How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 5% of admissible expenses, capped at $75000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Evol — Conventional start-up loan?

Evol — Conventional start-up loan is funded by Evol

What are Evol — Conventional start-up loan's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be entrepreneurs seeking to start a business within 0 to 2 years. A minimum down payment of 5% of the project value is required. Most business sectors are eligible for funding.

Evol — Conventional start-up loan

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Loans for diversified and inclusive ownership start-ups in Quebec

Evol — Conventional start-up loan 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

Grant Providers

Evol

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Evol — Conventional start-up loan program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the Evol — Conventional start-up loan program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Evol — Conventional start-up loan program

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 to the Evol — Conventional start-up loan program

Preparation of documents

Draft a detailed business plan.
Prepare the projected financial statements for 2 years.
Compile the résumés of all shareholders.

Verification of impact criteria

Ensure that the company contributes to one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or is environmentally responsible.

Calculation of the down payment

Calculate 5% of the total project value for the required capital contribution.

Prior contact

Contact the organization to confirm eligibility and obtain additional advice if necessary.

Submission of the request

Send all the required documents to the funding organization.
Include any specific forms required by the organization.

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.