How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 70% of admissible expenses, capped at $100000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3?

Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3 is funded by Social Economy Cluster — Central Quebec

What are Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3's eligibility criterias?

Must be a social economy enterprise (cooperative or non-profit) as defined by Quebec law. Must represent a group of at least three social economy enterprises collaborating on mutualization activities.

Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3

Last Update: August 19, 2025

QC, Canada

Supports collaborative projects among Quebec social economy organizations

Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3 at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 70% of project cost

Timeline

Archived

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Grant Providers

Social Economy Cluster — Central Quebec

Program status

Archived

Overview of the Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3 program

The Social Economy Support Program (PSES) – Stream 3 offers up to $100,000 to support collaborative projects among social economy enterprises in Quebec, focusing on resource sharing, joint services, or pooled activities. Eligible initiatives include shared procurement, production, marketing, access to specialized resources, and pooling of human resources, equipment, technology, or real estate infrastructure.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum financial assistance: $100,000 per project.
Funding covers up to 70% of eligible project expenses.
At least 30% of project funding must come from financial contributions.
Total government funding for the project cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses.
Eligible project duration is up to 2 years, with projects to be completed by March 31, 2025.

Eligible projects & activities

Collaboration projects involving the sharing or pooling of resources, services, or activities among social economy enterprises.
Joint initiatives to optimize procurement, production, or marketing operations.
Mutualization of access to specialized external resources.
Sharing of human resources, equipment, technologies, or real estate infrastructure between social economy enterprises.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 94,000

Implementing solar panels on a community co-op’s rooftop facilities

$ 71,000

Renovating a performance and training studio for inclusive arts programs

$ 78,000

Developing an eco-friendly food packaging prototype with local partners

$ 89,000

Expanding artisanal cheese production with automated aging-room controls

$ 99,000

Acquiring new CNC equipment to expand woodworking production capacity

$ 58,000

Piloting a tech mentorship program for underrepresented youth in STEM

Eligibility criteria of the Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3 program

The applicant must be a social economy enterprise (cooperative or non-profit organization) as defined by the Loi sur l’économie sociale (RLRQ, chapitre E-1.1.1), an association or federation of social economy enterprises, or another group of social economy enterprises in Quebec.
Organizations supporting the social economy in Quebec, with demonstrated expertise and relevant service offerings, are also eligible.
The applicant must represent a group of at least three social economy enterprises sharing or pooling activities.
The proposed project must primarily benefit social economy enterprises.

Who is eligible?

Social economy enterprises (cooperatives or non-profit organizations) as defined by the Loi sur l’économie sociale (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1)
Associations or federations of social economy enterprises or other groupings of social economy enterprises in Quebec
Social economy support organizations with an establishment in Quebec and recognized expertise in social economy

Who is not eligible

Projects involving only organizations that support businesses, social economy support organizations, or local and regional development organizations (mutualization exclusively among these entities is not eligible).
Newly established social economy enterprises whose sole purpose is to provide mutualized services to their members (start-up mutualization enterprises are not eligible).
Projects that are already eligible for support under the "Transformation numérique de groupes d’entreprises collectives" initiative.

Eligible expenses

Salaries, wages, and social benefits directly related to the project.
Professional fees and honoraria for services related to the project.
Materials and communication costs necessary for project implementation.
Travel and accommodation expenses, complying with Quebec government management policies.
Rental costs for spaces or premises (excluding the organization's main office).
Purchase or rental of equipment, up to a maximum of 25% of total eligible expenses.
Administrative follow-up costs related to the project, up to a maximum of 5% of eligible expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies established in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria of the Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3 program

Scope of the project in relation to the number of participating social economy enterprises and their contributions.
Profitability and sustainability potential of the project.
Expected benefits for the participating social economy enterprises.
Innovative nature of the mutualization model and related activities.
Financial and human capacity of organizations to carry out the project.

How to apply to the Social economy support program (PSES) – Stream 3 program

Verify eligibility criteria

Review the eligibility requirements for social economy enterprises and groups
Ensure your project involves at least three social economy enterprises sharing activities

Prepare application documents

Gather all required documents including the financial assistance application form
Prepare a detailed project description with a provisional budget and timeline
Obtain financial statements or audit reports for the applicant
Collect letters of commitment from participating companies and partners
Include any additional documents depending on the project's nature

Complete application form

Complete the financial assistance application form (PDF version recommended)
Ensure all sections are filled and supporting documents are attached
Application must be written in French

Submit the application by email

Send the complete application and required documents by email to the designated address
Include the program stream (volet) in your email subject
Respect the specified submission deadlines

Await evaluation results

Wait for the evaluation committee to review your application
Evaluation takes place on specified dates based on submission period

Additional information

Dynamic PDF forms must be opened with Adobe Reader version 10 or later, which is available for free download.
Applications must be submitted in French; incomplete submissions will be deemed ineligible.
Key documents include a detailed project description, financial statements, commitment letters, and any other documents depending on the project's nature.
Assistance with accessibility or technical difficulties in downloading or opening forms is available.