PME MTL: Funds for Retail businesses
Get up to $25,000 in non-repayable funding, covering up to 80% of your retail project cost. You must contribute at least 20% yourself. Check with your local PME MTL service centre that applications are open before you apply.
“PME MTL supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their growth, driving the development of Montreal’s communities and fostering vibrant living environments.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
As a grant, approval typically precedes spending; confirm the current application window and payment mechanics with your local PME MTL service centre before incurring costs.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You run a retail business with a physical storefront on a Montreal commercial street.
- You are launching a new project, adapting your model, or working to keep your spot on the street.
- You can provide at least 20% of the project cost and have a business plan with 2-year financial forecasts.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Quebec CSQ certificate holder.
- You have outstanding government tax debts or already received a PME MTL grant for this specific project.
- Your business lacks a physical on-street sales presence or a Quebec head office.
How much you'd realistically get
For example, on a $10,000 eligible project, that's up to about $8,000 back.
Up to $25,000 per 12-month period, covering a maximum of 80% of total project cost.
What may be supported
- Setting up a new retail business meeting commercial demand
- Business growth and development activities
- Business retention initiatives on commercial streets
- Developing models for business attractiveness and resilience
What's excluded or restricted
- Expenditures unrelated to the business project
- Cannot have received a prior PME MTL grant for the same project
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou need to prepare a business plan and 2-year financial forecasts, obtain necessary permits, and navigate the territory selector to find your specific service centre.
- 01Verify your eligibility: Ensure you are a citizen/PR/CSQ holder, have a Montreal storefront, and have no government tax debts.
- 02Prepare your documents: Draft a business plan and 2-year financial forecasts, and ensure you have your occupancy certificate and permits.
- 03Find your service centre: Enter your postal code on the PME MTL territory-selection map to be directed to the appropriate local centre.
- 04Submit your application: Send your proposal and required documents to your local service centre. Its advisers can help you.
- 05Wait for review: The committee will review your project for merit and alignment with street resilience goals.
Who to ask: Contact your local PME MTL service centre. Enter your postal code on the PME MTL territory map to find it.
Documents commonly required
- Business plan
- 2-year financial forecasts
- Proof of legal constitution or sole proprietorship registration with the Quebec business registry
- Occupancy certificate and required permits
- Proof of citizenship, permanent residency, or CSQ certificate
What to know before you count on it
- You must contribute at least 20% of the total project cost from your own capital.
- The grant is generally taxable income; ask your accountant how this affects your net revenue.
- Selection is competitive and discretionary; having a solid business plan and financial forecasts is critical.
- The official page does not say whether the grant is paid upfront or after you spend. Ask your local service centre before you apply.
What are your odds?
Funding is selective and based on project merit and street resilience goals; there is no guarantee of approval, and spots may be limited.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay this money back?
No, this is a grant (non-repayable contribution), not a loan. However, it is likely taxable income, so consult your accountant.
When is the deadline to apply?
PME MTL doesn't publish a fixed deadline. Enter your postal code on their territory map to reach your local service centre and confirm whether applications are currently open.
Can I use this for a business that is not on a commercial street?
No, the program specifically requires an on-street (storefront) sales presence on Montreal commercial streets.
What you can combine it with
You cannot receive a prior PME MTL grant for the same project; check if other municipal or provincial grants can be combined for different aspects of your project.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.