Business growth — Digital transformation social economy
Last Update: June 18, 2025
Ville de Québec, QC
Supports digital transformation for social economy business growth
Business growth — Digital transformation social economy at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $20,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Quebec City
Status
Open
Overview of the Business growth — Digital transformation social economy program
The Business Growth — Digital Transformation Social Economy grant provides funding of up to $20,000 to support the digital transformation of social economy enterprises. Eligible activities include the acquisition and implementation of digital tools and technologies to enhance operations and improve organizational efficiency.
Eligible projects & activities
- Digital transformation initiatives for social economy organizations to enhance business growth.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 16,000
Implementing an electronic ticketing system for a community theater
$ 16,000
Installation of a digital donation platform for an animal shelter
$ 16,000
Automated inventory management system for a food bank
$ 16,000
Creating a digital learning platform for a community education organization
$ 16,000
Developing a mobile app for meal delivery by a social enterprise
$ 16,000
Acquisition of a data traceability system for a recycling cooperative
Eligibility criteria of the Business growth — Digital transformation social economy program
- The applicant must be a social economy enterprise.
- The project must focus on digital transformation aimed at business growth.
Who is eligible?
- Social economy enterprises
Who is not eligible
Certain types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Below is a list of companies that are excluded from eligibility:
- Companies that cannot prove a sound democratic governance.
- Applicants not discharged from bankruptcy judgment.
- Applicants with outstanding debts with the City of Quebec.
- Companies registered in the Registry of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.
- Applicants who failed to meet obligations from previous financial aid by the City of Quebec within the last two years.
- Projects that are discriminatory, controversial, or pose a negative image risk to the City of Quebec.
- One-time event projects.
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition and implementation of digital technologies and tools.
- Costs associated with hiring external consultants or specialists for digital transformation.
- Training expenses related to the adoption of new digital solutions.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas determined by the funding body. The eligible locations are targeted to ensure alignment with regional development goals.
- Businesses located in provinces or territories eligible under Canadian federal funding programs.
How to apply to the Business growth — Digital transformation social economy program
1
Step 1
- Carefully read the eligibility criteria and check if your business and your project are eligible.
- Analyze whether your business primarily conducts commercial activities with more than 40% of independent revenue.
2
Step 2
- Prepare a detailed description of the digital transformation project related to your company's mission.
- Include relevant examples of similar eligible projects.
3
Step 3
- Develop a solid and responsible business model for the project.
- Demonstrate the distinctive and innovative nature of the project.
4
Step 4
- Prepare a realistic and coherent financial plan.
- Show the company's financial capacity to complete the project and achieve the objectives.
- Demonstrate the need for financial assistance.
5
Step 5
- Identify and justify eligible expenses: professional fees and equipment acquisition.
- Ensure that ineligible expenses are not included.
6
Step 6
Choose a consultant if necessary and have the mandate approved by the City of Quebec before signing the contract.
7
Step 7
Gather all the required documents as mentioned in the funding application form.
8
Step 8
Fill out the funding application form for the "Digital Shift Social Economy" component (PDF: 150 KB).
9
Step 9
Submit the complete and compliant application file to the City of Quebec.
Additional information
The grant aims to help social economy enterprises with digital transformation projects linked to their mission.
- Maximum contribution: $20,000 per enterprise, per year.
- Maximum of 80% of eligible expenses covered.
- Eligible expenses include professional fees and equipment acquisition.
- Consultants must be approved by the City of Quebec before contract signing.
- Projects must be within the Quebec agglomeration, including Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, L’Ancienne-Lorette, and Wendake.
- Open for applications continuously.
- Exclusions: Regular operating costs, office equipment for regular operation, charity activities, debt payment, pre-incurred expenses, and expenses for relocating outside Quebec.
Contact Quebec City
degp@ville.quebec.qc.ca