Emergency Assistance Program for SMEs (PAUPME) – Customs Tariffs

Is your business eligible? 

This program is designed for Québec SMEs directly or indirectly affected by U.S. customs tariffs. Please review the complete eligibility criteria and program requirements before submitting an application. *Program terms and conditions are subject to change.

To qualify, your business must: 

• Be legally incorporated in Québec or Canada, have been registered with the Québec Enterprise Register for at least two years, and have its head office in Québec. 
• Have generated annual revenue between $200,000 and $2 million during its most recently completed fiscal year. 
• Export goods to the United States that are subject to U.S. customs tariffs, or act as a supplier or subcontractor to an affected exporting business. 
• Have derived at least 25% of its 2024 revenue, directly or indirectly, from exports to the United States. 
• Demonstrate that U.S. tariffs have affected its operations. 
• Have been profitable in at least one of its two most recently completed fiscal years. 
• Show reasonable prospects for medium-term profitability. 

Financing to Support Your Working Capital Needs 

This financing helps cover a portion of your business's working capital needs for a period of up to 12 months. 

It can help you maintain operations while implementing measures to adapt to changing market conditions, such as: 

• Improving productivity and competitiveness 
• Diversifying markets 
• Expanding or adapting products and services 

Funding Available 

Receive up to $150,000, covering a maximum of 75% of your business's working capital needs over a 12‑month period. 

Support for Long-Term Business Sustainability 

In addition to helping meet immediate liquidity needs, this program gives businesses the time they need to adapt to new trading realities and implement strategies that support long-term growth and sustainability. 

Apply for PAUPME – Customs Tariffs 

Think your business may qualify? Please include the following documents with your application: 

• Financial statements for the past three fiscal years 
• Most recent interim financial statements (if your latest annual statements are more than three months old) 
• 12‑month cash flow forecast (download template here) 
• Projected financial statements 
• An action plan outlining the measures your business will implement to adapt and support its long-term sustainability 

Eligibility criteria, program requirements and funding conditions are established by the Government of Québec. PME MTL administers the program and processes applications for businesses located in Montréal.