EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE NOW AVAILABLE TO REGIONAL SMEs AFFECTED BY U.S. TARIFFS
Update – August 28, 2026
The Québec government has expanded the eligibility criteria for the Emergency Assistance Program for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (PAUPME) – Tariffs. The program is now available to businesses that generated revenue between $200,000 and $2 million in their most recently completed fiscal year. The news release below has been updated to reflect the new program terms.
Développement économique Pierre-De Saurel (DÉPS) is announcing the rollout of the Emergency Assistance Program for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (PAUPME) – Tariffs in the MRC Pierre-De Saurel. Implemented by the Québec government, the program is designed to support SMEs experiencing financial difficulties as a result of U.S. tariffs.
In the MRC Pierre-De Saurel, 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. An interest rate of 3.86% applies thereafter. The loan also provides for an amortization period of up to 60 months, excluding repayment deferral periods.
To be eligible, a business must have generated revenue of at least $200,000 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 demonstrate that its revenue has decreased by at least 20% compared with 2024, or that U.S. tariffs could result in a projected decrease of at least 20% beginning in 2026. It must also have been profitable in at least one of its two most recently completed fiscal years, except in the case of certain forestry businesses, and have reasonable prospects of achieving profitability over the medium term. Additional conditions apply. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee financial assistance.
Beyond processing applications, DÉPS 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/en/business-support/facing-us-tariffs-resources-and-support-for-your-business
