Closed
Source verified March 3, 2026
Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)
Supports entrepreneurship development and innovative business growth in Quebec
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
March 31, 2022
Opened April 1, 2020
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
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
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.
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