archived
PME MTL — Commerce X Design
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Financial support for business design integration and revitalization
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Overview
The PME MTL — Commerce X Design grant provides up to $10,000 in non-repayable funding to local businesses in Montréal for the integration of professional design services, including interior design and architectural improvements. This program aims to revitalize commercial spaces, enhance customer experience, and strengthen business identity through eligible activities such as hiring designers, architects, and improving store layouts.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate your business/factory
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
Location
- Montreal
- Montréal
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Activities funded
- Integration of professional design services to improve the interior layout and functionality of retail businesses.
- Enhancement of customer experience through strategic redesign of commercial spaces.
- Reinforcement of a business's visual identity by collaborating with designers, graphic artists, or architects.
- Revitalization initiatives aiming to increase the attractiveness and appeal of street-level retail businesses.
- Implementation of professionally guided renovations that add value to existing commercial establishments.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 9,500
Refresh thrift shop with modern layout and new window displays
$ 9,500
Upgrade bike shop with branded minimalist storefront and interior
$ 10,000
Transform bookstore with architectural upgrades and flexible event space
$ 10,000
Redesign boutique to highlight local artisanal products and brands
$ 9,500
Rebrand organic grocer with sustainable interior and signage upgrades
$ 10,000
Create an immersive café ambiance through strategic interior design
Eligibility
- The business must have a commercial address within the PME MTL Centre-Est or PME MTL Centre-Ville intervention area and operate a street-facing retail location.
- The applicant must provide at least 20% equity contribution to the project.
- The application must include a business plan or summary featuring a design component and a three-year financial forecast.
- The business must demonstrate the need for and capacity to complete the proposed project.
- Start-ups must have a planned commercial establishment on one of the two eligible territories; growing businesses must operate commercially within one of the territories and have a growth project requiring professional design services.
Who is eligible?
- Storefront businesses located in the PME MTL Centre-Est territory
- Storefront businesses located in the PME MTL Centre-Ville territory
Who is not eligible
- Businesses not located within the PME MTL Centre-Est or PME MTL Centre-Ville intervention territories.
- Companies without a street-front (brick-and-mortar) commercial presence.
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees for hiring graphic designers, commercial designers, window display designers (étalagistes), and architects.
- Certain fit-out costs directly related to engaging professional design services, subject to specific conditions.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses located within the PME MTL Centre-Est territory in Montreal.
- Businesses located within the PME MTL Centre-Ville territory in Montreal.
Selection criteria
- Submission of at least two quotes for each design service involved in the project.
- Project must be at least 60% completed before disbursement (opening or reopening phase).
- At least 75% of the granted funds must be allocated to professional service fees.
- Integration of the recommendations and/or the work of design professionals into the operating business.
- Demonstration that the project adds value to the existing business.
How to apply
1
Check eligibility requirements
- Confirm your business is located within PME MTL Centre-Est or Centre-Ville territory
- Verify eligibility criteria such as streetfront presence and a minimum 20% project financial contribution
2
Prepare documentation
- Prepare a business plan or summary including a design component
- Create a 3-year projected budget
- Demonstrate the needs and capacity to complete the project
3
Gather required quotes
- Obtain at least two quotes for each design service required for the project
4
Submit application form
- Fill out and submit the interest form or application through the official PME MTL platform
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until available funds are depleted.
- A minimum of two quotes must be obtained for each design service involved in the project.
- At least 75% of the allocated sum must be used for professional fees.
- The recommendations or work from design professionals must be integrated into the operating business.
