PME MTL Fonds Entrepreneuriat Commercial (Retail Fund)

Insider Tip

PME MTL has six territorial poles (Centre-Ville, Centre-Est, Est, Nord, Ouest, Ouest-de-l'Île) each with their own investment committee and budget. Go to the pole that serves your postal code — not the central PME MTL office. The poles have slightly different service emphases and the advisors at your local pole will help you shape your application to match what their committee favours. The 'added value to existing commercial offerings' criterion is evaluated qualitatively — emphasize what is unique about your concept on that specific street, not just what is unique about your product.

Success Profile

A Montreal-based retailer opening a new store on a commercial street, or an existing retailer investing in business model adaptation (e.g., adding click-and-collect, improving the in-store experience, pivoting product mix). Strong candidates have a clear concept with local differentiation, a realistic budget, and the ability to demonstrate that their business adds to the vitality of Montreal's commercial streets. First-time retailers with a strong business plan are welcome — the fund targets accessibility.

Evaluation Criteria

Each territorial pole's investment committee evaluates applications on the commercial viability and differentiation of the retail concept, the quality and realism of the business plan and financial projections, the applicant's management capacity, the added value the business brings to the Montreal commercial street, and alignment with the fund's mandate to strengthen commercial vitality. Projects that create or preserve street-level activity and demonstrate sustainable business models are favoured.

Application Steps

Required Documents 8

Eligible Expenses 7

• Leasehold improvements and storefront renovation
• Equipment and fixtures for retail operations
• Digital integration (POS systems, e-commerce, inventory management)
• Marketing and branding for the new or adapted retail concept
• Professional fees (architect, designer, accountant for the project)
• Initial inventory for a new product line or concept pivot
• Signage and visual merchandising

Ineligible Expenses 6

• Ongoing operating expenses (rent, salaries, utilities)
• Refinancing of existing debt
• Speculative real estate investment
• Activities outside Montreal
• Online-only retail with no physical Montreal street presence
• Purchases from related parties above market value

Intake Periods

Rolling intake year-round through each territorial pole. No fixed annual window. Contact your local PME MTL service centre for current availability.

Deadline Notes

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by each territorial pole's investment committee. No fixed annual window — contact your local PME MTL service centre to initiate an application. Budget availability may vary by territory at different times of year.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Online-only retailers with no Montreal street presence
• Non-profit organizations (separate PME MTL programs exist for social economy)
• Businesses located outside Montreal
• Businesses registered outside Quebec
• Applicants without Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or CSQ

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

If the subsidy is found to have been used for non-approved purposes or the project was not completed as approved, PME MTL may require repayment. Standard municipal grant conditions apply.