Réseau des SADC et CAE: Loans
Local SADC and CAE offices lend money and give business advice to Quebec small businesses that want to start or grow. These are government-backed loans you must repay, so contact your local SADC or CAE office directly to confirm terms.
Before you spend any money
Ask your local office whether the money is paid upfront or after you spend. Terms vary by project.
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 small business in Quebec and need funding for a start-up, expansion, or succession plan.
- You are a youth entrepreneur, a woman, or an Indigenous business owner looking for targeted support.
- You want both capital and practical help with accounting, marketing, or going digital.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside Quebec, since this network serves only Quebec regions.
- You are looking for a grant or free money, because this is a loan that requires repayment.
- You want to apply online through a central portal, as you must contact your local SADC or CAE office directly.
How much you'd realistically get
Loans from $5,000 up to $300,000. The amount depends on your project and your local office.
What may be supported
- Business start-up and expansion.
- Business transfer and succession.
- Tourism business support.
- Green shift and sustainable development practices.
- Digital shift and innovation projects.
- Downtown and village core revitalization.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must locate your local office, prepare a business plan, and negotiate terms directly with the SADC or CAE.
- 01Locate your local SADC or CAE office using the online finder tool.
- 02Contact the office directly to discuss your project and financing needs.
- 03Prepare your business plan and financial projections for review.
- 04Submit your application and negotiate terms with the local office.
- 05If approved, receive the money on the terms you agreed with the office.
Who to ask: 418 658-1530, info@sadc-cae.ca, or https://www.sadc-cae.ca/en/contac-us/
Documents commonly required
- Business plan detailing start-up, expansion, or succession goals.
- Financial projections and personal credit information.
- Proof of Quebec location and business registration.
- Specific documentation for youth, women, or Indigenous applicants if applicable.
What to know before you count on it
- This is financing, not a grant; you must repay the loan with interest.
- Terms and funding may vary from one SADC or CAE to another, so confirm the rate and amount with your local office.
- You must demonstrate viability to service the financing, as approval depends on your business plan and creditworthiness.
- The official page does not say whether the money is paid upfront or after you spend. Ask your local office before you apply.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your ability to service the debt and the viability of your project, not on a competitive ranking.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a grant or a loan?
This is government-backed financing, meaning it is a loan that you must repay with interest.
How do I find my local office?
Use the 'Find your SADC or CAE' tool on the official website to locate the office serving your region.
Are there specific funds for youth or women?
Yes, there are specific strategies for youth (18-39), women (Flexi-loan), and Indigenous communities.
Can I get technical help with my business plan?
Yes, SADCs and CAEs provide technical assistance in accounting, finance, HR, marketing, and management.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
You may combine this with other federal or provincial programs, but confirm with your local office to avoid duplication.
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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.