
Digital Shift Support Fund
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Saguenay, QC
Digital transformation support fund for Saguenay businesses
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $35,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The Fonds de soutien au virage numérique provides financial support up to a maximum of $35,000 to stimulate digital transformation for businesses in Saguenay. Eligible activities include acquiring digital solutions, professional strategic planning services, and implementing technology projects to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Financing terms and conditions
- Non-repayable financial assistance covering up to 50% of the total project costs.
- Maximum financial support limited to $35,000 per project.
- A minimum financial contribution of 10% of the total project cost is required from the applicant (cash or asset transfer).
- Disbursement of financial aid may occur in multiple installments, depending on the project's nature and upon receipt of payment evidence.
Activities funded
- Engaging external experts to support digital transformation initiatives.
- Implementing or enhancing online sales platforms (including order, payment, and inventory management systems).
- Creating or optimizing online reservation systems.
- Developing or improving online training platforms.
- Acquiring and deploying digital solutions such as CRM or ERP systems, as well as technologies aimed at boosting productivity.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a sole proprietorship with a NEQ, a corporation, a general partnership, or a social economy enterprise (non-profit or cooperative with a majority of commercial activities).
- The company's head office and main activities must be located in Saguenay.
- The business must have been operating in Quebec for at least one year.
- The project must be related to digital transformation, such as acquiring or implementing digital solutions, professional support for digital strategy, or technology acquisition to improve productivity.
Who is eligible?
- Sole proprietorships with a NEQ
- Corporations
- General partnerships (SENC)
- Social economy enterprises conducting mainly commercial activities (e.g., non-profit organizations, cooperatives)
- Companies with headquarters and main activities located in Saguenay
- Enterprises operating in Quebec for one year or more
Who is not eligible
- Private companies in the financial sector.
- Financial cooperatives.
- Businesses operating in retail or restaurant industries.
- Organizations whose main purpose is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (such as religion, politics, or rights advocacy).
- Companies listed in the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts.
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees for specialized firms in digital transformation related to project implementation.
- Acquisition of technologies, including know-how, licenses, manufacturing agreements, software, or similar solutions.
- Purchase of goods, equipment, and assets.
- Development of technologies, applications, software, or management systems aimed at improving productivity.
- Other digital transformation expenses deemed admissible by the selection committee.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies whose head office and main activities are located in Saguenay.
Selection criteria
- Feasibility of the project (timelines, costs, resources, partners, funding).
- Relevance of the project and demonstration of problems being addressed.
- Anticipated medium- and long-term outcomes (efficiency, productivity, competitiveness).
- Project sustainability following funding.
- Quality and strength of the business model.
- Use of local expertise, if available.
How to apply
1
Submit complete application
- Prepare a complete application file including required documents and financial statements
- Submit the file to Promotion Saguenay through a business advisor
2
Eligibility verification
- Project eligibility is reviewed by Promotion Saguenay
- Applicants are informed promptly if their project is not eligible
3
Project evaluation and selection
- Evaluation and selection of eligible projects by a selection committee
- Assessment based on specific evaluation criteria
4
Board approval
- Approval of selected projects by Promotion Saguenay’s Board of Directors
5
Receive funding decision
- Receive response from Promotion Saguenay regarding the application outcome
6
Fulfill conditions and sign agreement
- Review and comply with imposed conditions
- Sign an agreement protocol with Promotion Saguenay
7
Receive financial assistance
- Submit payment proofs as required
- Receive financial assistance in installments based on project progress and payment evidence
Additional information
- Applicants may only submit one application per call for proposals.
- Eligible expenses must not be incurred prior to official project submission confirmation.
- The selection committee may consult external advisors for complex files.
- Support is provided as a non-repayable financial contribution.
Contacts
renaud.grimard@saguenay.ca
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Shift Support Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Digital Shift Support Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Digital Shift Support Fund?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Digital Shift Support Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Digital Shift Support Fund?
Who is eligible for the Digital Shift Support Fund program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Digital Shift Support Fund?
Where is the Digital Shift Support Fund available?

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