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PAFODE — Component 1: Operating support for organizations supporting entrepreneurship
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Supports operating costs for entrepreneurship support organizations in Quebec
Grant and Funding
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Strengthening governance
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce the ecological footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : March 31, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- 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
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Activities funded
- 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
- 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.
Selection criteria
- 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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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.
Contacts
PAPDE_PAFODE@economie.gouv.qc.ca
