Starting out as a trades business in Quebec

The local market for a new trades owner

Montréal and its surrounding cities, including Laval and Longueuil, are the largest and most competitive markets. Québec City and Gatineau are strong markets of their own, and Gatineau's position next to Ottawa means many owners there also think about Ontario customers, where different rules apply.

For a new owner, Quebec rewards being local and being clear. Customers want to see that you are properly licensed, that you speak their language, and that you are close by. A complete Google profile in French, real photos and early reviews are the foundation.

Language: plan your marketing in French from the start

French language rules affect almost everything you publish. As explained by the OQLF, the amended Charter of the French Language requires French to be clearly predominant on public signs and in commercial advertising. If your website or social accounts speak to Quebec customers, a French version has to be there; English can sit beside it.

What that means in practice for a new business:

• Write your Google profile, website and ads in French first.
• If you want English as well, add it alongside, not instead.
• Check your vehicle lettering and signage against the rules, especially if your business name is not in French.

We cannot give legal advice on language compliance; the OQLF is the place to ask.

Climate and seasonality

Winter in Quebec is long and snowy, and the heating season stretches further the further you are from the St. Lawrence valley. Most homes heat with electricity, so electrical and heat pump work is closely tied to the season.

Outdoor trades have a short, busy season; book it during winter. Interior and heating-related trades can plan maintenance reminders for late summer, with consent, before the cold arrives. Our first-year DIY plan gives a seasonal routine you can adapt.

Bodies to know when starting out in Quebec

These are the official organisations a new Quebec trades owner should know. Contact them directly about anything to do with licensing, competency or compliance.

• Business registration: the Registraire des entreprises.
• Contractor licensing and building safety: the RBQ. Construction work for others generally requires an RBQ licence with the correct subclasses.
• Construction-industry competency: the CCQ issues competency certification for construction workers.
• Workplace health and safety: the CNESST.
• Consumer protection: the Office de la protection du consommateur.

Display your RBQ licence number on your profile and website if you hold one and it applies, and make sure every claim matches what you are licensed to do.

Programs worth knowing if your trade touches heating

As of October 2026, Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program offers grants for qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pumps, geothermal systems and other measures. Hydro-Québec notes that a federal heat pump rebate is expected in 2027 and says LogisVert requests are being processed normally.

If your trade is involved, send customers to the program page to confirm eligibility. Do not promise grant amounts in your marketing.

How we would approach marketing in Quebec

For a first-year Quebec owner, we would usually suggest:

1. Register your business and confirm with the RBQ and CCQ what your trade requires.
2. Set up your Google Business Profile in French, with a realistic service area.
3. Build a starter website in French first, adding English only alongside it.
4. Ask every customer for a review, in their language.

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