Open
Subsidy for universal access to businesses
Support for accessible retail building upgrades
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 $40,000 to help retailers improve access to their buildings for clients with limited mobility. Eligible activities include correcting barriers at entrances and exits, improving indoor circulation, and providing access to washroom facilities.
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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
- Reducing barriers at commercial entrances and exits
- Improving indoor circulation in retail spaces
- Making washroom facilities accessible
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Authorization letter for any representative
- Itemized estimate for planned work
- Lease, for tenants
- Owner consent form, for tenants
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Owners of commercial buildings
- Tenants of commercial buildings
Eligible expenses
- Doors and electric door openers
- Ramps, bevelled plans, and lift platforms
- Indoor circulation improvements, including floors, doors, and change rooms
- Accessible washroom access and toilet replacement
- Professional services from architects, engineers, and technologists
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Work started before eligibility confirmation
Eligible geographic areas
- Montréal agglomeration
Processing and Agreement
- Eligibility is confirmed before work begins
- Work must be completed within 18 months of the eligibility notice
- After completion, supporting documents are reviewed before payment is issued
- The subsidy is paid in a single installment by cheque or electronic payment
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 $40,000 to help retailers improve access to their buildings for clients with limited mobility. Eligible activities include correcting barriers at entrances and exits, improving indoor circulation, and providing access to 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:
Owner or tenant of a commercial building
Located in Montréal agglomeration
Barrier-free accessibility work planned
What expenses are eligible under Subsidy for universal access to businesses?
Reducing barriers at commercial entrances and exits
Improving indoor circulation in retail spaces
Making washroom facilities accessible
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