Business Start-Ups & Self-Employment

​​Although it's not risk-free, having your own business can have many perks: you have the freedom to manage your own time and energy; you are able to follow your passion and face new challenges daily.  

But do you know what it takes to set up a small business in Quebec? Do you know the legal frameworks for a business start-up?

This list of resources will introduce you to the basics of business start-ups in Quebec:
 

McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship

The McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship is the hub of entrepreneurial activity at McGill University. Its mission is to find, teach, and develop world-class entrepreneurs at McGill. The centre supports students, faculty, and alumni through tailored education, applied entrepreneurial frameworks, and iterative mentorships.

• View and register for workshops by Dobson Centre on myInvolvement. 
• See their full programs on their website. Please note that most Dobson services are also available to McGill alumni. 
• McGill Dobson Mentorship Circle
• The McGill Dobson Cup: The McGill Dobson Cup is McGill’s flagship annual startup competition.

Getting your legal questions answered

• Compass Start-Up & Legal Clinic: A pro-bono legal clinic for starting a business
   

External Resources

• See CaPS' list of resources.
• I Choose Montreal
• Emploi Quebec: Starting your own business 
• SAJE – This organization provides consulting services, coaching and training to young entrepreneurs and organizes information sessions, workshops, and conferences, many of which are available free of charge to help you start your business.
  • ImmigrAffaires, a guide for immigrants who want to start their own business. Free Access.
• PME MTL – An organization providing support, training, and financing to new entrepreneurs. It most notably administers financing for businesses, including CréAvenir for entrepreneurs under 35. 
• Jeune chambre de commerce de Montréal - This organization will connect you with other young entrepreneurs who share your concerns and ambitions. 
• YES Montreal: A community-based English-language service provider that helps Quebecers province-wide find employment, start and grow businesses.
   

For Artists

• YES Montreal: Business Skills for Creative Souls workshops