Je relève le défi vert: supporting businesses in Montreal’s Centre-Ouest through their socio-ecological transition

PME MTL Centre-Ouest is launching the third edition of the contest Je relève le défi vert, an initiative designed to support local businesses in implementing concrete actions toward socio-ecological transition.

The competition is made possible thanks to financial support from the Caisses Desjardins du Centre-Nord de Montréal and Bordeaux – Cartierville – Saint-Laurent, as well as Bopaq, and the collaboration with Ville en Vert, de VertCité, and the Arrondissement d'Ahuntsic-Cartierville et Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent.

Building on the success of previous editions, this new edition offers an enhanced approach and over $30,000 in equipment, prizes, and grants to maximize the benefits for participating businesses and the local community.

“Year after year, we see growing interest among businesses in taking action on environmental issues. “Thanks to the support of committed partners, the Green Challenge not only helps participating businesses but also creates a ripple effect across the region, inspiring other businesses to get started on their own initiatives,” explains Marc-André Perron, Executive Director of PME MTL Centre-Ouest.

“Contributing to the socio-ecological transition is not only a noble gesture that makes businesses proud, but also a meaningful action that inspires other businesses to get involved as well. Join the movement!” says Maude Théroux-Séguin, Mayor of Ahuntsic-Cartierville.

“It is a real pleasure to see the ‘I Take the Green Challenge’ contest continue this year. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for local businesses and companies to showcase their environmental actions. This type of mobilization fully contributes to the socio-ecological transition, a key focus of our Climate Emergency Plan. I congratulate PME MTL Centre-Ouest for this program, which demonstrates inspiring leadership and essential support for our entrepreneurs. I therefore invite merchants and businesses to participate in large numbers, as this is a meaningful initiative that provides a great showcase for their efforts,” said Alan DeSousa, FCPA, Mayor of Saint-Laurent.

An action-oriented 2026 edition

The competition invites companies to identify and address one or more specific challenges related to their operations (waste reduction, reuse, procurement, or operational optimization) with support from PME MTL.

This year, two tracks are available:

The Actions with Impact Track

In partnership with Desjardins

A program for 20 businesses that must carry out either one major initiative or several small, concrete actions, with a $1,000 grant awarded to each business upon completion of the actions.

“At Desjardins, climate and environmental action is an integral part of our priorities. It is therefore with great pride that we support the third edition of the Je relève le défi vert competition. This program highlights the leadership of those who contribute, on a daily basis, to building a more responsible and sustainable economy. Not only does this initiative allow local businesses and merchants to come together around a common goal, but it also demonstrates in concrete terms that economic vitality goes hand in hand with the socio-ecological transition. We are convinced that this contest will inspire other similar initiatives,” Natacha Ho Papieau, Director and Co-Chair of the Cooperation Committee, Caisse du Centre-nord de Montréal.

The Reduction and Reuse Track

In partnership with Bopaq, powered by Tricentris, La Coop

This program includes access to 200 reusable containers and a free subscription (valued at $965 each) for ten companies.

“At Tricentris, we believe that progress doesn’t come from the top down; it emerges from the ground up. Cities are the true drivers of the transition, and it is through local action that a better world, here and now, truly comes to life. Our partnership with PME MTL is a direct reflection of our values: supporting those who take concrete action. We want to empower players in the food service industry to achieve their ambitions by simplifying their commitment to waste reduction. Because offering a simple and effective solution like Bopaq means turning an environmental goal into a sustainable daily reality.”

A $2,000 prize sponsored by Bopaq will also be awarded to the company that has made the greatest impact among all participants in the “I Take the Green Challenge” initiative.