Birthplace of Quebec’s industrialization, Trois-Rivières has long been characterized by its economy, which is mainly based on natural resource exploitation and processing. Therefore, hydroelectricity, pulp and paper, logging and agriculture are major economic activities in the region. Its diversified economy relies on the proliferation of innovative SMEs that are recognized both locally and internationally.

Many innovative SMEs distinguish themselves in an ever-changing market by performing in-house R&D. This is an upward trend. Actually, between 1997 and 2004, R&D expenditures increased from $ 12.1 million to $ 78.5 million in the Trois-Rivières region. By performing R&D, those companies become eligible for the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program. This federal tax incentive program encourages Canadian businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors to conduct R&D in Canada that will lead to new, improved, or technologically advanced products or processes.

Many of Trois-Rivières’ industrial sectors have a reception rate of SR&ED tax credits higher than 50 %*:

• Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (56,1 %);
• Wood Product Manufacturing (54.5 %)
• Value-added Papers and Related Technologies (63.3 %);
• Food Processing (54.1 %).

Specialized in the high-tech industry and innovative environments, d’Astous Groupe Conseil helps several companies located in Trois-Rivières to get R&D tax credits. Its team of experts covers all key sectors from this region.

*These statistics come from a publication entitled Les mesures d’aide fiscale à la R-D et l’innovation des entreprises au Québec from Institut de la statistique du Québec.