When the Movement Becomes a Catalyst for Social Change in Laval
Imagine a packed hall where the adrenaline of competition doesn't mean overwhelming pressure, but rather a sense of liberation. [...]
In the highly competitive global business tourism arena, attracting a major international conference or event is a long-term battle. Quebec has the infrastructure, innovation, and charm, but how can it turn a strong bid into an undisputed victory?
The answer is: the Fund to Boost International Business Tourism (FSTAI).
Administered by Tourisme Laval the entire province, this program from the Ministry of Tourism is not just a simple grant. It is a financial toolkit designed to give you a decisive advantage at every stage of your event’s lifecycle. Whether you’re an organizer, an association, a municipal entity, or a research institution, the FSTAI is designed to transform your international ambitions into tangible economic benefits.
Researchers' Secret Weapon (Parts 1 and 2)
Let’s start with the program’s most powerful incentive. The FSTAI recognizes that the most credible ambassadors for attracting major scientific conferences are the researchers and academics themselves. That is why it created the Type A Application. If your application is submitted by a researcher affiliated with an educational institution, the conditions for the application phases (Parts 1 and 2) are exceptional:
- Maximum grant rate: 100% of eligible costs.
- Minimum down payment: 0%.
In short, you can fund your entire application package or outreach activities—up to $50,000—without spending a single penny from your research budget. This is an unprecedented opportunity to help Quebec’s expertise attract the world’s top talent.
For all so-called Type B applications (i.e., other types), the FSTAI significantly reduces the financial burden of the application process.
- For Component 1: The fund covers up to 50% of the costs (up to $50,000) for the preparation of professional application packages or business plans.
- For Component 2: The fund covers your business development activities, such as inspection visits for your clients, your own business development trips abroad, and even fees for experts to help you complete the application.
The Tool for Conquest (Part 3)
Here’s the tool that tips the scales: Component 3. It’s not a reimbursement for your expenses; it’s a financial incentive (up to $200,000) that you can offer to beat the competition.
The calculation is strategic, and you can offer $100 per registered participant, plus a 20% bonus if the event aligns with one of Quebec’s areas of excellence (AI, aerospace, life sciences, etc.) or if it is held outside the Quebec City and Montreal areas. This is the ultimate financial argument for convincing international decision-makers to choose Quebec.
The Growth Lever (Section 4)
The FSTAI is one of the few funds that continues to support you after the win. If your event is already confirmed or a recurring event in Quebec, Component 4 aims to maximize its impact.
It provides funding (up to $75,000 in support measures) for concrete initiatives to attract more international participants: targeted marketing, simultaneous translation, and even innovations to enhance the visitor experience, such as wellness areas or high-tech networking spaces.
In addition, Component 4 rewards you for your results: you can receive an additional incentive (up to $100,000) based on the actual in your international customer base.
Who CAN'T file a claim?
It is crucial to note that the FSTAI is aimed at event organizers. Direct service providers such as hotels, convention centers, and event agencies are not eligible to serve as lead applicants, but they remain essential partners for the success of an application.
The Next Step
The FSTAI is a golden opportunity to promote your industry and your region. The process involves calls for proposals with fixed deadlines.
To get started, review the applicant’s guide and contact the Tourisme Laval team—the program’s sole administrator—to have your project approved.
Contact: fstai@tourismelaval.com | 450-682-5522
Don't let an international opportunity slip away because of a lack of resources. The FSTAI is here to help fund your ambitions.
