How much funding can be received?

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.

Financing terms and conditions

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%).

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 137,500

Installation of intelligent conveyor systems to enhance sorting at a logistics center

$ 50,000

Implementing a smart irrigation system on a commercial farm to optimize water usage

$ 100,000

Acquisition of automated packaging equipment to boost capacity at a food processing plant

$ 85,000

Implementing a robotic arm to enhance production efficiency at an automotive parts manufacturer

$ 75,000

Implementing a palletizing robot to streamline operations at a beverage manufacturing plant

$ 67,500

Installing automated dough mixers to improve efficiency in a large-scale bakery

Eligibility criteria of the Business Growth — Productivity and automation program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Business Growth — Productivity and automation program

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 to the Business Growth — Productivity and automation program

Verification of eligibility conditions

Confirm that your company is incorporated or a social economy enterprise primarily engaged in commercial activities.
Ensure that your company is not on the list of exclusions.

Preparation of the request

Filling out the application form

Access and complete the funding application form.
Attach all necessary documents listed in the application form.

Submission of the request

Submit the application electronically or according to the methods specified in the documentation.

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.

Contact Quebec City

degp@ville.quebec.qc.ca

Apply to this program

Investment support for feasibility studies in Quebec