How much funding can be received?

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.

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This grant is targeted at companies operating within the designated area of Saguenay. Firms must be headquartered and primarily active in this region to qualify for funding.

Companies headquartered in Saguenay.

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The eligibility criteria for this grant require that the applying company meets specific organizational and operational criteria.

The applicant must be a sole proprietorship with a NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
The applicant can be a corporation.
The applicant can be a general partnership (SENC).
The applicant can be a social economy enterprise primarily engaged in commercial activities (NPO, cooperative).
The company's head office and main activities must be located in Saguenay.
The company must have been operating in Quebec for at least one year.

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This grant aims to support businesses in Saguenay embarking on digital transformation projects. Eligible entities must meet specific criteria based on their business structure and operational location.

Individual enterprise with a Quebec Business Number (NEQ).
Corporation (company limited by shares).
General partnership (SENC).
Social economy enterprise engaged primarily in commercial activities (non-profit organization, cooperative).
Business headquartered and primarily operating in Saguenay.
Business operating in Quebec for a minimum of one year.

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This grant excludes certain companies and industries based on their sector of operation and primary objectives. These restrictions are intended to focus support on eligible businesses that align with the grant's digital transformation goals.

Private companies in the financial sector.
Financial cooperatives.
Businesses in the retail or restaurant industries.
Companies whose main purpose is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (e.g., religious, political).
Businesses listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts.

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This grant program is focused on supporting businesses in their digital transformation efforts within the Saguenay area. Eligible projects are centered around leveraging digital solutions and optimizing online platforms to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Engagement of external expertise related to digital transformation, including diagnostics and implementation of digital plans.
Implementation or optimization of an online sales platform covering order, payment, and inventory management.
Implementation or optimization of an online booking platform.
Implementation or optimization of an online training platform.
Acquisition and implementation of customer and supplier management software (CRM).
Acquisition and implementation of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Purchase of technology equipment or tools aimed at enhancing productivity through automation or robotics.
Development of technologies, applications, software, or systems designed to improve productivity.
Any other digital projects that address challenges related to profitability, workforce, or efficiency.

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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the digital transformation projects of businesses in Saguenay.

Professional fees of specialized firms in digital transformation related to the project implementation.
Acquisition of technologies including know-how, licenses or manufacturing agreements, software, or software packages.
Procurement of goods, equipment, and assets.
Development of technologies, applications, software, or software packages aiming to improve productivity.
Any other digital transformation-related expenses deemed admissible by the committee.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure they meet the fund's objectives and contribute effectively to the digital transformation of businesses in Saguenay.

The feasibility of the project implementation, considering timelines, costs, resources, partners, and financing.
The relevance of the project and the demonstration of the issues it addresses.
The anticipated mid- and long-term outcomes in terms of efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.
The sustainability of the project post-funding.
The quality and robustness of the business model of the company.
The use of local expertise, if available.

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Step 1: Application Preparation
Ensure your business meets all the eligibility criteria outlined in the program.
Prepare a comprehensive project proposal, ensuring all proposed projects align with the grant’s objectives and requirements.
Gather all necessary documentation, including financial statements.
Step 2: Submit Application
Complete the official application form provided by Promotion Saguenay.
Ensure the application is filled out accurately with all required information.
Submit the application along with the project proposal and supporting documents to Promotion Saguenay no later than January 10, 2025, at 5 PM.
Step 3: Application Receipt
Receive a confirmation email from Promotion Saguenay acknowledging receipt of the application.
Note the application reference provided for future correspondence.
Step 4: Eligibility Verification
The selection committee will review the application to verify eligibility.
Ineligible applicants will be notified promptly.
Step 5: Project Evaluation
The selection committee evaluates eligible projects using a weighted evaluation grid.
Recommendations are made to the board of directors of Promotion Saguenay.
Step 6: Authorization and Notification
The board of directors provides authorization for selected projects.
Applicants are notified of the decision and any conditions they must meet.
Step 7: Agreement Signing
Sign a protocol agreement with Promotion Saguenay outlining grant conditions.
Step 8: Disbursement of Funds
Funding is disbursed in accordance with the agreement, typically upon provision of proof of payment related to project expenditures.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The maximum financial assistance available is $35,000 and is capped at 50% of the total project cost.
The applicants are required to provide a minimum of 10% of the total project cost as their investment, either in cash or through asset transfer.
The financial assistance provided is non-recurrent for the same project or related entities.
Disbursement of the financial aid can occur in multiple installments conditional on the nature of the project and presentation of payment proofs.
A protocol agreement between the applicant and Promotion Saguenay is required for the disbursement of financial aid.

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renaud.grimard@saguenay.ca

Apply to this program

Supporting the Digital Transformation of Saguenay Businesses

This fund aims to facilitate the digital transition for companies in Saguenay by providing financial support to implement or enhance technological projects. Its primary goal is to empower businesses to overcome challenges related to profitability, workforce, and operational efficiency through digital solutions.

In-Depth Perspective on the Digital Transformation Support Fund

The Fonds de soutien au virage numérique is meticulously crafted to uplift Saguenay's economic landscape by focusing on the digital advancement of its local businesses. It recognizes the crucial role digital transformation plays in maintaining competitiveness and efficiency in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace. By providing financial support, the fund not only encourages businesses to innovate but also mitigates the financial risks associated with adopting digital technologies. The initiative is particularly advantageous for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that typically face financial constraints preventing them from investing in digital growth.

Eligible entities are encouraged to harness this opportunity for a strategic digital overhaul. Whether it's acquiring advanced CRM systems, implementing ERP solutions, or developing bespoke software aimed at improving productivity, the fund covers a broad spectrum of digital solutions. The emphasis is on projects that enhance online transactional capabilities or internal efficiencies, thereby allowing businesses to scale operations and improve their market reach.

Significantly, the fund makes accessibility a priority by stipulating that a portion of financing should be sourced locally, feeding into the community by fostering local expertise. Businesses must showcase a viable business model that ensures the sustained impact of the funded project, reflecting the fund's commitment to long-term regional economic growth.

Another cornerstone of the fund is its structured application and evaluation process. Potential beneficiaries must submit detailed project plans that highlight how the digital transformation will translate into tangible business benefits. Projects are scrutinized on numerous fronts, including feasibility, anticipated outcomes, and their lasting contribution to operational effectiveness. The selection committee, comprising experts with a deep understanding of digitalization and its challenges, ensures that chosen projects are those most likely to succeed and offer substantial returns on investment.

The fund imposes clear boundaries on what constitutes eligible expenses, strategically avoiding funding routine business expenses or projects in-progress before the official application acknowledgment. This ensures that the financial aid specifically targets new, genuine attempts at digital transition, fostering innovation.

Financially, the fund is structured as a non-repayable grant, capping at $35,000 or 50% of the total project cost, whichever is lower. This structure not only encourages participation from businesses that need significant investment to make a meaningful digital leap but also requires them to demonstrate a vested interest by committing their own resources, ensuring a significant buy-in and encouraging responsible financial management.

Funded projects must commence only after formal acceptance to align the fund's objectives with applicant aspirations and to synchronize timing and funding disbursement efficiently. This strategy facilitates a well-managed project initiation and ensures that all financial assistance is utilized effectively and purposefully.

This fund represents a pivotal step towards encouraging digital maturity among Saguenay's businesses, ensuring they remain equipped to handle contemporary and future economic challenges. By rigorously selecting projects that prioritize efficiency and sustainability, Promotion Saguenay not only aids in immediate digital transformation but also sets a foundation for enduring economic strength in the digital age, driving the region towards a more prosperous future.