:: SAJE MONTRÉAL CENTRE

1. What is the SAJE Montréal Centre ?

SAJE Montréal Centre is a management consulting organization whose mission it is to promote, stimulate and support the start-up and expansion of small and medium-size businesses at the local, national and international level.
» See SAJE Montréal Centre

2. Whom does the SAJE Montréal Centre serve ?

It primarily serves individuals with business ideas and established entrepreneurs. SAJE Montréal Centre coaches them through the various stages of establishing and starting up their business ventures, or through the phases of consolidation and development of their business. This is achieved by offering training, supervision, and financial and technical support.

3. What does the acronym 'SAJE' represent ?

SAJE stands for Service d'aide aux Jeunes Entreprises.

4. When was the SAJE Montréal Centre set up ?

SAJE Montréal Centre is a non-profit organization founded in 1985.

5. What are the various programs offered by SAJE Montréal Centre ?

SAJE Montréal Centre manages 3 programs:
» Self-Employment Assistance Program
» Jeunes promoteurs Program (JP)
» Follow-Up Program

6. I have already had a business, which received a Jeunes Promoteurs subsidy, but the business went bust a little while later. Can I receive another subsidy from the program ?

Unfortunately, no. Once an entrepreneur has already benefited from a Jeunes Promoteurs subsidy, they cannot apply for a second one.

7. And if I didn't receive a 'Young Entrepreneurs' subsidy with my first business start-up, can I benefit from such a subsidy with my second business start-up ?

Yes, because the 'Young Entrepreneurs' program is aimed at individuals who are aged between 18 and 35 years old and who are setting up their first or second business venture.

8. Can I ask for a Jeunes Promoteurs subsidy of $10,000, because I'm personally investing $10,000 ?

No, even if an entrepreneur invests more than $6,000, the maximum subsidy they are entitled to receive remains at $6,000. However, if there are two entrepreneurs involved with the project, both of the entrepreneurs can apply for a subsidy of $6,000, ensuring a $12,000 subsidy in total. In this case each entrepreneurs would have to make a personnel investment of $6,000.

9. If my personal investment consists of $2,000 cash and a laptop worth $4,000 (a transfer of assets), what is the maximum subsidy I would be entitled to under the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

You can benefit from a subsidy of $6,000 because the Jeunes Promoteurs Program takes into account any transfer of assets. The amount of the subsidy granted is therefore $6,000 (the value of your laptop $4,000, and $2,000 in cash for a total personal investment of $6,000).

10. What does the technical support consist of in the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

» The technical support consists of helping the entrepreneur produce a business plan and in finding appropriate sources of financing. Such support might also include management consulting and following the company progress after start-up.
» The technical support could take any of the following forms: structuring the business project, legal advice, market analysis, market entry strategy, operations management, and financial forecasts.

11. Can I apply to the Self-Employment Assistance Program at the same time as the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

Yes, you can apply to both programs at the same time as long as you meet the criteria of each program.

12. What does the first part (A) of the Jeunes Promoteurs Program consist of ?

The first part of the program allows an entrepreneur to receive financial support to fund an in-depth market study or a technical/commercial feasibility analysis with the aim of validating the project. The study in question has to be conducted by a consultant, an expert or a specialized firm. The subsidy covers up to 75% of the cost of the study. However, the amount of the financial support cannot be more than $5,000.

13. What does the second part (B) of the Jeunes Promoteurs Program consist of ?

The second part of the program offers young entrepreneurs a subsidy of $6,000 for the start-up of a first or second business venture.

14. What is the third part (C) of the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

Part C allows a young entrepreneur who is already benefiting from financial assistance for setting up a first or second business venture, to receive additional financial aid to help pay for any training relevant to the project. This additional support covers the cost associated with the training up to a maximum of $1,000 per entrepreneur.

15. Can I benefit from each of the three parts (A, B, and C) of the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

Every entrepreneur who satisfies the selection criteria for the Jeunes Promoteurs Program can benefit from each of the 3 sections, assuming they follow a certain order:
» 1. He or she has to first of all apply to part A: the validation of the business project.
» 2. If the analysis is positive, he or she may apply to part B: the start-up of a first or second business venture
» 3. Once a project has been accepted, the entrepreneur can benefit from the final part of the program, part C: financial assistance for training initiatives, valid for up to 2 years after signing the Jeunes Promoteurs contract or after being accepted by the selection committee.

16. We are two entrepreneurs, aged 32 and 36, respectively. Can we both benefit from the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

Only entrepreneurs under 35 years old can apply to the Jeunes Promoteurs Program on the condition that the entrepreneur holds more than 51% of the shares in the business.

17. According to the same example, can the 36-year-old entrepreneur have 80% of the shares and the 32 year old have 20% of them ? (assuming the entrepreneur aged below 35 benefits from a subsidy from the Jeunes Promoteurs Program)

No, the entrepreneur aged less than 35 years must be the majority shareholder, and this must to be stipulated in the shareholders agreement.

18. We are four (4) entrepreneurs, each of us meeting the appropriate criteria for the Jeunes Promoteurs Program. Can we all receive a subsidy ?

No, only two entrepreneurs per project are entitled to benefit from the $6,000 financial support. This is regardless of the number of entrepreneurs involved with a project. The entrepreneurs therefore have to decide amongst themselves who will receive the subsidies.

19. I have been accepted to the Jeunes Promoteurs Program. Can one of my employees profit from part C of the program ?

No, only the entrepreneur who was originally accepted into the program can benefit from part C, and this only after part B has been finalized. Entrepreneurs have up to 2 years to benefit from part C.

20. I'm less than 35 years old, I live in Cote-des-Neiges and I want to open a convenience store (retail trade). Can I participate in the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

No, despite the fact that you meet the age requirement and that you want to start a business in one of the regions covered by SAJE Montréal Centre. The reason being is that convenience stores, as with all retail trades, operate in an already saturated market with strong competition. Long-term prospects for convenience stores are not very good and therefore the selection committee does not select such projects. You must meet all the eligibility and admissions criteria to be accepted into the Jeunes Promoteurs Program.

21. I'm a young entrepreneur who wants to start a business without employing anyone. Can I still participate on the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

No, the Jeunew Promoteurs Program requires the creation of at least 2 full time jobs during the first 2 years of business activity.

22. Do I have to pay back the $6,000 subsidy awarded in the Jeunes Promoteurs Program ?

No, as with all subsidies, that of the Jeunes Promoteurs Program is non-refundable, as long as you respect all of the conditions of the contract you sign when awarded the subsidy. For example, an amount would have to be repaid if you closed the business within the first 2 years of operation or an associate who has benefited from the program left the project. The selection committee would decide upon the amount repayable.

23. What types of project are suitable for the Young Entrepreneurs' program ?

All innovative ideas which create jobs and which are not on the list of ineligible projects.

24. Less than five years ago, I participated on the Self-Employment Assistance Program. Can I reapply to this program ?

Unfortunately not. You have to wait at least five years before you can reapply to this program.

25. I intend to acquire an already established business. Can I still apply to the Self-Employment Assistance Program ?

YYes, so long as you have not previously owned a stake in the business or had any prior interest in it.

26. What is the maximum financial aid available with the 'Self-Employment Development' program ?

The financial aid associated with the program comes in the form of a subsidized salary, for a maximum duration of 52 weeks. The salary is financed by an agreement with Emploi Québec, and is the equivalent to $14,976 gross. » See Services offered

Two scenarios can present themselves :
» Beneficiary of employment insurance: you are paid your employment insurance benefits up until the deadline set by Emploi Québec. The self-employment support program then takes over, ensuring the entrepreneur receives a subsidized salary for a total of 52 weeks.
» Beneficiary of employment insurance or employment assistance during the last 3 years: you are paid the subsidized salary after signing the agreement.
* To find out how much subsidy you are entitled to, please contact your agent at "Emploi Québec".

27. Do you have to later pay back the financial support obtained through the Self-Employment Assistance Program ?

No, but the entrepreneur has to demonstrate full commitment to his project and try to generate revenue.

28. What does the technical aid consist of in the Self-Employment Assistance Program ?

»	It involves experts and consultants coaching the entrepreneur throughout the structuring and finalizing of their business ventures (orientation of the entrepreneur, business plan and follow-up of the project) » See Services offered

»	Training consists of 40 hours of courses spread over a six-week period.

29. Can I apply to the Self-Employment Assistance Program at the same time as the Jeunes Promoteurs Program at the SAJE Montréal Centre ?

» Yes, you can apply simultaneously to both programs provided that you meet the selection criteria of each program.
» In the case where there are 2 entrepreneurs in a project, one can apply to the Jeunes Promoteurs Program and the other to the Self-Employment Assistance Program (as long as the respective selection criteria are fulfilled).

30. We are two or more associates and I have 25% of the shares of the business. Can I apply to the Self-Employment Assistance Program ?

No, if the entrepreneur has associates who are not part of the program, the entrepreneur has to have at least 51% of the shares. (See question 16)

31. I'm over 35 years old, I live at Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and I receive employment insurance. Am I eligible for the Self-Employment Assistance Program ?

Yes, the Self-Employment Assistance Program has no age constraints and you want to start-up your business in one of the regions covered by the SAJE Montréal Centre. You can therefore apply to the program.

32. I work fulltime and I want to start a project without leaving my job. Is this possible ?

No, one of the conditions of the Self-Employment Assistance Program is that you work full time on your project (a minimum of 40 hours a week). The subsidy you receive during the program allows you to cover your needs during the business start-up.

33. I have a degree in administration and I have a good understanding of the different aspects of a business plan. Do I therefore have to follow the training initiatives ?

Yes, the program includes financial and technical support, and to participate in the 'Self-Employment Assistance Program, you must demonstrate that you need them both.

34. I don't receive any benefits from the government (employment insurance etc.). Can I still apply to the program ?

Yes, you are eligible for the Self-Employment Assistance Program, although you will receive only the technical support.

35. My business has been running for a few months. Can I still apply to the program ?

No, if you want to apply to the Self-Employment Assistance Program, your business must not have been started.