Business Growth — Productivity and automation

• For manufacturing sector projects adopting Industry 4.0: financial contribution of up to $500,000 per project, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible expenses.
• For projects involving acquisition of production equipment, operations, or advanced technologies in other eligible sectors: contribution of up to $100,000 per project, at a rate of up to 50% of eligible costs.
• Maximum active funding across all City of Québec economic development programs is $500,000 over a two-year period (with non-repayable aid counted at 100% value, and repayable aid at 50%).

• The applicant must be a private incorporated business or a social economy enterprise (NPO or cooperative) with a majority of commercial activities.
• The project must aim to improve productivity by integrating advanced technologies such as automation or robotics.
• For manufacturing companies, the project must be part of a structured plan aligned with Industry 4.0 objectives, supported by a digital diagnosis and plan.
• For other companies, the project must demonstrate that technology acquisition will address productivity challenges related to labour issues.
• The applicant's project must be located within the Québec agglomeration (Québec City, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, L’Ancienne-Lorette) or Wendake.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant include privately incorporated businesses, as well as social economy enterprises (non-profit organizations and cooperatives) that primarily engage in commercial activities. Additionally, individual businesses and partnerships who are majority-owned by Indigenous people and located in Wendake territory are eligible to apply.

Who is not eligible

• Vehicle dealerships, auto parts retailers, gas stations, and collaborative tourism accommodations (e.g., Airbnb, Home Away), as well as businesses operating only online.
• Social economy organizations (non-profits and co-ops) unable to demonstrate sound democratic governance.
• Applicants with unresolved bankruptcy judgments or those listed on the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts.
• Applicants who have defaulted on previous financial commitments with the City of Québec within the last two years after formal notice.
• Businesses with outstanding debts to the City of Québec.

Eligible expenses

• Professional fees, consulting services, and studies directly related to the project.
• Purchase or rental of goods, equipment, and assets relevant to the project.

• Quality and robustness of the responsible business model.
• Financial capacity of the applicant to successfully complete the project and achieve objectives.
• Viability and coherence of the submitted project, including relevance, realistic financial planning, and involvement of partners.
• Organizational management capacity.
• Distinctive and innovative aspects of the project, as well as its economic, social, and environmental impact in the Québec agglomeration.

• The program is open for applications continuously, with no set deadline.
• Eligibility for funding does not guarantee a financial award; final amounts are subject to fund availability and assessed financial need.
• Financial assistance may be provided as a grant and/or as a loan.
• If a funded business ceases activities or leaves the territory, reimbursement clauses may apply depending on the timing of the event.