How much funding can be received?

The PADS program offers non-repayable funding up to $500,000 annually or $1,500,000 over three years to support strategic sectors and governmental economic priorities. Eligible activities include conducting studies, organizing mobilization events, and developing promotional strategies to strengthen industrial competitiveness.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable financial contribution covering up to 50% of eligible expenses for non-profit organizations; up to 40% for companies.
Annual maximum funding of $500,000 per project, with a cumulative maximum of $1,500,000 over three years.
Project duration cannot exceed three years.
Government funding cannot exceed 70% of eligible expenses for non-profit organizations and 50% for companies.
Private enterprise participation is required, with the remaining share of project costs divided between cash and in-kind contributions.

Eligible projects & activities

Conducting sectoral studies, such as technological, commercial, or competitive positioning analyses.
Organizing forums, conferences, or recognition activities to mobilize partners and stakeholders.
Developing training content and informational or management tools for the sector.
Establishing and facilitating business networks, partnerships, and clusters within strategic industries.
Planning and implementing promotional strategies, including image branding or industry-wide events and matchmaking between buyers and suppliers.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 500,000

Conducting a study on the commercial use of drones

$ 600,000

Organizing a drone innovation conference to foster collaboration

$ 800,000

Developing a cooperative drone training program for industry staff

Eligibility criteria of the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) program

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit company, non-profit organization, cooperative, CEGEP, college technology transfer center, university, municipality, city, or regional county municipality (MRC) operating in Quebec.
The project must involve a minimum of three entities working collaboratively.
The project must align with the strategic priorities of the relevant sector or excellence niche.
The project must demonstrate clear economic benefits for the industry and support the development of multiple companies through partnerships or networks.
The project must not be eligible for funding under other programs from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, or other governmental departments.

Who is eligible?

Legally constituted non-profit organizations (NPOs) and cooperatives
CÉGEPs, college technology transfer centers, and universities in Quebec
Legally constituted for-profit companies operating in Quebec
Municipalities, cities, and regional county municipalities (MRCs)

Who is not eligible

Companies or organizations seeking funding for projects already covered by other programs from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) or other ministries or organizations, particularly those focused on research and development.
Entities looking to cover expenses incurred before submitting their application.
Applicants intending to use the grant for capital expenditures, amortization, sponsorships, operating expenses, loan repayments, capital losses or replacements, or sales taxes.

Eligible expenses

Professional fees related to project implementation.
Material and communication costs directly connected to the project.
Travel and accommodation expenses, in accordance with government standards.
A portion of the project manager's salary dedicated to the project.
Administrative follow-up and project management costs (up to 5% of eligible expenses).
Space or venue rental costs for project-related activities (not including the regular business location).

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) program

Alignment of the project with the intervention areas and priorities of the Ministry and the specific sector focus.
Multiplier effect leading to further investments.
Quality of the project, including credibility, visibility, and expected impact.
Synergy and collaboration among partners involved in the project.
Realism in the project timeline, cost estimates, and financing structure, with strong partner support.

How to apply to the Programme d’appui au développement des secteurs stratégiques et des créneaux d’excellence (PADS) program

Project Identification

Ensure that the project addresses the issues and strategic directions of the targeted niche.
Verify that the project demonstrates relevant economic benefits for the industry.

Gather the partners

Gather a minimum of three entities collaborating on the project.
Identify businesses, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and other relevant partners.

Preparation of the application file

Write a project proposal detailing the objectives, expected outcomes, and coordination with partners.
Include the project budget and the distribution of financial and in-kind contributions among partners.
Prepare the required documents such as positioning studies or strategic plans.
Present the evaluations of credibility and synergy among partners.

Submission of the request

Contact the slot committee to obtain a recommendation.
Send the funding request including all necessary documents and supporting materials to the address or contact provided by the program.
Ensure that the application is sent before the specified deadline.

Additional information

For Research and Development projects, PADS funding is considered a last-resort program and cannot substitute for other available government research support.
A recommendation from the niche committee is mandatory before a project can be funded through PADS.
Applicants must ensure alignment of their project with the strategic orientations of the 'Créneau d’excellence' relevant to their sector.
The portion allocated to project management and coordination is limited to a maximum of 5% of eligible expenses.