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.

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the Digital Shift Support Fund program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Digital Shift Support Fund program

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 to the Digital Shift Support Fund program

Submit complete application

Prepare a complete application file including required documents and financial statements
Submit the file to Promotion Saguenay through a business advisor

Eligibility verification

Project eligibility is reviewed by Promotion Saguenay
Applicants are informed promptly if their project is not eligible

Project evaluation and selection

Evaluation and selection of eligible projects by a selection committee
Assessment based on specific evaluation criteria

Board approval

Approval of selected projects by Promotion Saguenay’s Board of Directors

Receive funding decision

Receive response from Promotion Saguenay regarding the application outcome

Fulfill conditions and sign agreement

Review and comply with imposed conditions
Sign an agreement protocol with Promotion Saguenay

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.