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Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (PAEN)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports entrepreneurship development and innovative business growth in Quebec
Grant and Funding
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
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
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
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
- 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
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
evaluation@economie.gouv.qc.ca
