Digital Shift Support Fund

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.

• 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.

• Step 1: Preparation of Application DossierGather all required documents for your application, including financial statements.
• Complete the financial aid request form provided by Promotion Saguenay.
• Consult with a business advisor if necessary.
• Step 2: Submission of ApplicationSubmit the completed application dossier, including all required information and documents, to the selection committee via the form supplied by Promotion Saguenay.
• Ensure your submission is made no later than January 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
• Step 3: Eligibility VerificationThe selection committee reviews your application to determine project eligibility.
• If the project is deemed ineligible, the applicant will be notified promptly.
• Step 4: Project Evaluation and SelectionThe selection committee evaluates and scores qualifying projects using weighted criteria.
• Recommendations are forwarded to Promotion Saguenay’s management.
• Step 5: Authorization by Board of DirectorsProjects selected by the committee are reviewed and authorized by Promotion Saguenay's Board of Directors.
• Step 6: Notification of DecisionApplicants are informed of the decision regarding their funding request.
• Step 7: Conditions and AgreementApplicants who receive approval are provided with the conditions to be fulfilled.
• A protocol agreement between the beneficiary and Promotion Saguenay must be signed.
• Step 8: Disbursement of Financial SupportFinancial support is disbursed in one or several installments, based on the project nature and upon presentation of proof of payment.

• 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.