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

Supports business start-up, expansion, and succession activities
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 125,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Nord-du-Québec, Quebec, Canada

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.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 125,000 $
  • Up to 35% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Nord-du-Québec
  • Quebec
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
  • Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
Target groups
  • General public
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Regional

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

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.

Eligibility

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)

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.

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.

What is the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE)?

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.

How much funding can be received?

ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $125,000 per project.

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.

What expenses are eligible under ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE)?

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.

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).

Where is the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) available?

The ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) program is available Nord-du-Québec, Quebec.

Is the ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

ARBJ — Business start-up, expansion and succession program (PDERE) is a Grant and Funding