
PME MTL — New Community Businesses
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Montréal, QC
Money for community-based businesses in Montreal
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $23,000 to $23,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Your new community-based venture may be eligible to receive $23,000 in loans and subsidies.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides a structured financial assistance package aimed at supporting new community-based businesses on Montréal Island. The financing is designed to ensure these enterprises have access to necessary subsidies, grants, and loans.
- A $3,000 subsidy from the Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins.
- A $10,000 grant from PME MTL through the Fonds de développement de l’économie sociale.
- A $10,000 loan from PME MTL, the Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins, or another partner in the social economy network.
Activities funded
This grant supports new community-based businesses in their early development stages on Montréal Island. It aims to provide financial assistance for foundational and operational activities to ensure economic viability.
- Support for creating and refining a comprehensive business plan demonstrating economic viability.
- Initial funding to cover early business expenses and development activities.
- Financing support for membership with the Caisse d’économie solidaire.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 23,000
Establishing a community-based recycling center to promote environmental sustainability
$ 23,000
Developing a community makerspace to boost local craftsmanship and innovation
$ 23,000
Launching a health-focused community café with sustainable practices
$ 23,000
Opening of a local artisan bakery with a focus on organic ingredients
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Fonds Jeunes entreprises collectives financing, community-based businesses must meet specific criteria as outlined below.
- Be a new community-based business (less than 5 years old).
- Operate the business on Montréal Island.
- Be a member of the Caisse d’économie solidaire or be prepared to join.
- Submit a business plan showing that the enterprise is economically viable.
Who is eligible?
Eligible community-based businesses for this grant must be new (less than 5 years old), operate on Montréal Island, be a member of the Caisse d’économie solidaire or willing to join, and demonstrate economic viability in their business plan.
- New community-based businesses (less than 5 years old)
- Operating on Montréal Island
- Membership in the Caisse d’économie solidaire or willingness to join
- Presentation of an economically viable business plan
Who is not eligible
Some companies may not be eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria include:
- Companies older than 5 years
- Companies operating outside Montréal Island
- Companies not willing to become a member of the Caisse d’économie solidaire
- Companies lacking an economically viable business plan
Eligible expenses
The Fonds Jeunes entreprises collectives grant offers financing for eligible community-based businesses. Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Startup costs
- Operational expenses
- Marketing and promotion
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is targeted at community-based businesses specific to a defined geographical area within a region. Eligible locations are restricted to align with local socio-economic development initiatives.
- Businesses operating on Montréal Island.
Selection criteria
Every application for the Fonds Jeunes entreprises collectives grant is reviewed by the joint investment committee (CIC) to assess the entrepreneur's qualifications and the viability of the business plan within the fund's objectives and requirements.
- New community-based business (less than 5 years old)
- Operate the business on Montréal Island
- Be a member of the Caisse d’économie solidaire or be prepared to join
- Submit a business plan demonstrating economic viability
How to apply
1
Verification of eligibility
- Ensure that the company is a cooperative or a non-profit organization (NPO) that has been in existence for less than 5 years.
- Verify that the company receives support from a recognized partner with a positive recommendation.
- Confirm that the company has obtained financial contributions of at least $20,000 and expects revenues of at least $50,000.
- Choose the Caisse d'économie solidaire as the main financial institution.
2
Identification of the service center
- Enter the company's postal code to find the appropriate service center.
- Get to know the experts in your area.
3
Preparation of the request
- Write a proposal including the project and its objectives.
- Gather all necessary documents and evidence of financial support.
4
Submission of the request
- Contact the service department to obtain specific instructions regarding the submission of the request.
- Send all required documents to the common investment committee (CIC) of the involved department.
5
Confirmation and follow-up
- Receive a confirmation of receipt of your request from the services department.
- Follow up on any feedback or request for additional information from the investment committee.
Frequently Asked Questions about the PME MTL — New Community Businesses Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the PME MTL — New Community Businesses. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the PME MTL — New Community Businesses?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the PME MTL — New Community Businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the PME MTL — New Community Businesses?
Who is eligible for the PME MTL — New Community Businesses program?
Who can I contact for more information about the PME MTL — New Community Businesses?
Where is the PME MTL — New Community Businesses available?
Are startups eligible for the PME MTL — New Community Businesses program?

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