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PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs

PME MTL administers the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs, which provides loans of up to $150,000 to SMEs in the territory it serves that are affected by U.S. tariffs.

Offered by
PME MTL
Official source: pmemtl.com

Record updated

Funding available
$ 150,000
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
For-profit businesses legally incorporated under the laws of Quebec or Canada.
See full eligibility

Overview

PME MTL processes local applications to the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs. The program helps SMEs remain in operation while they address financial difficulties caused by U.S. tariffs and implement adaptation measures. Assistance is provided as a loan for working-capital needs over a period of up to one year.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$150,000
Maximum share of project costs
75%
Financing goals
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Increase operational productivity
  • Access new markets
  • Ensure financial sustainability

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Montreal
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
From $ 200,000 to $ 2,000,000 in revenue
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
For-profit business, Social economy enterprise

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Application form and required documents updated

The grant page now lists the documents to submit and directs applicants to apply immediately through a Paperform form.

See more

The application instructions now include a document checklist: three years of financial statements, the most recent interim statements if annual statements are older than 3 months, a 12-month cash-flow budget, and projected financial statements. The page now tells applicants to apply immediately and links to a Paperform submission form, replacing the earlier note that the form would be available in the coming days.

Official source: pmemtl.com
October 3, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • For-profit businesses legally incorporated under the laws of Quebec or Canada.
  • Social economy enterprises with commercial activities.

Who is not eligible

  • Crown corporations and businesses controlled directly or indirectly by a government or municipal entity, as well as businesses majority-owned by a Crown corporation.
  • Businesses in bankruptcy or insolvency.
  • Applicants listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), or that use subcontractors listed in it.
  • Applicants unable to demonstrate that, for at least two years, they have fulfilled all obligations related to prior financial assistance awarded by a Quebec government ministry or agency or by an MRC.
  • Applicants that commit ethical breaches or offer products or services likely to undermine the integrity or call into question the probity of the Quebec government, including by association.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses are working-capital needs for a limited period not exceeding one year, allowing the business to continue operating and implement the actions required to adapt.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

The official source does not provide a separate list of ineligible costs. Only the working-capital needs described by the program are expressly eligible; confirm the scope of any expense with the local organization before incurring it.

Eligible geographic areas

Montréal

Activities funded

Maintaining business operations and implementing actions to adapt to the new business environment, including productivity, competitiveness and diversification measures.

How to apply

  • Fill out the form now.

Documents Needed

  • Financial statements for the last three years
  • Most up-to-date interim financial statements if the annual financial statements are more than 3 months
  • Cash budget or cash flow forecasts for 12 months
  • Projected financial statements
  • Action plan for adapting to its new business environment and ensuring its long-term viability

Selection criteria

Eligibility, assessment and the funding decision are handled by the responsible MRC or local organization. The review considers compliance with program criteria, liquidity needs, tariff impacts and profitability prospects.

Processing and Agreement

No processing service standard is published in the official source. Eligibility, assessment and the decision are administered locally by the responsible MRC or organization.

Additional information

The program terms remain in force until March 31, 2028. The official Quebec government page was last updated on August 28, 2026.

Official sources

Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs (PAUPME) - Customs Tariffs
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Frequently Asked Questions about the PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs Program

What is the PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs?

PME MTL processes local applications to the Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs. The program helps SMEs remain in operation while they address financial difficulties caused by U.S. tariffs and implement adaptation measures. Assistance is provided as a loan for working-capital needs over a period of up to one year.

How much funding can be received?

PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs program?

To be eligible for the PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs program, you must: Quebec business registered in the REQ for at least two years, with revenue of $200,000 to $2,000,000, at least 25% of 2024 revenue tied to U.S. exports and an actual or forecast decline of at least 20% attributable to tariffs.

What expenses are eligible under PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs?

Eligible expenses are working-capital needs for a limited period not exceeding one year, allowing the business to continue operating and implement the actions required to adapt.

Where is the PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs available?

The PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs program is available the province of Quebec.

Is the PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs a grant, loan, or tax credit?

PME MTL – Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs – Customs Tariffs is a Loans and Capital investments