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ARBJ — Pre-start-up program (PPE)

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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

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

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

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

Q: 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

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Quebec, Canada

Supports pre-investment activities for new businesses in Quebec

Grant and Funding

Administration régionale Baie-James

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Reduce the ecological footprint

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 15,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

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

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 70,000

Creating an artisan co-op to revive traditional craftsmanship

$ 90,000

Developing a mobile app for remote healthcare access

$ 75,000

Implementing energy-efficient systems in community housing buildings

$ 70,000

Establishing an eco-friendly urban farm for organic vegetables

$ 30,000

Developing a workshop series for financial literacy education

$ 80,000

Launching a sustainable packaging line for local products

Eligibility

Companies wishing to apply for this grant must meet the following eligibility criteria.

The promoter must be 18 years of age or older.
The promoter must contribute 50% of the project funds in cash.
The promoter and the project must benefit the population residing in the cities of Chapais, Chibougamau, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Matagami, or individuals, other than members of the Cree community, residing in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government territory.
The promoter must not have initiated their investment phase.

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

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on several criteria to ensure their contribution to the region's economic environment and sustainable development.

Diversification of the economy with consideration for market saturation.
Experience and track record of the promoter.
Experience and track record of the consultant.
Realism and viability of the project, including objectives, timeline, and budget.
Potential impacts of the project on the sustainable development of the region.

How to apply

Preparation of the documentation

Fill out the contribution request form for economic development programs.
Prepare the promoter's resume.
Gather proof of registration with the REQ, if applicable.
Obtain two quotes, prioritizing businesses from the Nord-du-Québec region when possible.
Assess what other documents may be necessary for the analysis.

Submission of the application

Send all required documents to the organization managing the PPE program.
Ensure that the application is complete and meets the requirements.

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.

Apply to this program

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)?

How much funding can be received?

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

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.