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ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) - Quebec - Canada
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ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE)

Supports pre-investment activities for new businesses in Quebec
Administration régionale Baie-James (ARBJ)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Nord-du-Québec, Quebec, Canada

Overview

The ARBJ — Pre-start-up Program (PPE) aims to support pre-investment activities for entrepreneurs with a maximum funding of $15,000. Eligible activities include business plan development, financial planning, and market analysis.

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

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 15,000 $
  • Up to 50% 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
  • Sole proprietorship
  • 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
Target groups
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Regional

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

The Pre-start-up program (PPE) encourages a variety of activities necessary for the initial stages before investment towards establishing a business. The eligible activities focus on planning, market research, and development efforts.

  • Consultant fees for preparing business plans.
  • Consultant fees for developing financial plans.
  • Market analysis consultant fees.
  • Research and development studies deemed pertinent prior to start-up.
  • Creation of prototypes.
  • Travel and representation expenses.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the ARBJ – Pre-start-up program (PPE) include individuals intending to start a business, enterprises, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives. The applicant must be 18 years or older and contribute 50% equity to the project. The project should benefit the population residing in Chapais, Chibougamau, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Matagami, and for individuals, excluding the Cree, residing in the regional government territory of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. Additionally, the applicant must not have initiated their investment phase.

Eligible expenses

The eligible expenses under this grant are aimed at supporting pre-start-up activities essential for project development.

  • Consultant fees for business plan preparation.
  • Consultant fees for financial plan development.
  • Consultant fees for market analysis.
  • Consultant fees for research and development studies.
  • Consultant fees for any other study deemed relevant to the pre-start-up phase.
  • Costs associated with creating a prototype.
  • Travel and representation expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies operating in certain areas as defined by the regional development authority. These locations are eligible to ensure that the funding supports local economic development objectives.

  • Chapais
  • Chibougamau
  • Lebel-sur-Quévillon
  • Matagami
  • Territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government excluding Cree residents

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

  • The financial assistance provided is non-repayable, but it cannot be considered a contribution for securing other funding partners.

Frequently Asked Questions about the ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE). 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 — Pre-start-up program (PPE)?

The ARBJ — Pre-start-up Program (PPE) aims to support pre-investment activities for entrepreneurs with a maximum funding of $15,000. Eligible activities include business plan development, financial planning, and market analysis.

How much funding can be received?

ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) program?

To be eligible for the ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) program, you must: The promoter must be 18 years of age or older. The promoter must contribute 50% of the project funding in cash. The promoter and the project must benefit the population residing in the specified regions.

What expenses are eligible under ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE)?

The Pre-start-up program (PPE) encourages a variety of activities necessary for the initial stages before investment towards establishing a business. The eligible activities focus on planning, market research, and development efforts. Consultant fees for preparing business plans. Consultant fees for developing financial plans. Market analysis consultant fees. Research and development studies deemed pertinent prior to start-up. Creation of prototypes. Travel and representation expenses.

Who can I contact for more information about the ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE)?

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

Where is the ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) available?

The ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) program is available Nord-du-Québec, Quebec.

Is the ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE) is a Grant and Funding