
Evol — Conventional start-up loan
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Loans for diversified and inclusive ownership start-ups in Quebec
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $20,000 to $75,000
- Up to 5% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
- Closing date : December 31, 2024
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
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
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get a loan ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 for your new business start-up projects (0 to 2 years)
Financing terms and conditions
This loan program provides a range of financing modalities designed to support start-up businesses in their initial phase. The options are structured to accommodate various business needs and financial circumstances.
- Loans ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 are available, requiring a minimum down payment of 5% of the project value.
- The maximum amortization period is 8 years, with interest rates calculated based on a base rate plus a percentage determined by the risk premium associated with the business project.
- The possibility of a moratorium is available at the time of granting and during the loan, including in cases of parental leave.
- A $350 file opening fee and an annual management fee of 1.5% of the loan balance are applicable.
- Financing can be used for acquiring tangible and intangible assets, working capital, developing and marketing new products and services, and purchasing or redeeming shares.
- Most business sectors are eligible for this loan.
Activities funded
This loan program assists entrepreneurs in acquiring necessary resources and capital to establish and grow their businesses. It aims to facilitate the acquisition and enhancement of tangible and intangible assets.
- Financing the acquisition of tangible and intangible assets.
- Providing working capital related to business operations following the loan granting date.
- Supporting the development and marketing of new products and services for existing businesses.
- Facilitating the purchase and redemption of shares in a company.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 45,000
Develop a new software application for managing small business expenses
$ 50,000
Launch a new organic skincare line, focusing on natural ingredients
$ 50,000
Establish an artisanal coffee shop with a focus on organic and fair-trade products
$ 55,000
Opening a specialty cheese shop focusing on local and imported cheeses
$ 40,000
Create a community garden initiative focusing on food sustainability
$ 35,000
Launch a home-based catering service specializing in vegan cuisine
Eligibility
Eligibility for this loan is determined by several criteria related to the applicant's business and financial situation.
- The applicant must be a business in the start-up phase, ranging between 0 to 2 years of operation.
- A minimum down payment of 5% of the project value is required.
- A comprehensive business plan must be provided.
- The applicant must submit 2-year projected financial statements.
- Curriculum vitae of shareholders must be included in the application.
- The loan can be used for acquiring tangible and intangible assets, working capital, product development, marketing, and purchasing shares.
- The loan covers most business sectors.
Who is eligible?
Applicants eligible for this loan are typically start-up businesses within their first two years of operation. The businesses must be in one of the eligible sectors of the economy, and both male and female entrepreneurs can apply. The applicants need to be able to present a comprehensive business plan, projected financial statements for the next two years, and the curriculum vitae of all key shareholders involved in the business.
Eligible expenses
This program provides funding for a variety of expenses crucial to starting and growing a business.
- Financing the acquisition of tangible and intangible assets.
- Working capital related to the operations of the business following the loan granting date.
- Development and marketing of products and new services for an existing business.
- Purchase and redemption of shares.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The loan is evaluated based on the business project's risk premium, with interest rates calculated accordingly. The selection criteria include financial viability, business plan quality, and the projected financial statements.
- Business project's risk premium
- Financial viability assessment
- Quality of the business plan
- Projected financial statements
How to apply
1
Preparation of documents
- Draft a detailed business plan.
- Prepare the projected financial statements for 2 years.
- Compile the résumés of all shareholders.
2
Verification of impact criteria
Ensure that the company contributes to one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or is environmentally responsible.
3
Calculation of the down payment
Calculate 5% of the total project value for the required capital contribution.
4
Prior contact
Contact the organization to confirm eligibility and obtain additional advice if necessary.
5
Submission of the request
- Send all the required documents to the funding organization.
- Include any specific forms required by the organization.
6
Payment of fees
Make the payment for the file opening fee of $350.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- A moratorium on repayments is possible both at the time of granting and during the loan term.
- There are fees associated with the application process, including a $350 file opening fee and a 1.5% annual management fee on the loan balance.
- An interest rate is calculated based on the base rate and the risk premium of the business project.
- Moratoriums can also be applied in the case of parental leave.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Evol — Conventional start-up loan Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Evol — Conventional start-up loan. 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 Evol — Conventional start-up loan?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Evol — Conventional start-up loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Evol — Conventional start-up loan?
Who is eligible for the Evol — Conventional start-up loan program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Evol — Conventional start-up loan?
Where is the Evol — Conventional start-up loan available?
Are startups eligible for the Evol — Conventional start-up loan program?

Grant and FundingOpen
ESSOR – Component 1A: Support for investment projects (feasibility studies)
Investissement Québec (IQ)Investment support for feasibility studies in Quebec
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)Enhancing productivity through food industry automation assistance
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
SCALE AI — Acceleration
Scale AI ClusterSupports Canadian AI startups and SMEs focused on value chains
Quebec, Canada

Tax CreditsOpening Soon
Research, Innovation and Commercialization Tax Credit (CRIC)
Gouvernement du QuébecSupports innovation and commercialization activities with tax incentives
Quebec, Canada

Tax CreditsOpen
Development of E-Business Tax Credit (CDAE)
Investissement Québec (IQ)Tax credit for development of a Quebec e-business
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Support for biofood exports - individual projects
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ)SEB supports Quebec agri-food market expansion outside Quebec
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
ÉcoPerformance — Recommissioning of building mechanical systems
Gouvernement du QuébecFunding to optimize the operation of building mechanical systems
Quebec, Canada

Grant and FundingSuspended
Individual Market Access Support (SIAM)
Aliments du QuébecMarket Access Support for Quebec Food Processors
Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Financing to respond to the offensive of new tariffs and for initiatives for resilient and exporting companies (FRONTIERE)
Investissement Québec (IQ)Supports Québec exporters impacted by new U.S. tariffs
Quebec, Canada

Expert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Panorama Program
Investissement Québec (IQ)Supports export diversification with financial services and expert guidance
Quebec, Canada