archived
Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS)
Non-repayable financial support for strategic sector development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Archived
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
The PADS program offers non-repayable funding up to $500,000 annually or $1,500,000 over three years to support strategic sectors and governmental economic priorities. Eligible activities include conducting studies, organizing mobilization events, and developing promotional strategies to strengthen industrial competitiveness.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Conducting sectoral studies, such as technological, commercial, or competitive positioning analyses.
- Organizing forums, conferences, or recognition activities to mobilize partners and stakeholders.
- Developing training content and informational or management tools for the sector.
- Establishing and facilitating business networks, partnerships, and clusters within strategic industries.
- Planning and implementing promotional strategies, including image branding or industry-wide events and matchmaking between buyers and suppliers.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Legally constituted non-profit organizations (NPOs) and cooperatives
- CÉGEPs, college technology transfer centers, and universities in Quebec
- Legally constituted for-profit companies operating in Quebec
- Municipalities, cities, and regional county municipalities (MRCs)
Who is not eligible
- Companies or organizations seeking funding for projects already covered by other programs from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) or other ministries or organizations, particularly those focused on research and development.
- Entities looking to cover expenses incurred before submitting their application.
- Applicants intending to use the grant for capital expenditures, amortization, sponsorships, operating expenses, loan repayments, capital losses or replacements, or sales taxes.
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees related to project implementation.
- Material and communication costs directly connected to the project.
- Travel and accommodation expenses, in accordance with government standards.
- A portion of the project manager's salary dedicated to the project.
- Administrative follow-up and project management costs (up to 5% of eligible expenses).
- Space or venue rental costs for project-related activities (not including the regular business location).
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Additional information
- For Research and Development projects, PADS funding is considered a last-resort program and cannot substitute for other available government research support.
- A recommendation from the niche committee is mandatory before a project can be funded through PADS.
- Applicants must ensure alignment of their project with the strategic orientations of the 'Créneau d’excellence' relevant to their sector.
- The portion allocated to project management and coordination is limited to a maximum of 5% of eligible expenses.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS). 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 Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS)?
The PADS program offers non-repayable funding up to $500,000 annually or $1,500,000 over three years to support strategic sectors and governmental economic priorities. Eligible activities include conducting studies, organizing mobilization events, and developing promotional strategies to strengthen industrial competitiveness.
How much funding can be received?
Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $1,500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) program?
To be eligible for the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) program, you must:
Legally constituted for-profit companies operating in Quebec
Project must involve at least three entities
Project must align with sector's strategic orientations and provide clear economic impact
What expenses are eligible under Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS)?
Conducting sectoral studies, such as technological, commercial, or competitive positioning analyses.
Organizing forums, conferences, or recognition activities to mobilize partners and stakeholders.
Developing training content and informational or management tools for the sector.
Establishing and facilitating business networks, partnerships, and clusters within strategic industries.
Planning and implementing promotional strategies, including image branding or industry-wide events and matchmaking between buyers and suppliers.
Who can I contact for more information about the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS)?
You can contact UAS Centre of Excellence by email at info@cedalma.com or by phone at 418 669-5104.
Where is the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) available?
The Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) is a Grant and Funding