How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $1000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship

Q: What are PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship's eligibility criterias?

For-profit companies are not eligible. The organization must have an establishment in Quebec. The organization must provide services to entrepreneurs in Quebec.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports operating costs for entrepreneurship support organizations in Quebec

PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,000,000
Up to 60% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)
Gouvernement du Québec

Status

Open

Overview of the PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship program

The Economic Development Organization Operating Support Program (PAFODE) — Component 1 provides non-repayable grants of up to $1,000,000 per year for a maximum of three years to support the operational needs of organizations that assist entrepreneurship in Quebec. Funding aims to strengthen entrepreneurial competencies through eligible activities such as administrative expenses, salaries, and general operating costs directly related to delivering regional business support services.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable grant covering up to 60% of eligible expenses for non-profit organizations (NPOs) and up to 70% for social economy enterprises.
Total government assistance may cover up to 100% of eligible expenses for regional acceleration centers (ERAC), but no more than 80% for other organizations.
Maximum annual grant of $1,000,000 per organization for up to three years; ERACs have a capped amount of $400,000 per year.

Eligible projects & activities

Operation of organizations providing regional support services to entrepreneurs in Quebec.
Delivery of initiatives that develop and strengthen entrepreneurial competencies at various business development stages.
Implementation of regional business accompaniment programs aimed at facilitating business growth and project realization.

Eligibility criteria of the PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship program

The applicant must be a non-profit organization (NPO) or a social economy enterprise with an establishment in Quebec.
The organization's mission must be to provide services to entrepreneurs in Quebec.
The applicant must not be a Crown corporation, or an organization controlled directly or indirectly by a government, municipal entity, or an enterprise majority-owned by a Crown corporation.
The applicant must not be a for-profit business with an establishment in Quebec.
The applicant must not be in bankruptcy or insolvency and must comply with all previous financial aid obligations from the Quebec government or Investissement Québec for at least two years.

Who is eligible?

Non-profit organizations (NPOs) with a mission to support entrepreneurs in Quebec
Social economy enterprises established in Quebec that provide services to entrepreneurs

Who is not eligible

For-profit companies with an establishment in Quebec.
Crown corporations or entities directly or indirectly controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal) or municipal entities.
Companies or organizations listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
Organizations currently in bankruptcy or insolvency.
Organizations that have committed ethical breaches or offer products/services that could compromise the integrity or probity of the Quebec government.

Eligible expenses

Administrative expenses necessary for organizational operations.
Employee remuneration.
Operating costs directly related to supporting entrepreneurship services.

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations with an establishment in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria of the PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship program

Coherence between the organization's mission, the program's objectives, and government priorities.
Track record of the organization's performance in achieving set targets.
Quality of the action plan and performance indicators, including alignment between planned activities, available resources, and objectives to be achieved.
Capacity of the organization to fulfill its mandate in terms of financial and human resources.
Relevance of the organization's contribution to addressing the needs of Quebec's industry and its businesses.
Quality of the supporting documentation provided.
Adoption and implementation of eco-responsible practices (e.g., recycling, sustainable development action plan).

How to apply to the PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship program

Verify eligibility and compliance

Review the eligibility criteria for nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and social economy enterprises
Confirm alignment with the program's mission and requirements
Ensure compliance with ethical, financial, and administrative obligations

Complete the application form

Download the financial assistance application form (PDF)
Save the form to your computer
Fill out the form using Adobe Reader (version 10 or higher), not in a web browser
Do not alter the PDF document

Prepare supporting documents

Gather required documents, such as financial statements, detailed budget, strategic planning, annual activity report, service offers, partnership agreements, compliance declaration, francization certificate, and any other requested documents
Prepare documents according to the checklist

Submit the application by email

Sign the completed application form
Combine the signed form and all required documents
Email the completed application and attachments to: PAPDE_PAFODE@economie.gouv.qc.ca, specifying “Soutien au fonctionnement des organismes en appui à l’entrepreneuriat” in the subject line
Submit your application before March 31, 2026

Application evaluation process

The application will be reviewed for alignment with the organization’s mission, program objectives, government priorities, past performance, quality of action plan and indicators, organizational capacity, relevance to Quebec’s industry needs, documentation quality, and adoption of eco-responsible practices

Receive funding and fulfill obligations

If selected, receive a non-repayable subsidy based on admissible expenses
Accept the funding agreement and comply with reporting requirements

Additional information

Certain required documents, such as a certificate of francisation or a declaration of conformity with the Program for Equal Employment Access, may only be necessary if applicable to the organization.
Supporting documentation for reporting obligations must align with templates or guidelines provided by the Ministry.
The application should indicate "Soutien au fonctionnement des organismes en appui à l’entrepreneuriat" in the email subject line when submitted.
The program documentation was last updated on March 26, 2024, indicating recent potential changes to program requirements.