EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE NOW AVAILABLE TO REGIONAL SMEs AFFECTED BY U.S. TARIFFS
Développement économique Pierre-De Saurel (DÉPS) is informing businesses in the Pierre-De Saurel RCM that the Québec government has implemented the Emergency Assistance Program for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (PAUPME) in response to U.S. tariffs. The program is designed to support SMEs experiencing financial difficulties as a result of these tariffs.
In the Pierre-De Saurel RCM, DÉPS assists affected businesses and processes financial assistance applications. The program provides loans of up to $150,000, covering a maximum of 75% of a business’s eligible cash flow needs for a 12-month period.
The financing may be used to cover the working capital required to maintain operations and implement measures to adapt to the new business environment. The loan has a 0% interest rate and includes a principal repayment deferral for the 12 months following the first disbursement. It also provides for an amortization period of up to 60 months, excluding repayment deferral periods.
The program is intended for businesses that export goods affected by U.S. tariffs, as well as suppliers and subcontractors within their value chains. To be eligible, a business must have generated revenue of at least $1 million and no more than $2 million in its most recently completed fiscal year. At least 25% of its 2024 revenue must also have come directly or indirectly from exports to the United States.
The business must also demonstrate that its revenue has decreased by at least 20% compared with 2024, or that the tariffs could result in a projected decrease of at least 20% beginning in 2026. Additional conditions apply, particularly regarding profitability and reasonable prospects of achieving profitability over the medium term. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee financial assistance.
Beyond processing applications, the DÉPS team assists businesses in assessing their situation and planning the actions required to adapt to changing market conditions. These actions may include diversifying markets or products, improving productivity and competitiveness, and adapting supply chains.
Businesses in the Pierre-De Saurel RCM that wish to verify their eligibility are invited to contact the DÉPS team for information on the next steps.
For more information: https://depsregion.com/aide-aux-entreprises/faire-face-aux-tarifs-americains-ressources-et-soutien-pour-votre-entreprise
