Financing- business start-up

Overview of the Financing- business start-up program:

The EVOL Business Start-up Program is specifically designed to assist entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities in Quebec—such as women, immigrants, racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals—who are preparing to launch a new business. The program not only provides tailored loan financing but also equips participants with guidance, tools, and ongoing support to help them navigate the complex journey of entrepreneurship. Aimed at reducing systemic barriers to starting a business, the program targets individuals who already have a business idea, a preliminary plan, and the intention to build a viable and responsible enterprise. It emphasizes sustainable development and social impact through an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) approach that is embedded in the project assessment process. Applicants undergo a sustainability diagnostic that helps define goals aligned with ESG principles. Participants can receive flexible, low-interest financing tailored to the needs and timeline of a start-up business. In addition to financial support, the program connects entrepreneurs to a rich ecosystem of professionals, mentors, and EVOL’s internal advisors, who provide support in areas such as marketing, business planning, cash flow, and impact measurement. EVOL’s Business Start-up Program is not sector-specific, meaning it welcomes projects from a wide range of industries. The primary requirement is that the entrepreneur is committed to building a business with inclusive values and a clear plan for financial viability and social or environmental contribution.

Benefits of the Financing- business start-up program:

• Access to flexible loans up to $150,000 to support the start-up phase
• Tailored repayment terms and reduced early-stage financial pressure
• Personalized coaching and guidance through business planning and launch
• ESG diagnostic to identify sustainable and inclusive business practices
• Enhanced support for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities
• Connection to EVOLs network of partners, advisors, and mentors
• Support in financial forecasting, marketing strategy, and business development

Eligibility criteria of the Financing- business start-up program:

• To qualify for the Business Start-up Program, applicants must:
• Be based in Quebec and at least 18 years old
• Belong to one or more priority groups: women, immigrants, Indigenous individuals, racialized individuals, or 2SLGBTQIA+
• Have a defined business idea with a clear development plan
• Demonstrate a commitment to sustainable business practices (ESG)
• Intend to start a new business, not expand an existing one
• Be willing to undergo an ESG diagnostic and actively participate in coaching
• Submit a viable business plan and relevant documentation during the application process