
MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
QC, Canada
Supports development of strategic sectors and excellence niches in Quebec
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2020
- Closing date : March 31, 2022
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Program status
archived
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.
Financing terms and conditions
- A total financial assistance of $50.7 million was granted from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 for supported projects.
- The financial aid provided demonstrated a leverage effect of 2.13 and a return ratio of 1.07.
- Final payment is conditional upon submission of all completed project result sheets by beneficiaries.
- Projects funded must comply with the program's stated maximum aid rates.
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
QC, Canada
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS). 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 MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS)?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS)?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS)?
Who is eligible for the MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS) program?
Who can I contact for more information about the MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS)?
Where is the MEIE — Program to support the development of strategic sectors and niches of excellence (PADS) available?
Apply to this program
More programs like this

Grant and FundingOpen
ESSOR – Component 1C: Support for investment projects (implementing a digital plan)
Investissement Québec (IQ)Support for investment projects in Quebec

Grant and FundingOpening Soon
PSCE – Component 2
Investissement Québec (IQ)Strengthening SMEs' Export Capacity and Accelerating Their Projects Outside Quebec

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

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

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

Grant and FundingOpening Soon
NovaScience Program - Support for projects in scientific culture and innovation
Gouvernement du QuébecNovaScience promotes scientific culture and innovation development

Grant and FundingClosed
Ecocamionnage Program — Logistics Project Component
Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of QuebecGreenhouse emission reduction aid for freight transport

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
ESSOR – Component 2: Support for investment projects promoting productivity and business expansion
Investissement Québec (IQ)Supports business productivity and expansion through technological investment

Grant and FundingOpen
Support for Innovation and Productivity for Québec manufacturing companies (SIPEM) - Part 2
PROMPTBoost productivity through targeted technological innovations

Grant and FundingOpen
ESSOR – Component 1B: Support for investment projects (digital diagnostics)
Investissement Québec (IQ)Support for investment projects through digital transformation