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Source verified August 24, 2026
Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME)
Emergency aid for SMEs affected by tariffs
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
March 31, 2028
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
For-profit businesses legally incorporated under the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Emergency Aid Program for SMEs – Tariffs (PAUPME) supports for-profit businesses incorporated in Quebec or Canada and social economy enterprises throughout Quebec in order to limit the effects of U.S. tariffs. It finances working capital needs, the continuation of activities, and adaptation actions for up to one year.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- From $ 1,000,000 to $ 2,000,000 in revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Continue the company’s activities and implement adaptation actions to its new business environment.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses legally incorporated under the laws of the Government of Quebec or Canada.
- Social economy enterprises carrying out commercial activities.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who use subcontractor services listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA).
- Crown corporations, as well as businesses directly or indirectly controlled by a municipal, provincial, or federal government, a municipal entity, or a business majority-owned by a Crown corporation.
- Businesses that are bankrupt or insolvent.
- Applicants who commit ethical breaches or offer products or services likely to undermine integrity or call into question the probity of the Government of Quebec, even by association.
Eligible expenses
- Working capital needs for a limited period not exceeding one year.
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
- All administrative regions of Quebec
How to apply
- Contact the MRC, the municipal office, or the organization responsible for managing the local investment fund in your area.
Processing and Agreement
- The processing of applications for financial assistance from businesses, including eligibility, analysis, and decision-making, is the responsibility of the MRCs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) Program
What is the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME)?
The Emergency Aid Program for SMEs – Tariffs (PAUPME) supports for-profit businesses incorporated in Quebec or Canada and social economy enterprises throughout Quebec in order to limit the effects of U.S. tariffs. It finances working capital needs, the continuation of activities, and adaptation actions for up to one year.
How much funding can be received?
Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) program?
To be eligible for the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) program, you must:
For-profit business incorporated in Quebec or Canada, or social economy enterprise with commercial activities.
Be registered in the REQ for at least two years, have its head office in Quebec, and have annual revenue between 1 000 000 $ and 2 000 000 $.
Be affected by U.S. tariffs and demonstrate that at least 25 % of the revenue 2024 comes from exports to the United States, directly or indirectly.
What expenses are eligible under Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME)?
Continue the company’s activities and implement adaptation actions to its new business environment.
Who can I contact for more information about the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME)?
You can contact Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE).
Where is the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) available?
The Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs (PAUPME) is a Loans and Capital investments