ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE)

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) program?

To be eligible for the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) program, you must: • The promoter must be 18 years or older. • Participation of other financial partners is required. • The promoter must contribute to the project with a personal investment.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE)?

You can contact Administration régionale Baie-James (ARBJ).

Q: Are startups eligible for the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports business start-up, expansion, and succession activities

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $125,000
Up to 35% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The ARBJ's Business Start-up, Expansion and Succession Program (PDERE) supports the launch, growth, and transfer of businesses, offering up to a maximum of $125,000 in financial aid. Eligible activities include salary expenses, acquisition costs for services and equipment, marketing, and prototype creation.

Financing terms and conditions

The ARBJ Business Start-up, Expansion, and Succession Program (PDERE) provides structured financial support with various modalities tailored to assist eligible projects. Funding is adapted based on a detailed review of the project's characteristics and objectives.

The program offers a combination of financial vehicles, including capital shares, loans, and grants, based on the analysis of the project proposal.
The ARBJ contributes up to 35% of the eligible project expenses, with a maximum limit of $125,000.
The percentage of the required equity contribution varies, with step calculations determining the share of equity, influenced by the prior use of the asset in question.

Activities funded

This program serves to bolster initiatives related to business initiation, growth, and ownership transition. The eligible activities encompass a broad range of financial and operational improvements tailored to enhance economic viability and sustainability.

Salaries and social contributions for staff working on the project.
Acquisition costs associated with services, equipment related to the project, and project-specific shares.
Expenditures related to office supplies, utilities, telephone services, and insurance premiums.
Cost of leasing and maintaining project-related equipment and office spaces.
Professional fees essential for the project’s success.
Marketing expenses including advertisements and promotional activities.
Working capital to sustain project operations.
Fees associated with relevant registrations.
Costs involved in prototype creation.
Travel and representation expenses directly linked to the project.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 100,000

Develop a renewable energy system for local farms

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The entrepreneur must be aged 18 years or older.
Eligible applicants include companies, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives.
Applicants must participate with a financial contribution.
The project must benefit residents of Chapais, Chibougamau, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Matagami, and non-Cree individuals residing in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James regional government territory.
There must be participation from other financial partners.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the ARBJ Business start-up, expansion, and succession program (PDERE) include enterprises, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives. These entities must act in the interest of the population residing within the cities of Chapais, Chibougamau, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Matagami, and non-Cree individuals in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James regional government territory. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and contribute financially to the project. Collaboration with other financial partners is also required.

Who is not eligible

This program is available to certain types of entities, but specific ineligible companies or industries are not detailed. Restrictions focus on aligning projects with regional benefits and ensuring equitable financial conditions.

Entities that have already completed the project's investment phase.
Businesses attempting to relocate outside the designated regional areas.
Companies where the promoter or their affiliates have a vested interest in consulting expenses.
Residential, commercial, or industrial rental property projects, excluding business incubators.

Eligible expenses

The ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) allows for a range of eligible expenses that support project development and execution.

Salaries and social charges associated with the project.
Costs for acquiring services, equipment related to the project, and relevant shares.
Office supplies, utilities, telephony, and insurance expenses.
Rental and maintenance costs for equipment and office spaces.
Professional fees for necessary services.
Marketing expenses, including advertisements and promotions.
Working capital to support project operations.
Relevant registration fees.
Costs for creating a prototype.
Travel and representation expenses directly linked to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is focused on companies and projects that benefit specific geographical regions within Quebec. Eligible businesses must operate within designated territories to qualify for funding.

Chapais
Chibougamau
Lebel-sur-Quévillon
Matagami
Territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government (excluding Cree individuals)

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion, and succession program (PDERE) focus on a range of criteria to ensure effective use of resources and alignment with regional development goals.

Diversification economic (saturation of the market).
Experience and track record of the promoter.
Realism and viability of the project (objectives, timeline, budget).
Potential impacts of the project on the sustainable development of the region.
Trust index (risk management).
Nature of the financing sought.
Involvement of the promoter (type of capital contribution, time dedicated to the business, etc.).
Financial situation of the business.
Extent of complementary financing.
Regulatory compliance.
Employment creation generated by the project.

How to apply

Preparation of the documentation

Fill out the contribution request form for economic development programs.
Prepare a resume and a personal assessment.
Develop a comprehensive business plan and prepare financial statements for three years or a three-year expansion plan.
Provide financial statements for the last three years, including monthly details for the last year.
Check registration proof with the REQ, if applicable.
Obtain a shareholders' agreement, if applicable.
Gather two business quotes from the Nord-du-Québec region, if possible.
Include any other documents deemed necessary for the analysis.

Submission of the request

Send all the necessary documents to the ARBJ for the processing of your request.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The financial support is subject to a tiered calculation system, influencing the percentage of the initial contribution required.
The nature and type of financial vehicle provided, such as equity, loan, or grant, will be determined through dossier analysis.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.