DGAE French Polynesia: what grants are available for businesses?

Role of the DGAE

The Direction générale des affaires économiques (DGAE) is a department of the French Polynesia administration. It informs businesses and processes several economic schemes of the Pays (the territorial government). Its official website presents in particular grants for equipping small businesses, for improving the appeal of shops and restaurants, and for helping young graduates set up.

Aide à l'équipement des petites entreprises (AEPE)

The AEPE aims to support certain investments by small businesses, in particular the purchase of new equipment and the fitting-out of business premises. The official brochure consulted indicates aid of up to 50% of eligible expenses excluding VAT, within a limit of 3,000,000 F CFP. Sectors, eligible expenses, documents and conditions must be checked in the current official sheet.

Aide aux petits commerces et restaurants (APCR)

The APCR aims to improve the appeal of retail outlets and restaurants, for example through signage, shop windows, access and premises fit-out. The official page indicates support of up to 50% of eligible investment excluding VAT, within a limit of 5,000,000 F CFP. Expenses incurred before filing are in principle not eligible, except where an exception is provided for by the scheme.

Other schemes and scope limits

The DGAE website also lists aid for young graduates setting up, coverage of certain maritime freight costs, an international continuity scheme for certain essential goods, and customs exemptions. These schemes do not all have the same beneficiaries: some are aimed at importers or specific activities rather than at every business.

How do you file an application?

Start by checking the scheme that matches your need and place of business, then read the eligibility criteria, the list of expenses and the supporting documents. The DGAE now redirects certain economic applications to the RŪMIA online service. Prepare in particular the company's identification details, quotes, the financing plan and the specific supporting documents requested.

Frequently asked questions

Can every business get a grant? No, each scheme sets its own criteria. Are grants automatic? No, they are processed and awarded according to the applicable rules and available funding. Is a Capital OS sheet enough to file an application? No, it is only for identifying leads; the official sheet and online service must be consulted before any expense or application.

Official sources

• Official DGAE portal — Direction générale des affaires économiques
• Catalogue of DGAE grants — DGAE
• Equipment aid for small businesses (AEPE) — DGAE
• Aid for the creation and revitalisation of small shops and restaurants (APCR) — DGAE
• Online application AEPE/APCR — French Polynesia administrative portal
• Institutional information on DGAE grants — Presidency of French Polynesia