Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us
Archived

Business Growth — Productivity and automation

Supports industrial productivity through advanced technology funding

Offered by
Quebec City

Record updated

Funding available
$ 75,000 - $ 500,000
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
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.
See full eligibility

Overview

The grant program provides financial contributions of up to $500,000 per project to support businesses in enhancing productivity and addressing workforce shortages through advanced technologies such as automation and robotics. Eligible activities include acquiring production equipment with a strong digital component for Industry 4.0 industrial projects or technologies aimed at boosting productivity in response to workforce challenges.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$500,000
Minimum funding
$75,000
Maximum share of project costs
50%
Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Optimize production processes
  • Develop workforce skills

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Quebec City
  • Capitale-Nationale
  • Quebec
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
50 employees maximum
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
Sole proprietorship, Social economy enterprise, For-profit business

Archived

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Productivity and Growth funding terms updated

The Productivité et croissance pages now show expanded eligibility and higher funding limits, including a maximum of 500,000 $ on Capitale-Productivité and 30,000 $ on Bons d’accompagnement.

See more

The Productivité et croissance pages now show materially updated funding terms and eligibility rules. Capitale-Productivité is now presented with a maximum contribution of 500,000 $, up to 40% of eligible expenses, while Bons d’accompagnement now shows a maximum of 30,000 $ per business per year and up to 30% of eligible expenses. The eligibility framework was also broadened, including additional applicant and exclusion rules, new stacking limits for public assistance, and more detailed project conditions for both programs. The pages also now describe the supported project types more explicitly, including industrial 4.0 investments, automation, robotics, and productivity projects tied to labor challenges.

Official source: ville.quebec.qc.ca
July 9, 2026

Eligibility

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.

Activities funded

  • Implementation of advanced production equipment to increase productivity through automation or robotics.
  • Integration of connected technologies to transition towards Industry 4.0 standards.
  • Acquisition of automated equipment to address labor shortages and enhance operational efficiency.
  • Deployment of digital solutions within industrial processes to improve overall production performance.

How to apply

Follow these steps to submit an application for the Productivité et automatisation grant:

  • Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
  • Verify that your business is incorporated or is an eligible social economy enterprise.
  • Ensure your project meets the sector-specific eligibility criteria.
  • Step 2: Prepare Your Project Plan
  • Conduct a diagnostic and create an Industry 4.0 digital plan if applicable to your sector.
  • Make sure your project aims at productivity increase and addresses workforce issues.
  • Step 3: Compile Required Documentation
  • Gather all necessary documents proving your eligibility and project viability.
  • Include a detailed budget with eligible expenses.
  • Prepare any additional required forms as specified in the application package.
  • Step 4: Complete the Application Form
  • Fill out the application form with detailed descriptions and project justifications.
  • Download and complete the financing request form from the provided resources.
  • Step 5: Submit Application
  • Submit your application including all required documents to the Service du développement économique et des grands projets.
  • Deliver or send to 295, boulevard Charest Est, Québec (Québec) G1K 3G8, or contact degp@ville.quebec.qc.ca for submission queries.
  • Step 6: Await Confirmation and Next Steps
  • After submission, await confirmation and instructions for any subsequent steps from the funding organization.

Selection criteria

  • 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.

Additional information

  • 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.

Contacts

degp@ville.quebec.qc.ca
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Growth — Productivity and automation Program

What is the Business Growth — Productivity and automation?

The grant program provides financial contributions of up to $500,000 per project to support businesses in enhancing productivity and addressing workforce shortages through advanced technologies such as automation and robotics. Eligible activities include acquiring production equipment with a strong digital component for Industry 4.0 industrial projects or technologies aimed at boosting productivity in response to workforce challenges.

How much funding can be received?

Business Growth — Productivity and automation Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Business Growth — Productivity and automation program?

To be eligible for the Business Growth — Productivity and automation program, you must: The applicant must be a registered Canadian business. The business must demonstrate a need for productivity improvements or automation.

What expenses are eligible under Business Growth — Productivity and automation?

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

Who can I contact for more information about the Business Growth — Productivity and automation?

You can contact Quebec City by email at degp@ville.quebec.qc.ca.

Where is the Business Growth — Productivity and automation available?

The Business Growth — Productivity and automation program is available Capitale-Nationale, Quebec.

Is the Business Growth — Productivity and automation a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Business Growth — Productivity and automation is a Grant and Funding