If you are a young, woman, or immigrant entrepreneur in Québec, getting early-stage financing can be tough. Many banks ask for years of business history and strong collateral. The FIJE Fund (Fonds d’investissement pour la jeunesse entrepreneuriale) helps by offering up to $50,000 in repayable financing to eligible entrepreneurs through a regional development organization.
The FIJE Fund is a repayable business loan program, not a grant. It is delivered by the Centre d’Aide aux Entreprises Haute‑Yamaska et région (CAEHYR) and focuses on entrepreneurs who face barriers to traditional financing.
Key program facts:
This loan is often used to start, buy, or grow a small business in the region.
To apply for the FIJE Fund in Québec, both the entrepreneur and the business project must meet certain criteria.
You may qualify if you are:
You must also be involved in running the business and making decisions.
Your business must:
You must also contribute at least 10% of the total project cost as a down payment.
The FIJE Fund offers:
The loan must be paid back, with interest set at prime + 2%.
This structure helps ease cash flow during your first year of business.
Applying for the FIJE Fund takes more work than a simple online grant form. There is a review process to check if your project can succeed and if you can repay the loan.
Contact CAE Haute‑Yamaska et région
Reach out through their financing page to talk about your project.
Prepare your documents
You will need:
Project review
CAE advisors will review your project to see if it can succeed and if you can repay the loan.
Approval and loan agreement
If approved, you sign a financing agreement with repayment terms and guarantees.
If you want to see how FIJE compares to other funding programs in Québec, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you compare options based on your entrepreneur profile.
Thinking FIJE is a grant
The FIJE Fund is a loan. You must repay it.
Not providing the 10% down payment
Applications without proof of your contribution are often turned down.
Weak financial forecasts
CAE evaluators need to see realistic cash flow projections.
Overlooking personal guarantees
Be ready to talk about guarantees early in the process.
Q: Is the FIJE Fund a grant or a loan?
The FIJE Fund is a repayable loan. Interest is charged at prime plus 2%.
Q: What is the maximum FIJE Fund amount in Québec?
Eligible businesses can receive up to $50,000 in financing.
Q: Who is eligible for the FIJE Fund?
Entrepreneurs aged 18–39, women entrepreneurs, and immigrant entrepreneurs may qualify if their project can succeed.
Q: Do I need a personal guarantee?
Yes. Personal and other guarantees may be required based on your project and risk profile.
Q: Can I defer repayments at the start?
In some cases, a 6 to 12‑month capital repayment holiday is available to help with early cash flow.
The FIJE Fund is a good financing option if you fit the target entrepreneur profiles and can support a repayable loan. Many Québec businesses use FIJE together with other provincial or regional programs to reduce risk.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant and loan programs across Canada. Check which ones match your business profile and see how FIJE compares to other funding options in Québec.
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