The EVOL Business Financing Program

EVOL provides inclusive financing and personalized support to diverse entrepreneurs in Québec—particularly women, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, racialized individuals, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community—to help them launch, grow, or acquire businesses that are sustainable and socially responsible.

Femmessor

Overview of the The EVOL Business Financing Program program:

The EVOL Business Financing Program is a powerful financial and advisory resource tailored to underrepresented entrepreneurs in Québec. This program is operated by EVOL (formerly Femmessor), a leading non-profit organization focused on inclusive economic development. EVOL offers flexible loan financing of up to $250,000, combined with personalized coaching and expert guidance to help entrepreneurs build sustainable and socially responsible businesses. The program supports three key phases of business development: start-up, growth, and acquisition. Entrepreneurs must present a viable business model aligned with EVOL’s mission to promote economic equity, environmental responsibility, and inclusive governance. The initiative prioritizes projects that include at least one element of sustainable development—be it environmental practices, social impact, or inclusive leadership. In addition to financing, EVOL provides ongoing support including mentorship, training, and access to a provincial network of business advisors. Businesses in any industry are eligible, provided they operate in Québec and are majority-owned by entrepreneurs who identify with one or more of EVOL’s priority demographic groups. The program is backed by the Québec government and other economic partners, ensuring financial credibility and ecosystem support. This initiative is a critical bridge for diverse entrepreneurs who face barriers in traditional financing environments and need not just capital, but the long-term advisory support to succeed.

Benefits of the The EVOL Business Financing Program program:

Access to flexible financing up to $250,000
Tailored coaching and business advisory services
Assistance with financial forecasting, market development, and impact measurement
Priority support for underrepresented groups in business
Supports all business stages: startup, expansion, acquisition
Strong focus on sustainability, inclusion, and social innovation
Integration into a powerful network of mentors, business leaders, and partners across Quebec
Resources to build capacity in governance, HR, marketing, and financial planning

Eligibility criteria of the The EVOL Business Financing Program program:

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Location: Must reside and operate the business in Quebec
Ownership: Must be majority-owned (at least 25% minimum by one or more) of the following:
Women
Indigenous Peoples
Immigrants
Visible minorities
People with disabilities
Members of the LGBTQ2+ community
Business Stage:
Startup
Business growth
Business acquisition
Sustainable Development Requirement:
Project must integrate at least one sustainable development element, such as:
Environmental impact reduction
Inclusive governance
Local community benefit
Legal Status: Business must be legally registered in Quebec and possess a Quebec business number (NEQ)
Viability: Must submit a business plan and financial projections demonstrating potential for success
Other Considerations:
Must be able to repay a loan
Applicants may need to demonstrate personal investment or external contributions to the project