as working capital, acquisitions, fixed assets, marketing and start-up costs. For further information, please call 1-877-BDC-BANX (232-2269), see the document Co-Vision - Start-up Financing Solution or visit the Web site at: My project Starting a business

SMB Financial
Investissement Québec  finance or guarantee loan for innovative projects generating economic spin-off benefits for Québec. It also supports businesses that are starting up. Under this program, the SDI offers regular and guaranteed loans (the guarantee varies depending on the project) to cover all expenses including working capital (up to 80% of eligible expenses or R&D credit). The minimum loan is $50 000. Manufacturing, recycling and information technology firms, exporters of products or services, research laboratories, call centres and certain tourism projects are eligible for the program. For further information, please call 1-866-870-0437 or visit the Web site at: SMB Financial

Immigrant Investor
IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, was created to manage investments by immigrant investors. The program targets SMEs with total assets of less than $35 million and is intended for investment related to technological innovation, design innovation, export marketing and the new economy. Financial assistance will be in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to15% of project costs, and cannot be less than $50 000. All costs associated with this program will be covered by the interest generated by investment made by immigrant investors. For further information, contact a program representative at Investissement-Québecat 1-866-870-0437 or visit the Web site at:  Immigrant Investors

Assistance program for businesses: Feasibility study of an investment project
This program from the Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE) supports companies or groups of companies wishing to carry out an industrial project in Quebec. The MDEIE's non-refundable contribution of up to 40% of eligible expenses, without exceeding $50  000, covers technical or economic parameters, addition of equipment or machines and construction of new facilities. For further information, contact the MDEIE at 418 691-5698, ext. 5809, or 1-866-680-1884 or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/en/ministere/service.prt?svcid=PAGE_GENERIQUE_CATEGORIES119&page=details.jsp&iddoc=60759

Sources of Financing - Industry Canada
Sources of Financing Web site aims to increase small and medium entrerpises' (SMEs) awareness of the financial options available to them by equipping them with a tool to find appropriate financing from a broad range of Canadian sources of capital. Users will find information about banks, caisses populaires and credit unions; leasing; factoring; angel investors; venture capital and provincial and federal assistance programs. For further information, consult the document Sources of Financing or visit de Web site at: Sources of Financing

2.2   Assistance for Innovation, Research and Development Programs

Consult  Info-Guide - Innovation, Research and Development

2.3   Programs for Young Entrepreneurs

Consult  Info-Guide - Young Entrepreneurs

2.4   Programs for the Unemployed or Low Income Recipients and for Visible Minorities

"Support for Self Employment" (known as Soutien au travail autonome - STA)
This program is aimed at individuals with promising business projects. It provides counselling and financial assistance for people starting or expanding their own businesses or those who wish to become self-employed. Recipients of employment insurance benefits, income security as well as people whose jobs are at risk are eligible. The duration of the technical and financial assistance will be determined with each individual participant and can be extended over  a maximum of 52 weeks. For further information, contact your Centre local de développement or the Association des Centres locaux de développement du Québec (ACLDQ) at 418 524-0893 or visit the Web site at: Mesure de soutien au travail autonome (in French only)

Réseau québécois du crédit communautaire
This network of nine community funds in eleven Quebec regions provides credit for individuals who want to start a business but do not have access to traditional funding. The amount of the loans varies from $500 to $20 000. The network also provides technical assistance to help entrepreneurs define their project and give it a viable structure. For further information, please call 514 529-7928 or consult the document Réseau québécois du crédit communautaire - List of Members.

2.5   Starting Up Social Economy Entreprises

Consult  Info-Guide - Social Economy

2.6   Local and Regional Development

Local Development Centre (LDC)
The Association des Centres locaux de développement (ACLDQ) gathers the LDCs that operate everywhere in Quebec. The LDC is a non-profit corporation managed by members of the community, under the authority of a board of directors that represents the various local economic and labour market partners. LDCs offer extensive technical and financial support by making available an array of front-line services to help start-up, consolidate and develop business projects, including projects in the social economy. Each LDC manages four specific programs:

- local investment funds intended to provide assistance to businesses;
- the development of entreprises in the social economy;
- support for the start-up of businesses by young people ("Jeunes Promoteurs");
- measures for self-employment.

For further information, contact the LDC closest to you (consult the Business Services Offered for your region, see Related Reading at the end), the ACLDQ at 418 524-0893 or visit the Web site at: Association des centres locaux de développement du Québec (in French only)

Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC)
The CFDC is a non-profit organization funded by the Canada Economic Development. Its mission is to support the creation, consolidation and development of local companies with its technical and financial services. Each CFDC is responsible for its own social plan. CFDC's have access to an investment fund which permits them to authorize loans and share options to encourage start-up, expansion or stabilisation of businesses. The maximum amount of loans alloted by the CFDC's and the CAE's is $125 000. For further information, contact your local MRC (consult the Business Services Offered for your region, see Related Reading at the end) or the CFDC Network (known as Réseau des SADC) at 418 658-1530. Visit the Web site at: Reseau des SADC (in French only)

Sociétés locales d'investissement dans le développement de l'emploi - SOLIDE ("Local Employment Development Investment Companies")
The network of Sociétés locales d'investissement dans le développement de l'emploi (SOLIDE) was designed and created by the QFL Solidarity Fund and the Fédération québécoise des municipalités, formerly known as the Union des municipalités de comté du Québec. The SOLIDEs are directed by SOLIDEQ, a limited partnership, and are part of the extensive QFL Solidarity Fund network. Each SOLIDE manages an investment fund designed to create or assist private companies and contribute to the development of long-term jobs. The SOLIDEs are involved in investments between $5 000 and $50 000 in the form of participatory loans. For further information, contact SOLIDEQ at 418 624-1634, 1-866-624-1634 or visit the Web site at: Solideq

Fonds régionaux de solidarité ("Regional Solidarity Funds")
Created by the Solidarity Fund QFL and the Québec Government, 16 regional solidarity funds were set up to meet the needs of companies throughout Québec. Focussed primarily on the manufacturing and service sectors, the regional funds make investments of between $50,000 and $500,000 in the form of share capital or loans in companies in all phases: start-up, development, growth, or turnaround. These investments can be as high as $2 million in subsequent financing rounds. For further information, call  514 383-8383 ext. 5056, or 1-800-361-5017 or consult the following Web site for further information and to find the location of each fund:
Fonds régionaux de solidarité (In French only)

Fonds de développement Emploi-Montréal (FDEM)
Furthering the economic development of Montreal neighbourhoods, FDEM makes venture capital investments in small viable and profitable start-ups or growing businesses that, in addition to demonstrating a structuring effect on the target neighbourhood, create or maintain local jobs. FDEM grants equity loans from $50,000 to $100,000 to for-profit companies that are incorporated or about to be incorporated and located in the Mercier/Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough. For further information, call 514 256-6825 or visit the Web site at: Fonds de développement Emploi-Montréal (In French only)

Fonds de développement de la métropole (FDM)
This Fund helps support the economic development of metropolitan Montreal by backing innovative projects from private or public organizations in the fields of business services, entrepreneurship, information technology, tourism, culture, etc. For further information, call 514 873-6992 or visit the Web site at: Fonds de développement de la métropole (In French only)

2.7   Venture Capital

Venture Capital Fund
A solid network of venture capital funds is available in Quebec. A number of funds specialize in financing for start-up, expansion and high technology companies. Desjardins Investments, the Workers' Solidarity Fund and the Canada Development Bank, to name only a few, have hundreds of millions of dollars available to promote research and development in new technologies. A list of the principal venture capital corporations in Quebec is available on the Web site of Réseau Capital, an association to which the main funding bodies in Quebec belong. You can communicate with Réseau Capital at 514 334-9688 in Montréal or in Québec City at 418 837-1040 or visit the Web site at: Réseau capital

2.8   Financial Angels

Carrefour Capital ©
Carrefour Capital ©, is an Internet network of local databases containing business projects and private venture capital sources. Carrefour Capital © therefore is more than just one site. Rather, it is a network of dynamic Internet sites that have been configured according to a common model. Registration of business projects and private venture capital investors is entirely free of charge, but must be validated by the local economic development organization that has been designated by Carrefour Capital ©. Visit the Web site at: Capital Connexion

Canadian Angel Investment Network
The Canadian Angel Investment Network is the Canadian web based portal and matching service of angel investors seeking investments and entrepreneurs seeking capital. The Network has created Canada's largest database of qualified angel investors who are regular investors in various industries for Canadian small businesses. You can submit your confidential investment proposal for free. For further information, visit the Web site at: Canadian Angel Investment Network

2.9   Tax Incentives

Tax resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners on the Internet:

  Provincial Government
 Businesses Portal

 Federal Government
 Small businesses and self-employed individuals

3.    COUNSELLING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

*To supplement this section, consult the Regional Assistance for Entrepreneurshipon Page 1*.

3.1   Local and Regional Development

Association des professionnels en développement économique - APDEQ ("Association of Economic Development Professionals")
APDEQ is an association of Québec's front-line stakeholders in economic development. Its members work for the Corporations de développement économique (CDE) in regions, the Employment Local Centres (CLE), the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and other local business aid organizations. The network consists of many organizations throughout Québec. To contact an APDEQ professional in your area, call the Association office at 819 868-9778, 1-800-361-8470 or visit the Web site at: Association des professionnels développement économique du Québec (In French only)

Local Development Centre (LDC)
*See 2.6

Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC)
*See 2.6

Fédération des coopératives de développement régional du Québec
The Federation brings together all coopératives de développement régional - CDR which cover the entire province of Québec. CDRs represent the union between the cooperative movement and all the other socio-economic sectors at the regional level. CDRs offer powerful development support since their first mandate is to start cooperatives. Contact your local CDR for all start-up projects related to cooperatives. You can reach the Federation at 418 656-1335 or visit the Web site at: Réseau des coopératives de développement régional (In French only)

Fondation de l'Entrepreneurship - Mentoring service
The mentoring network constitutes a network of cells consisting of local mentors directed and supported by organisations accredited  by the Foundation (CAE,CLD, Chambres of Commerce, SADC's etc.) The implementation of the network is done by the gradual growth of local cells so as to cover the overall territory of Quebec. For further information contact the Foundation at 418 646-1994 or visit the Web site at: http://www.entrepreneurship.qc.ca/fr/accueil/parrainage_definition.asp (in French only)

Québec Industrial Subcontracting (known as Sous-Traitance Industrielle Québec - STIQ)
STIQ is a non-profit corporation founded in 1987. STIQ's mission is to favour the establishment and reinforcement of business relations by offering corporate clients a wide array of specialized services in research, evaluation and supplier improvement both inside and outside Quebec. Moreover, STIQ promotes exchanges by disseminating business opportunities. All in all, STIQ brings together the most favorable conditions for successful completion of your projects. For further information, call 514 875-8789 or 1-888-875-8789 or visit the Web site at: Stiq

3.2   Support for Young Entrepreneurs

Consult  Info-Guide - Young Entrepreneurs

3.3   Academic Network

CEGEP
Many CEGEPs offer workshops on business start-up and management. Contact the CEGEP nearest you. You can also consult the Quebec's Vocational and Technical Education Network at: Inforoute

The Provincial Network of Collaborators in "Starting a Business"
Available through participating School Boards: "Starting a Business (Internet) " is a new formula which allows the students to progress at their own pace by consulting course guides, doing personal research, using tutorials and making use of new technologies to assist in the learning process. For further information, call 514 367-8717 or see the document Starting a Business - Training on the Internet.  A multimedia presentation explaining the process is also available on the Internet Lancement d'une entreprise (in French only)

3.4   Business Incubators

The mission of business incubators is to enhance the development of young innovative businesses, generally in the hightech sector. With its network , the business incubator provides support and expertise to start-ups, for instance, for the  development of a business plan, the search for financing, the negotiation of intellectual property and/or commercialisation of the technology. Some business incubators offer specialized physical infrastructures to businesses as well as technical and administrative services and customized business mentoring. For further information you can contact the Réseau IncubAction (an umbrella group for Québec's pre-incubators and incubators) at 418 682-6627. To obtain a list of business incubators in Québec, or visit the Web site at: Incubateurs d'entreprise au Québec (In French only)

3.5   Government

Ministère du Développement économique de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE)
The mission of the MDEIE is to contribute to the economic and regional development, as well as research of Quebec by encouraging coordinated and concerted action among the various players in the economic, scientific, social and cultural areas to support job creation, economic prosperity, scientific development and sustainable development. For further information, contact your regional MDEIE office: in Montreal, call 514 499-2550; in Québec City, call 418 691-5950, 1-866-680-1884, or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/en

Canada Economic Development (CED) for Quebec Regions
As its name implies, the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec is mandated to promote the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec, paying attention to those slow economic growth and inadequate employment. CED's head office is located in Montréal. It has a network of many regional business offices across Quebec, and a government liaison office situated in Hull. In Montreal call 514 283-2500 or 1-800-322-4636, in Québec 418 648-4826 or 1-800-463-5204. Visit the Web site at: Canada Economic Development for Quebec regions

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) - Consulting Group
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides customized consulting solutions to meet the complex challenges faced by today's Canadian entrepreneurs. Whether it's through individual consulting, group training, or a combination of both, BDC's Consulting Group (CG) helps innovative Canadian business succeed. These services are often combined with financial services to support an increasing number of innovative Canadian businesses prosper in today's global economy. Many counsellors are available in Canada to assist clients in various aspects of their business. For further information, call the BDC at 1-877-232-2269, see the document Consulting Group, or visit the Web site at: Consulting Group

3.6   Retail Business

Détail Formation
Détail Formation is a practical, varied and pleasant alternative to retail and service-sector businesses for the development of managerial and employee skills.  Détail Formation offers consultation services for the development of training programs, dynamic and interactive workshops and practical tools such as the Retail Business Management Workbook and the collection of 15 management guidebooks, intended for independent retailers or entrepreneurs who wish to start a retail business anywhere in Quebec.  For further information, call 514 899-9555 or 1-888-822-5555, see the document Détail Formation, or visit the Web site at: Détail Formation (in French only)

Convercité - The urban enhancement agency
Founded in 1994 under the acronym CIRQ (Centre d'intervention pour la revitalisation des quartiers), Convercité participates in urban development projects that respond to particular mandates. The organisation contributes to the implementation of urban projects that enhance the quality of life in local communities. For more information, call 514 286-2663 or visit the Web site at: Convercité

3.7   Women Entrepreneurs

Consult  Info-Guide - Women Entrepreneurs

4.   INFORMATION SOURCES

4.1   Guides

Regional portals - Québec
The portals are effective communication tools that give Internet users quick access to the latest information on government activities, including programs and services for the general public, businesses and organisations. Portails Régionaux

Services for businesses  - Government of Québec
This site offers information on the different stages of a business start-up and an entrepreneur's obligations. This project, which includes information from many government departments and bodies, is in response to the recommendation of the Advisory Panel on Regulatory Reform to create a business start-up kit.  Visit the Web site at: Services aux entreprises : Accueil

Canada Business - Government of Canada
Canada Business is a portal website aimed at giving businesses a single access point to key government services and information. Visit the Web site at: Canada Business

Guides de gestion -  "Management Guides"
A collection of management guides (in French only) adapted to the SMEs realities is available throughout the network of Royal Bank branch offices and at the Fondation de l'entrepreneurship at 1 800 661-2160 or visit the Web site at: Guides de gestion (in French only)

The "Management Tools" (in French) developed by MDEIE enable dynamic enterprises to solve problems or improve management quickly and cost-effectively, with or without outside support. Visit the Web site at: Collection des outils de gestion

A number of financial institutions have prepared handbooks and brochures on creating and managing businesses. Ask for them at the local branches.

"Se lancer en affaires: les étapes pour bien structurer un projet d'entreprise," by Elaine Dupont and Huguette Gaulin is a 400 page book that comes with a number of references. You can order it at Publications du Québec by calling 1-800-463-2100.

The Fondation de l'entrepreneurship has a "Collection Entreprendre"
For further information, call 1-800-661-2160 or 418 646-1994 to obtain a list of the publications or visit the Web site at: Collection Entreprendre (in French only)

The Retail Business Management Workbook is designed by Détail Formation.  This 200-page guide deals with all aspects of the day-to-day functioning of a retail business: personnel management, accounting, marketing/advertising, customer service, rules and regulations.  It also includes over forty practical tools (job application forms, customer appreciation cards, competitor analysis charts, etc.). For further information call 514 899-9555 or 1-888-822-5555 or see the document Détail Formation or visit the Web site at: Cahier de gestion d'un commerce de détail (in French only)

Winning Retail is a useful "how to" publication aimed at the retail industry. It contains practical ideas from the real world of retail to help the student of retail form an understanding of the business. For those exploring the possibility of establishing their own retail store, this publication presents an opportunity to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their concept and their state of readiness. See the document Winning Retail 2nd Edition or visit the Web site at: Winning Retail

Guide for Canadian Small Businesses - Canada Revenue Agency
The guide is intended mainly for new and prospective small businesses and provides a great deal of taxation and customs information that existing small businesses may also find useful. You can order this publication at 1-800-959-3376.  Consult the document  Guide for Canadian Small Businesses  or visit the Web site at: Guide for Canadian Small Businesses

Return on investment - Tool
Return on Investment (ROI) is a measure to help decide whether an investment is worthwhile. A reliable ROI analysis can be complicated and time-consuming to construct. Industry Canada offers various techniques and formulas you can use, as well as the pros and cons of analysing ROI. Visit the Web site at: Return on Investment

Steps to Growth the capital:  Self-Study Guide / Investors Readiness Test
This is a guide for entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the large pool of growth capital available in Canada Steps to Growth

IP Toolkit
The IP Toolkit helps direct you through useful information about Intellectual Property (IP). It contains information, instructional modules, links and highlighted glossary terms that answer most IP questions asked by businesses and entrepreneurs. For further information, see the document Intellectual Property - IP Toolkit or visit the Web site at: http://strategis.gc.ca/sc_mrksv/cipo/toolkit/main-e.html

4.2   Directories

The Signet entrepreneurial is an initiative from the Association des centres locaux de développement du Québec, the ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE), the Fondation de l'entrepreneurship and Mouvement Desjardins. This tool helps entrepreneurs by guiding them towards essential  Web sites for starting or running a business. Visit the Web site at: Signet entrepreneurial (French and English references)

Financial measures available to food processing businesses
The ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) published a directory of the major financial measures applicable to the food processing industry. The programmes are classified under four major categories: investment, innovation and productivity, markets, succession. Visit the Web site at: Mesures financières disponibles pour les entreprises de transformation alimentaire (In French only)

The Youth Link booklet is a one-stop information collection of many Government of Canada youth programs, services and resources. To order a free copy, call 1-800-935-5555. The document is also available on the Internet Youth Link

Youth Programs Directory from the Québec government
This directory also contains entrepreneurship programs and is available on the Internet at: Répertoire des programmes jeunesse du gouvernement du Québec (in French only)

Managing for Business Success
This site provides practical links and references to web sites that offer owners and managers of small and medium businesses with insights and information that can help them resolve a management challenge without spending too much time searching for information. (This site replace Contact! The Canadian Management Network )For further information, consult the document Managing for Business Success or visit the Web site at: Managing for Business Success

A Road Map to Tourism Financing
This guide produced by the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) provides information and guidance on sources of financing and financing-related business services for the tourism industry. You can consult the guide on the Internet at Canada Tourism Commission (go to "Industry Resources" section and "Publications", search in English using the words "Road Map").

Discover many other documents, tools and interesting links pertaining to the "Start-Up / Expansion cluster" in the Tool Box, What You Must Know and Links of Interest sections of our Website.

• Assistance for Entrepreneurship - Montreal Region
• Business Services Offered in the Bas St-Laurent Region (Region 01)
• Business Services Offered in the Saguenay Lac St-Jean Region (Region 02)
• Business Services Offered in the Québec Region (Region 03)
• Business Services Offered in the Mauricie Region (Region 04)
• Business Services Offered in the Estrie Region (Region 05)
• Business Services Offered in the Outaouais Region (Region 07)
• Business Services Offered in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region (Region 08)
• Business Services Offered in the Côte-Nord Region (Region 09)
• Business Services Offered in the Nord-du-Québec Region (Region 10)
• Business Services Offered in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region (Region 11)
• Business Services Offered in the Chaudière-Appalaches (region 12)
• Business Services Offered in the Laval Region (Region 13)
• Business Services Offered in the Lanaudière Region (Region 14)
• Business Services Offered in the Laurentides Region (Region 15)
• Business Services Offered in the Montérégie Region (Region 16)
• Business Services Offered in the Centre-du-Québec Region (Region 17)
• Info-Guide - Exporters
• Info-Guide - Social Economy
• Info-Guide - Young Entrepreneurs
• Info-Guide - Permits and Licences Required for Certain Types of Businesses
• Info-Guide - Employment and Training
• Info-Guide - Aboriginal Businesses
• Info-Guide - Self-Employment
• Info-Guide - Multimedia
• Info-Guide - E-Business
• Info-Guide - Technological and Strategic Intelligence
• Info-Guide - Innovation, Research and Development
• Info-Guide - Women Entrepreneurs
• Starting a Convenience Store
• Starting a Bed and Breakfast

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.