
Business Growth — Productivity and automation
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.
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
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Optimize production processes
- Develop workforce skills
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Minimum amount : 75,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Quebec City
- Capitale-Nationale
- Quebec
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- 50 employees maximum
- All groups
Next Steps
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.