Créavenir

Q: How much funding can be received?

Créavenir Funds up to 5000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Créavenir a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Créavenir is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Créavenir?

Créavenir is funded by Desjardins

Q: Who is eligible for the Créavenir program?

To be eligible for the Créavenir program, you must: • Must be between 18 and 39 years old • Must have a viable plan to start or grow a business less than 3 years old • Must be ineligible for traditional financing

Q: Where is the Créavenir available?

The Créavenir program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Créavenir program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Créavenir program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Créavenir program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Créavenir program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Help for entrepreneurs 18 to 39 who can't get financing

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $5,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The program provides young entrepreneurs who want to start their own business or who have a business that's less than 3 years old with coaching, mentoring, financial aid in the form of loans and grants.

Financing terms and conditions

Line of credit of up to $15,000, which may increase up to $30,000 after 6 months of good financial behaviour, at the prime rate plus 0.5% for 5 years.
Business credit card with a credit limit of $1,000 at the prime rate plus 0.5%.
Grant of up to $5,000 (conditions apply), which may be used as leverage to access further funding.
Microcredit loans of up to $20,000 for entrepreneurs with modest financing needs.

Activities funded

Launching a new business by young entrepreneurs.
Expanding existing businesses that are less than three years old.
Developing viable business plans for new or emerging enterprises.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 5,000

Launching a mobile dog grooming service

$ 5,000

Starting a mobile coffee shop business

$ 5,000

Establishing an eco-friendly fashion line

$ 5,000

Expanding an organic soap business

$ 5,000

Launching a local craft brewery

$ 5,000

Creating a digital marketing agency

Eligibility

The applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 39.
The business must be a new startup or an existing business that is less than 3 years old.
The applicant must present a viable business plan for starting or growing the business.
The applicant and business must not be eligible for traditional financing or not able to obtain sufficient traditional financing.
The applicant must be a member of a Desjardins caisse or credit union.

Who is eligible?

Startups founded or managed by young entrepreneurs (aged 18–39) for Créavenir
Early-stage or newly established businesses (less than 3 years old) for Créavenir
Entrepreneurs with modest financing needs (Desjardins Microcredit)
Self-employed individuals and small business owners who lack access to traditional financing

Eligible geographic areas

Abitibi-Témiscamingue – Nord-du-Québec
Bas-Saint-Laurent
Capitale-Nationale
Centre-du-Québec
Chaudière-Appalaches
Côte-Nord
Estrie
Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Lanaudière
Laval-Laurentides
Mauricie
Montérégie
Montreal
Ontario (selected partner organizations)
Outaouais
Rive-Sud de Montréal
Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Selection criteria

Strength of the business plan submitted to the partner organization.
Assessment by the Créavenir selection committee if the applicant lacks sufficient capital or collateral for traditional financing.

How to apply

Prepare Business Plan

Draft a comprehensive business plan demonstrating the viability of your new or existing business.
Include your personal investment details, expected assets, and funding requirements.

Present Business Plan

Bring your prepared business plan to your local entrepreneur support agency that partners with Cr?avenir.

Project Evaluation

If your business plan is deemed viable, the agency will verify your eligibility based on investment and guarantee insufficiencies.

Acceptance and Mentoring

If accepted, you will receive mentoring support during the start-up phase of your business.

Financial Aid Access

Qualify for a line of credit up to $15,000 at the prime rate + 0.5% for 5 years, a Business card with a credit limit up to $1,000, and possibly a grant up to $5,000.

Follow-up and Potential Increase

After at least 6 months, your line of credit may be increased to a maximum of $30,000 based on credit needs and scores.

Additional information

Social finance through Créavenir seeks to generate both financial returns and positive social impact, prioritizing community well-being.
Building or improving personal credit history is a potential benefit of the program for young entrepreneurs.
The program partners with a wide network of local organizations for personalized project support and program delivery.
Some program documentation and additional partner information resources are available in French only.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Créavenir Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Créavenir. 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.