Initiative to Support Economic Development in Montréal’s East End

Overview of the Initiative to Support Economic Development in Montréal’s East End program:

Administered by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), this initiative is part of a broader federal effort to revitalise and strengthen the economy of Montréal’s East End, an area facing longstanding economic and environmental challenges. The initiative provides financial support to encourage private investment, modernise local businesses, and develop inclusive, innovative economic opportunities. With a total budget of $500 million over 5 years (2021–2026), the initiative supports a wide range of projects that contribute to long-term economic recovery and transformation in the East End. Funding is available for businesses, non-profit organisations, municipalities, Indigenous groups, co-operatives, and other regional stakeholders. Projects must promote economic diversification, sustainability, and inclusion. Key goals of the initiative include: Supporting modernisation and innovation among businesses and industry Attracting private investment to the area Enhancing the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem Creating and maintaining good-quality jobs Developing green, sustainable infrastructure Supporting social economy projects, particularly those led by marginalised or underrepresented groups The initiative prioritises sectors such as clean technology, digital transformation, sustainable mobility, and the circular economy. It also encourages collaborative approaches between community stakeholders to strengthen the area’s socio-economic fabric. Projects are assessed on their capacity to create lasting, inclusive economic impact and contribute to the East End’s economic renewal.

Benefits of the Initiative to Support Economic Development in Montréal’s East End program:

• Access to funding for a wide range of economic development and infrastructure projects
• Encourages private investment and innovation in the East End
• Supports inclusive growth, with emphasis on diversity and community participation
• Enhances green and sustainable development in urban areas
• Strengthens the entrepreneurial and social economy ecosystem
• Creates opportunities for collaboration among local stakeholders
• Promotes job creation and business transformation in underinvested areas
• Aligned with broader federal priorities for clean growth, inclusion, and digital transformation

Eligibility criteria of the Initiative to Support Economic Development in Montréal’s East End program:

• To be eligible, applicants must meet the following:
• Location: Project must be located in Montreals East End
• Eligible Applicants:
• For-profit businesses (particularly SMEs)
• Non-profit organisations
• Municipalities and public bodies
• Indigenous organisations
• Co-operatives
• Eligible Projects:
• Modernisation or innovation within existing businesses
• Start-up or scale-up of new businesses
• Community economic development initiatives
• Sustainable infrastructure or green technology projects
• Initiatives supporting the social economy
• Entrepreneurial support services, hubs, or incubators
• Other Requirements:
• Projects must demonstrate economic benefit to Montreals East End
• Should align with principles of sustainability, inclusiveness, and regional transformation