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MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports development of strategic sectors and excellence niches in Quebec
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Program to Support the Development of Strategic Sectors and Niches of Excellence (PADS), with a total financial assistance of $50.7 million between April 2020 and March 2022, aims to foster collaboration and mobilization among Quebec businesses and economic partners. Eligible activities include networking, knowledge transfer, partnerships, and projects supporting the development and branding of strategic sectors.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Raise awareness and mobilize the public
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2020
- Closing date : March 31, 2022
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Activities funded
- Networking, exchange, and partnership projects among economic actors.
- Knowledge dissemination and transfer initiatives.
- Mobilization of economic players for sector development.
- Structuring projects aimed at developing strategic sectors.
- Collaborative or partnership projects with other organizations to enhance sector growth and branding.
Eligibility
- The applicant's project must contribute to the development of strategic sectors or niches of excellence in Quebec.
- The project should foster collaboration and mobilization among businesses and economic partners in Quebec.
- The applicant must ensure that the project aligns with the program’s objectives and the Ministry’s mission.
- The applicant must submit all required supporting documents and project result reports before final disbursement of financial support.
Who is eligible?
- Organizations and businesses involved in the development of strategic sectors in Quebec
- Entities contributing to niches of excellence within the province
- Economic partners and promoters conducting collaborative, networking, or knowledge transfer projects in Quebec
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Relevance of the project in addressing identified needs within strategic sectors and niches of excellence.
- Effectiveness of the proposed actions in achieving the program's stated objectives and results.
- Coherence of the project with other government interventions and alignment with government priorities.
- Demonstrated added value and utility of the proposal for the intended beneficiaries.
- Compliance with program guidelines, including documented impact indicators and adherence to prescribed management practices.
How to apply
1
Assess program eligibility
- Check the eligibility of your organization with the grant objectives
- Ensure alignment with strategic sectors and niches of excellence
- Review previous funded projects for relevance
2
Develop project documentation
- Prepare a detailed project plan indicating expected outcomes
- Collect project data and indicators relevant to the program's mission
- Ensure inclusion of required information for evaluation
3
Submit project results documentation
- Complete and submit all required project result sheets
- Ensure submission before the final financial payment
- Follow the procedures as specified by the program’s guidelines
Additional information
- An overall satisfaction rate of 93% was reported among program participants.
- Beneficiaries are required to submit project results reports, particularly before the final payment is made.
- There are recommendations for the future inclusion of quantifiable result indicators in the program's normative framework.
- The program is assessed periodically to maintain alignment with government strategies and ensure efficient management practices.
Contacts
evaluation@economie.gouv.qc.ca
