How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)?

Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) is funded by Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

What are Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)'s eligibility criterias?

Must be a for-profit business or organization in Quebec. Project must align with entrepreneurship development objectives.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)

Last Update: July 21, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports entrepreneurship development and innovative business growth in Quebec

Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : April 1, 2020
Closing date : March 31, 2022

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Real estate and rental and leasing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Management of companies and enterprises
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Grant Providers

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Status

Archived

Overview of the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) program

The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) provided up to $37.8 million in financial support from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, supporting innovative young businesses, and promoting projects led by underrepresented or disadvantaged groups in Quebec. Eligible activities include business operation support, structured entrepreneurship projects, training sessions, coaching, and mentoring delivered by recognized organizations.

Financing terms and conditions

Total government financial assistance of $37.8 million was awarded through the program from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022.
The financial assistance demonstrates a leverage effect of 1.3, meaning that for every dollar provided, an additional $1.30 was mobilized from other sources.
The public expenditure return ratio was estimated at 0.79.

Eligible projects & activities

Undertaking entrepreneurial projects that support the creation and development of businesses.
Implementation of training, coaching, and mentorship activities for entrepreneurs.
Projects led by innovative young companies to foster business growth.
Initiatives supporting entrepreneurs from under-represented or disadvantaged groups.
Projects carried out by organizations providing assistance to entrepreneurs, including delivery of structured and strategic business activities.

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) program

The applicant must be an organization or business active in the entrepreneurial sector in Quebec.
The project must support entrepreneurship and contribute to positive economic outcomes in Quebec.
The applicant or project must align with the orientations and mission of the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie.
Preference is given to projects benefiting underrepresented or disadvantaged groups, as well as innovative young enterprises.

Who is eligible?

Entrepreneurship support organizations
Businesses benefiting from entrepreneurship support services
Young innovative enterprises
Enterprises with founders from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) program

Relevance and alignment of the project with the program’s objectives.
Achievement of the intended results and contribution to positive entrepreneurial outcomes in Quebec.
Coherence and complementarity with other government interventions and initiatives.
Efficient use of granted funds and reasonable achievement of expected results.
Satisfaction of beneficiaries with the implementation and administration of the program.

Additional information

An evaluation found that over 85% of direct and indirect recipients confirmed the ongoing need for the program.
More than 40% of businesses supported directly or indirectly had a founder from an under-represented or disadvantaged group.
The program demonstrated a positive contribution to employment and wealth creation in Quebec.
Customer satisfaction rates with the program and support organizations exceeded 90%.