Closed
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)
Supports entrepreneurship development and innovative business growth in Quebec
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2020
- Closing date : March 31, 2022
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2020
- Closing date : March 31, 2022
Eligible candidates
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
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Other Racialized Persons
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN). 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 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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2022.
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.
What expenses are eligible under Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)?
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.
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