Our services

Targeted populations and sectors of activities

Targeted Populations: All low-income individuals, particularly women, people on employment insurance, welfare, recent immigrants, visible minorities and unemployed youth, who don’t have access to traditional sources of funds, such as banks.
Sectors of Activities: The place of business must be on the island of Montreal and cannot be a franchise nor be of sexual character.

Direct loans to a maximum of $ 20,000 for the start-up, consolidation or expansion of individual or social economy businesses.
Bridge loans to a maximum of $ 50,000 for social economy, cultural, or non-profit enterprises.

ACEM’s staff will advise you throughout the lending process; during pre-start-up, during the star-up and during the expansion from the time you first arrive in our offices.
ACEM’s staff aim is to provide support and council that is adjusted to the specific needs of your business after you have obtained the loan.
ACEM’s staff is also assisted by volunteers resources persons who possess expertise useful to your business project. These volunteers come from both the business and community sectors (marketing, accounting, communication, etc.) and can help your business for the start-up, further growth or during difficult times.

You must attend an information session: information meetings are organised every two weeks on Thursdays, from 2 PM to 3 PM, to present details about ACEM and the process of attributing loans.
Entrepreneurs who would like to apply for a loan must have a detailed business plan. If the loan request is for an amount below $ 3,000, ACEM will accept a simplified business plan (necessary documentation is available from our website on-line).