Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship”
Supports agricultural business start-up and development
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 25,000
Deadline
May 27, 2026
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Ministerial Initiative Relève agricole et entrepreneuriat 2025-2027 offers non-repayable financial assistance to agricultural enterprises in Quebec to support business start-up and development. It covers projects such as building construction or modernization, land improvement, livestock acquisition, and the purchase or adaptation of agricultural equipment.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 50,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Construction, expansion, adaptation, or modernization of agricultural buildings.
- Underground drainage or land leveling.
- Bringing new land into cultivation.
- Livestock development through the purchase of breeding animals.
- Installation of perennial plants as fixed assets.
- Acquisition or adaptation of agricultural equipment or machinery.
Documents Needed
- The application form, completed and signed.
- The full or partial business plan template, depending on the volet.
- Budget forecasts document, completed.
- Copy of the leader’s diploma or proof of completed training.
- Financial statements for the two most recent complete fiscal years, if available.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Existing agricultural enterprises in Quebec.
- New agricultural businesses in Quebec.
- Enterprises involved in agrotourism.
- Aquaculture businesses.
- Businesses engaged in crop production, livestock breeding, or on-farm processing, marketing, or storage of agricultural products.
Who is not eligible
- Government ministries, Crown corporations, and government-controlled entities.
- Municipal entities.
- Financial cooperatives and banking institutions.
- Applicants listed in RENA or under bankruptcy or insolvency protection.
- Applicants with unresolved compliance issues tied to past financial aid, or under animal welfare orders.
Eligible expenses
- Materials, equipment, machinery, and plants from recognized suppliers.
- Breeding animals and rental of equipment or machinery.
- Contractor fees and professional fees for plans and specifications.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Buildings or land purchases and quota purchases.
- Tractors, road vehicles, office or computer equipment, and software licenses or SaaS.
- Operating costs, maintenance and repairs, labour, and resale purchases.
- Publicity, promotional materials, and regulatory fees or authorizations.
- Cannabis-related activities, horse breeding for non-human consumption, and research and development.
Eligible geographic areas
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue–Nord-du-Québec
- Bas-Saint-Laurent
- Capitale-Nationale
- Centre-du-Québec
- Chaudière-Appalaches
- Côte-Nord
- Estrie
- Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine
- Laurentides
- Mauricie
- Montréal-Laval-Lanaudière
- Montérégie
- Outaouais
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Selection criteria
- Management capacity of the leadership team.
- Technical feasibility of the project.
- Market analysis and marketing strategy.
- Realism of the timeline and financial feasibility of the project.
How to apply
- Step 1
- Review the official program text and prepare the required forms.
- Complete the application form and the business plan template for the relevant volet.
- Prepare the budget forecasts document and supporting documents.
- Step 2
- Send the complete application file to the Ministry by email using the instructions provided when the initiative opens.
- Step 3
- Wait for the Ministry to review the complete application and issue a decision.
- Step 4
- If selected, sign the financial assistance agreement and provide the required claim documents.
Processing and Agreement
- Complete applications are reviewed by Ministry representatives.
- Projects are assessed against the program criteria for the relevant volet.
- If approved, the applicant receives a financial assistance agreement to sign.
- Payment is made after the agreement is signed and after the project deliverables are accepted.
Additional information
- The initiative requires maintaining and retaining all project-related documentation for five years following project completion, for verification purposes.
- Beneficiaries must recognize the Ministry's contribution in all public communications related to the funded project.
- Modifications to program rules or funding amounts can be made by the Minister without prior notice.
- Compliance with the Charter of the French Language and all relevant laws and regulations is mandatory throughout the grant period.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” Program
What is the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship”?
The Ministerial Initiative Relève agricole et entrepreneuriat 2025-2027 offers non-repayable financial assistance to agricultural enterprises in Quebec to support business start-up and development. It covers projects such as building construction or modernization, land improvement, livestock acquisition, and the purchase or adaptation of agricultural equipment.
How much funding can be received?
Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program?
To be eligible for the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program, you must:
The applicant must be an agricultural enterprise.
At least one leader must be 18 to 40 and trained.
The project site must be owned or leased for five years.
What expenses are eligible under Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship”?
Construction, expansion, adaptation, or modernization of agricultural buildings.
Underground drainage or land leveling.
Bringing new land into cultivation.
Livestock development through the purchase of breeding animals.
Installation of perennial plants as fixed assets.
Acquisition or adaptation of agricultural equipment or machinery.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship”?
You can contact Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) by email at DSMOP@mapaq.gouv.qc.ca or by phone at 418 727-3615.
Where is the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” available?
The Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ministerial initiative “Agricultural succession and entrepreneurship” is a Grant and Funding