Open
Subsidy for universal access to businesses
The PAAC aids retailers in making their buildings accessible to customers with limited mobility.
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 40,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 26, 2026
- Closing date : December 31, 2026
Location
Montreal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Overview
The Retail Business Accessibility Program (PAAC) provides a subsidy of up to $15,000 to assist retailers in making their buildings universally accessible for clients with limited mobility. Eligible activities include correcting barriers at entrances and exits, improving indoor circulation, and providing accessible washroom facilities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 26, 2026
- Closing date : December 31, 2026
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
- Persons with Disabilities
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant facilitates modifications to enhance accessibility in commercial buildings, making retail spaces more inclusive for individuals with limited mobility. Covered projects focus on building entrance enhancements, internal navigation improvements, and accessible facility upgrades.
- Correcting or reducing barriers at the entrances and exits of commercial establishments.
- Implementation of fit-up work to improve indoor circulation, such as levelling floors and installing lifts.
- Provision of access to various washroom facilities to accommodate clients with limited mobility.
- Replacement of a door providing street access to the building.
- Installation of electric door openers for better accessibility.
- Installation of a bevelled plan.
- Installation of a ramp or lift platform.
- Work to facilitate access to dedicated washrooms, including replacement of toilets.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
In this grant program, owners and tenants of buildings or parts of buildings used for commercial activities within the Montréal agglomeration can apply. These individuals or entities aim to make their buildings more accessible to persons with limited mobility by reducing design barriers.
Eligible expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to improving accessibility for clients with limited mobility.
- Replacement of a door providing access to the building from the street and the commercial space.
- Installation of an electric door opener providing access to the building from the street and the commercial space.
- Installation of a bevelled plan.
- Installation of a ramp or lift platform.
- Work to improve indoor circulation, such as levelling the floors and widening the door and change rooms.
- Installation of an elevator and lift platform.
- Work that facilitates access to dedicated washrooms for clients with limited mobility.
- Replacement of toilets.
- Professional services provided by architects, engineers, and technologists, if required to complete the work.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to businesses located within a certain geographical scope to ensure improvements in accessibility. The eligible area has been designated to target specific urban regions.
- Montréal agglomeration.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Work must be completed within 12 months of receiving the eligibility notice.
- No subsidy will be awarded for work that has already begun before the eligibility confirmation date.
- Applicants need to use a contractor with a valid license from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec.
- Subsidy payment is made in a single installment after all required documentation is verified post-completion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Subsidy for universal access to businesses Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Subsidy for universal access to 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 Subsidy for universal access to businesses?
The Retail Business Accessibility Program (PAAC) provides a subsidy of up to $15,000 to assist retailers in making their buildings universally accessible for clients with limited mobility. Eligible activities include correcting barriers at entrances and exits, improving indoor circulation, and providing accessible washroom facilities.
How much funding can be received?
Subsidy for universal access to businesses Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $40,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **December 31, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Subsidy for universal access to businesses program?
To be eligible for the Subsidy for universal access to businesses program, you must:
The applicant must be an owner or tenant of a building used for commercial activities in the Montréal agglomeration.
The applicant must plan to carry out work to comply with barrier-free design standards as per the Code or applicable regulations at the time of the application.
Confirmation from an authorized professional is required, stating that the building met barrier-free construction standards either at its construction or most recent renovation.
What expenses are eligible under Subsidy for universal access to businesses?
This grant facilitates modifications to enhance accessibility in commercial buildings, making retail spaces more inclusive for individuals with limited mobility. Covered projects focus on building entrance enhancements, internal navigation improvements, and accessible facility upgrades. Correcting or reducing barriers at the entrances and exits of commercial establishments.
Implementation of fit-up work to improve indoor circulation, such as levelling floors and installing lifts.
Provision of access to various washroom facilities to accommodate clients with limited mobility.
Replacement of a door providing street access to the building.
Installation of electric door openers for better accessibility.
Installation of a bevelled plan.
Installation of a ramp or lift platform.
Work to facilitate access to dedicated washrooms, including replacement of toilets.
Where is the Subsidy for universal access to businesses available?
The Subsidy for universal access to businesses program is available Montréal, Quebec.
Is the Subsidy for universal access to businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Subsidy for universal access to businesses is a Grant and Funding