PME MTL — Funds for Retail businesses
Get up to $25,000 in non-repayable grants to cover 80% of your retail project costs. You must contribute 20% yourself and verify current intake availability before applying.
“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 a dollar
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.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →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: Work with the expert assistance at your local service centre to submit your proposal and required documents.
- 05Wait for review: The committee will review your project for merit and alignment with street resilience goals.
Who to ask: not stated (routed to local PME MTL service centre via territory selector)
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →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
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your retail website and online store with the grant funds, giving customers a 24/7 shop that drives sales beyond your physical storefront hours.
- BBN optimizes your Local SEO and Google Business Profile so Montreal shoppers can find your retail store on your commercial street.
- BBN sets up your POS and online ordering so customers can buy in-store and online, modernizing how your retail business sells and captures sales data.
- BBN implements a Google review system using QR codes to turn happy shoppers into public testimonials that build trust and drive new customers.
- BBN launches digital marketing and paid ad campaigns to promote your new retail business or growth initiatives to a targeted local audience.
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.
- Payment timing and mechanics are not published; confirm if funds are paid upfront or reimbursed.
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.
Related BBN services
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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.