PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses program?

To be eligible for the PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses program, you must: • Implement or transform a business on Saint-Hubert Street (Jean-Talon to du Rosaire) • Canadian citizen or permanent resident • Provide a minimum of 20% equity for the project

Q: Are startups eligible for the PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses program.

Last Update: August 7, 2025

Montréal, QC

Funding and support for innovative retail projects in Villeray

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 20% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : December 31, 2026

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Retail trade

Funds Providers

PME MTL

Program status

Open

Overview

The PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses offers up to $75,000 in funding to support the opening, transformation, or expansion of innovative businesses on Saint-Hubert Street in the Villeray district. The program aims to revitalize the area by encouraging new or significantly transformed commercial projects, especially those with environmental or social value.

Financing terms and conditions

Total grant pool of $75,000 to be allocated among selected projects; individual grant amounts depend on project scale and added value.
Recipients must provide a minimum of 20% of the total project costs as their own financial contribution.
If the funded business ceases operations or leaves the targeted area within 24 months of starting, the grant must be reimbursed on a pro rata basis for the remaining months.

Activities funded

Opening a new retail business on Saint-Hubert Street between Jean-Talon and du Rosaire.
Significantly transforming or expanding an existing retail business within the specified area.
Establishing a second location of an existing business on Saint-Hubert Street in the designated sector.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 74,000

Opening a zero-waste bulk grocery store for local families

$ 72,500

Launching a social enterprise thrift shop with upcycling workshops

$ 73,000

Transforming a bookstore with a community events and café space

Eligibility

The project must involve opening a new business or significantly transforming an existing business on rue Saint-Hubert, between Jean-Talon and du Rosaire.
The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The project must demonstrate financial viability and include a minimum personal investment of 20% of the total project cost.
The applicant must submit a complete application, including a business plan and financial plan.
The business must plan to open or complete the major transformation by December 31, 2026.

Who is eligible?

New retail businesses seeking to open on rue Saint-Hubert between Jean-Talon and du Rosaire
Existing businesses planning a significant transformation on rue Saint-Hubert between Jean-Talon and du Rosaire

Eligible expenses

Startup costs for opening a new commercial location.
Expenses related to the transformation of an existing business.
Professional support and consulting services related to the implementation or transformation project.

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses located on rue Saint-Hubert, between Jean-Talon and du Rosaire, in the Villeray neighbourhood of Montréal.

Selection criteria

Notable transformation or creation of a new business bringing added value to rue Saint-Hubert.
Projects with a demonstrated environmental or social value (such as circular economy, second-hand, or sustainability) will be prioritized.
Demonstrated financial viability of the project, including proof of a minimum 20% down payment/funding.
Detailed explanation of expenditures related to the proposed business establishment or transformation.

How to apply

Identify eligible project

Identify your project as a new business, transformation, or second location on Saint-Hubert Street between Jean-Talon and du Rosaire
Ensure your project aligns with the program priorities, such as environmental or social value

Prepare application documents

Prepare a complete application dossier including business plan and financial plan
Detail project expenses for start-up or transformation
Ensure you demonstrate financial viability and have a minimum 20% contribution
Obtain the required documents such as CVs and financial forecasts for two years

Submit application

Complete the online expression of interest or registration form
Attach all required documents to your submission
Submit your application dossier to PME MTL Centre-Est

Await application review

Your project will be reviewed by the selection committee
You may need to meet with a jury and participate in program promotion activities

Sign agreement and obtain permits

If selected, sign an agreement with PME MTL Centre-Est
Obtain the required occupancy certificate and permits from VSP

Open or transform business

Sign a commercial lease of at least 24 months (for new establishments)
Open or transform your business by December 31, 2026

Additional information

An envelope of $75,000 will be distributed among selected projects, with the amount granted depending on the project's scale and added value for Saint-Hubert Street.
The program is supported by PME MTL Centre-Est, Desjardins, and the borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.
Entrepreneurs must accept to meet with a jury and participate in promotional activities for the program.
If a business ceases operations or relocates outside the targeted area within 24 months of starting, the grant must be repaid on a prorated basis.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the PME MTL — Call for projects: very open to unusual businesses. 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.