How to Apply to ESSOR – Component 1C in Québec: Step-by-Step Guide

ESSOR – Component 1C (Support for investment projects – implementing a digital plan) offers a non-repayable contribution to Québec organizations implementing projects that flow directly from a recent digital plan. Administered by Investissement Québec in collaboration with the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie, ESSOR 1C helps accelerate productivity gains and digital transformation through external expertise and implementation support.

As of December 1, 2025, the ESSOR program is active with rolling intake and is scheduled to end on March 31, 2027, subject to budget availability. This guide explains how to apply to ESSOR – Component 1C: who is eligible, which documents you must prepare, how to submit through clicSÉQUR, what happens after you apply, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Overview of ESSOR – Component 1C

ESSOR – Component 1C funds the implementation of projects that are explicitly derived from a digital plan produced under ESSOR Sub-Component 1B. The financial assistance is a non-repayable contribution that typically shares eligible costs with applicants.

Key points to know:

• Funding model: Non-repayable contribution (subsidy).

• Typical rates and caps: Up to 50% of eligible costs for a first project, 40% for a second, and 30% for subsequent projects, with a per-project maximum of $50,000. The cumulative government aid limit is generally 50% of eligible costs. A minimum private contribution of 50% is required. Always apply current program rules to your case.

• What 1C covers: External professional services to implement solutions from your digital plan, plus travel and accommodation associated with implementation, within government policy limits.

• What 1C does not cover: Internal salaries, capital expenditures, custom solution development, routine upgrades, e-commerce site development, equipment installation, foreign market development activities, and costs incurred before application submission.

• Intake and timing: Rolling intake; projects must start no later than 3 months after authorization and normally cannot exceed 12 months in duration.

Eligibility Requirements

Before you apply, verify that you meet the program’s core eligibility criteria and selection expectations.

Applicant eligibility (business-level):

• Legal form: For-profit corporations and eligible social economy enterprises that meet program conditions.

• Size and revenue: 250 employees or fewer and at least $2.5 million in annual revenue.

• Québec presence: Registered in Québec, with an establishment in Québec and active business operations conducted on a continuous or regular basis.

• Foreign-owned entities: May be eligible if registered in Québec and committed to operating continuously or regularly in Québec within 12 months of project authorization.

• French-language requirement: Your organization must have a French-language version of its website.

• Francization compliance: If you have 50 or more employees in Québec for at least 6 months, you are subject to francization requirements. From June 1, 2025, the threshold becomes 25 or more employees (with a 6‑month transition for 25–49). You must supply proof of compliance where applicable.

• Integrity and compliance exclusions: Entities listed on the RENA (ineligible for public contracts), noncompliant with francization, in bankruptcy/insolvency protection, state-owned or controlled entities, holding companies, and entities in restricted sectors (e.g., arms, certain fossil fuel activities except transition, gambling, exploitative activities, etc.) are not eligible.

Project and plan linkage:

• Required plan: A digital plan produced through ESSOR Sub-Component 1B within the last 24 months is mandatory. Your 1C implementation project must be directly derived from this plan.

• Sector scope: For digital solution acquisition and implementation, all sectors may be eligible if the project stems from the 1B plan.

Eligible activities and expenses:

• External professional fees from qualified consulting firms following Québec government policy requirements.

• Travel and accommodation directly tied to implementation, within published per diem and kilometre limits.

Ineligible activities and expenses (examples):

• Internal labour and salaries, capital assets and amortization, taxes on sales, debt service, or capital repayments.

• Custom solution development, routine upgrades of existing technology, transactional website development.

• Equipment installation activities.

• Foreign market development (outside Québec).

• Any costs incurred or contracts committed before the date your application is transmitted.

Selection criteria emphasized by the program:

• Relevance: Alignment with program objectives; contribution to local entrepreneurship.

• Governance quality: Leadership expertise and capacity (financial, human, technical) to deliver.

• Project quality: Strength of the digital plan linkage; realistic financing and schedule; partner commitment.

• Expected outcomes: Productivity, competitiveness, profitability, and job quality improvements.

• Incentive effect: Demonstrated need for government assistance; fit with your business model.

Required Documents

Prepare a complete, French-language submission package. The following are mandatory items typically requested for ESSOR – Component 1C:

• Completed application form for ESSOR – Component 1C, including the declarations and consent section signed by an authorized representative.

• Identification and consent form for the board representative, completed and signed (where applicable).

• A detailed project description, including the financing structure and how the project integrates with your business model.

• The digital plan issued exclusively from ESSOR Sub-Component 1B within the last 24 months.

• Annual financial statements for the last two fiscal years (at least one set prepared as a Compilation Engagement/Mission de compilation).

• Conforming service offers from external consultants (see minimum content guidance similar to Annex A: firm profile, mandate scope and deliverables, steps and schedule, effort and rates/fees, total).

• Proof of francization compliance where applicable (certificate, registration acknowledgement, analysis receipt, or attestation of a francization program).

• If relevant to your organization type: a copy of your general by-laws (for social economy enterprises).

• Where applicable for larger projects: a copy of the declaration of compliance with the Equal Access to Employment Program when a for-profit company has more than 100 employees and the requested assistance is $100,000 or more. Note: ESSOR 1C’s per-project maximum is $50,000, so this threshold often will not be reached under 1C.

• Any additional documents requested by the program team during analysis.

Document preparation standards:

• Language: All documents must be in French.

• Completeness: Use the program’s checklist before submitting. Incomplete or non-compliant applications are automatically refused.

• Service offer format: Ensure each consultant’s offer is explicit on scope, steps, timeline, hours/fees per phase, and deliverables.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to submit a complete ESSOR 1C application. As of April 2025 guidance, submissions are made through clicSÉQUR Entreprises. Some older guides mention email transmission; always follow the most current instructions provided by Investissement Québec.

Step 1: Complete prequalification

• Fill out the prequalification form to confirm basic eligibility and the fit of your project. This saves time and helps you validate alignment with ESSOR 1C expectations.

Step 2: Review the program information and read the guide

• Read the ESSOR program overview and the Component 1C application guide thoroughly. Understand the eligibility, admissible expenses, selection criteria, stacking rules, and documentation standards.

Step 3: Create or access your clicSÉQUR Entreprises account

• Ensure your organization is registered with MEIE services in clicSÉQUR Entreprises to access the ESSOR application form. Confirm your administrator rights and add necessary delegates early.

Step 4: Gather and finalize your documents (checklist)

• Assemble all mandatory items in French:

• Digital plan from ESSOR 1B (dated within 24 months).

• Two years of financial statements (with at least one Compilation Engagement).

• Conforming service offers (Annex A structure).

• Project description and financial plan.

• Francization proof, if applicable (noting June 1, 2025 threshold change).

• Identification/consent forms as required.

• Verify each document’s completeness, dates, signatures, and consistency with the application form.

Step 5: Fill out the ESSOR 1C application form in clicSÉQUR

• Complete all sections carefully. Provide clear, quantifiable objectives linked to your 1B digital plan.

• Describe expected productivity, competitiveness, and job quality outcomes.

• Detail the financing structure and stacking of government aid. Disclose other public funding (grants, tax credits, loans/guarantees, equity) as required.

Step 6: Upload all required documents and run the checklist

• Upload each document where indicated in the portal.

• Use the final checklist to confirm nothing is missing. Incomplete submissions are refused automatically.

Step 7: Submit your application

• Submit directly within clicSÉQUR Entreprises. Retain your confirmation number and save a PDF of your form for records.

• If instructed by the program team to transmit via email in specific cases, follow the current instructions exactly and retain the automated acknowledgement.

Step 8: Receive acknowledgement and track status

• You will receive an automated acknowledgement of receipt.

• The program then issues:

• An opening notice confirming conformity and registration in the case management system (or a refusal notice if non-conforming).

• An assignment notice naming your advisor and indicating the start of the analysis.

Step 9: Respond to information requests during analysis

• Provide any additional documents or clarifications by the deadlines given. Timely responses help keep your file moving.

Step 10: Funding decision and agreement

• You will receive a decision notice. If recommended, Investissement Québec will prepare a letter of offer for signature (typically via e-signature).

• Review all terms, including eligible cost windows, reporting, disbursement conditions, change request procedures, and audit provisions before signing.

Step 11: Project delivery and change requests

• Start the project within 3 months of authorization and complete it within the 12-month maximum duration.

• If you must change scope, timeline, suppliers, or budgets, submit a written change request in advance and await written approval before incurring the new costs.

Step 12: Claims, proofs, and disbursement

• Follow your letter of offer for claim timing and documentation.

• Typical proofs include invoices, proof of payment, detailed consultant timesheets or deliverables, and travel proofs within government policy limits.

• Keep complete records. Disbursement is authorized when all conditions are met.

Application Timeline

• Intake: Rolling, subject to budget availability.

• Program horizon: Currently scheduled through March 31, 2027 (as of December 1, 2025; always verify the latest information).

• Project window: Start within 3 months of authorization; complete within 12 months.

• Processing: Timelines vary based on volume, file completeness, and responsiveness to information requests. Submit early and ensure your documentation is complete to avoid delays.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Anchor your project to your 1B digital plan: Explicitly reference plan sections, recommendations, and priority sequencing.

• Quantify outcomes: Show expected gains in throughput, lead-time, error reduction, labour productivity, or cost-to-serve. Tie KPIs to baseline and targets.

• Demonstrate capacity: Identify your internal project lead, change management approach, and vendor governance. Provide a realistic schedule and risk mitigation.

• Present strong service offers: Ensure each consultant quote details phases, hours, rates, deliverables, and outputs. Avoid vague statements of work.

• Clarify stacking: List all public support requested/received and stay within the cumulative government aid ceiling. Explain private contribution sources covering at least 50% of eligible costs.

• Prepare francization evidence: If applicable, gather OQLF paperwork before submission to avoid holds.

• Use the checklist: Run a final compliance check in French on every document and section.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing recent 1B digital plan: ESSOR 1C requires a plan issued through Sub-Component 1B within 24 months.

• Pre-commitment costs: Do not sign contracts or incur costs before application transmission. Such expenses are ineligible.

• Internal salaries and capex: These are generally ineligible under 1C. Do not budget them as eligible costs.

• Scope mismatches: Projects focused on HR functions, routine upgrades, custom development, e-commerce site builds, equipment installation, or foreign market development are not supported under 1C.

• Incomplete service offers: Quotes lacking phase detail, hours, rates, or deliverables will weaken eligibility and claims.

• Language and compliance gaps: Submissions must be in French; ensure francization compliance if you meet thresholds.

• Ignoring change request rules: Do not adjust scope or suppliers without prior written approval.

What Happens After You Apply

• Acknowledgement: An automated receipt confirms transmission and the date from which expenses may be considered, subject to final approval and your letter of offer terms.

• Conformity review and assignment: You receive an opening notice if conforming; a dedicated advisor is then assigned for analysis.

• Analysis: The advisor assesses eligibility, selection criteria, and budget availability. Additional information may be requested.

• Decision and agreement: Approval leads to a letter of offer outlining eligible cost windows, documentation, and disbursement terms. Only costs within the approved window per your agreement are claimable. Approval is not guaranteed until the decision is issued and the agreement is signed.

• Delivery and claims: Implement as approved, submit claims with proofs per your agreement, and respond to any verification or audit requests.

Conclusion

Applying to ESSOR – Component 1C in Québec requires a recent digital plan from ESSOR 1B, a complete French-language file, and careful alignment with eligible implementation activities. By prequalifying, preparing the required documents, submitting via clicSÉQUR with a thorough form, and following the program’s change and claim rules, you can navigate the ESSOR 1C application process confidently. Given rolling intake and a current end date of March 31, 2027, consider applying early and ensure your submission is complete and consistent with the official guide and your letter of offer.