Beginning today, December 15, 2025, Quebec businesses in rural communities can apply for a new round of provincial funding aimed at improving access to essential goods and services.The $50 million investment, distributed over five years, recognizes the critical role local commerce plays in the economic health of municipalities with populations under 20,000. This initiative, part of the broader Regions and Rurality Fund, seeks to address challenges ranging from food security to supply chain disruptions impacting smaller, remote areas of the province.
Quebec’s provincial government is allocating $50 million over five years to support local businesses in smaller communities, aiming to bolster access to essential goods and services. The funding, available through the “Local Commerce” component of the Regions and Rurality Fund within the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, will be distributed between December 15, 2025, and February 16, 2026.
The program is designed to assist both for-profit companies and social economy enterprises in establishing, maintaining, or expanding their offerings in municipalities with populations under 20,000. Specifically, the initiative targets improvements in the availability of food, construction materials, everyday consumer goods, and fuel.
This investment reflects a broader strategy to strengthen economic resilience in Quebec’s rural areas, ensuring residents have access to vital resources without needing to travel long distances. Businesses interested in applying for funding can find detailed information about the program’s requirements and application process on the Local Commerce section of the Quebec government website.
The funding window opens on December 15, 2025, and closes on February 16, 2026, providing a defined period for businesses to submit their proposals. The initiative underscores the Quebec government’s commitment to supporting local economies and addressing the unique challenges faced by smaller communities.
