Why More Entrepreneurs Are Buying Businesses in Québec

By area, Québec is Canada’s largest province and offers entrepreneurs a great place to own a business. This province excels in industries like advanced tech, renewable energy, and transportation while offering diversity, creativity, and incentives. But it’s not just owning a business in this region that’s advantageous, it’s also the opportunity to buy a business. For instance, 6 out of 10 business owners in Québec want to sell or transfer their business within 10 years. In this article, you’ll learn why Québec is a great place for buying a business. 

Québec offers a variety of sectors to buy a business 

Thanks to its diversity, there are numerous sectors to buy a business from. Québec is a foodie’s dream, with restaurants and cafés galore. There are many options for buyers in this space, especially for dining focused on health, cafés, and international cuisine. Montreal specifically is well-known for its fashion, so it’s no surprise that the top business sector to buy a business from is retail. Opportunities can be found in purchasing specialty boutiques as well as hybrid models – a combination of storefronts and e-commerce, serving local, regional, and national customers. 

Another sector that’s expanding is health and wellness. Whether it’s a neighbourhood gym or a growing medispa, buyers have no shortage of opportunities in this space. It’s no surprise that Montreal in particular is a global hub for technology, housing a mix of global giants and homegrown leaders, like Google, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Lightspeed, and more. This offers the perfect opportunity for buyers looking to purchase a business in this sector, whether it’s AI, video gaming, or IT service.

Operating costs in Québec are much lower than other regions

One major advantage to buying a business in Québec and specifically Montreal is that it costs less to run a business in this region compared to other major cities in Canada and the United States. For example, Montreal offers competitive labour costs, has an average cost-advantage of 31% in high-value-added sectors, and has subsidies and interest-free loans for major and innovative projects. When you buy a business in Montreal, you get access to 1.5 billion customers in 50+ countries through free trade agreements, and an airport that connects to over 145 destinations (making business travel a breeze).

Québec gives you access to a diverse market

Who makes up your business is integral to its long term success. Since Québec is bilingual, you’ll tap into a workforce that can help your business operate in both French and English, increasing the number of customers you serve. Québec is also known for its universities like McGill University, Université de Montréal, and Concordia, producing top-knotch talent that you can easily access to help you expand your business. This is especially beneficial if you acquire a business in the tech sector and need innovative talent. 

The region also offers a balanced lifestyle, where you get the business of Montreal and opportunities for outdoor activities in and around the city. Montreal consistently ranks among the best cities to live and work, and has a competitive cost of living compared to other major cities in North America. 

In Québec, buyers have the upper hand 

Just like the employee/employer market, businesses have the same. In this case, buyers have the upper hand. While some business owners want to keep their business in the family, 52% of them intend to sell to someone outside their family. On top of that, only 50% of companies that have a succession plan have identified a buyer, that means that the other half still NEED a buyer. Business owners want to retire at some point and nearly 25% of owners aged 65 plus plan to phase out their business because they don’t have someone to take it over. Owners don’t realize the amount of work it takes to prepare their exit strategy and think that they’ll be able to quickly find a successor, but that’s not the reality. This means that buyers can negotiate to their advantage when owners are ill-prepared.  

Why aren’t more people jumping on this opportunity? Because over half (51.6%) of buyers aged 18-34 don’t think they have the capability or knowledge to take over a business. 

But the reality is, most successful buyers don’t start with all the answers—they learn the process. With the right guidance, frameworks, and network, buying a business becomes far more accessible than most people think.

About Venture for Canada’s ETA Bootcamp: Montreal 

Venture for Canada’s ETA Bootcamp: Montreal is designed to help you move from interest to action, helping you turn your dream of buying a business into a strategic, actionable plan. 

In just 4 weeks, you’ll learn how to: 

• Source and evaluate businesses
• Understand financials and deal structures
• Navigate financing and negotiations
• Build the network you need to buy your first business 

Program details: 

Who: Mid-career professionals with 5+ years of work experience 

When: June 6 – July 2, 2026

Where: Hybrid (one in person session in Montreal + virtual learning)

Cost: $2,600 CAD (early bird discount until May 1st, 2026, save $300)

Enroll here