Status unavailable
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)
Supports entrepreneurship development and innovative business growth in Quebec
Record updated
- Funding available
- Varies by project
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Quebec, Canada
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Varies by project
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Quebec
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Other Racialized Persons
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
- Legal structures
- For-profit business, Social economy enterprise
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
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
Activities funded
- 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.
Selection criteria
- 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%.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) Program
What is the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)?
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.
Who is eligible for the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) program?
To be eligible for the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) program, you must:
Must be a for-profit business or organization in Quebec.
Project must align with entrepreneurship development objectives.
Who can I contact for more information about the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)?
You can contact Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE) by email at evaluation@economie.gouv.qc.ca.
Where is the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) available?
The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN) is a Grant and Funding
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)