Digital Transformation Offensive Program (OTN) — Stream 1 – Support
Last Update: June 5, 2025
Granby, QC
Support for Quebec's food processing digital transformation initiative
Digital Transformation Offensive Program (OTN) — Stream 1 – Support at a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $10,000 to $25,000
- Up to 85% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : June 30, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ)
Status
Open
Overview of the Digital Transformation Offensive Program (OTN) — Stream 1 – Support program
The digital plan will set out a series of actions involving the selection, purchase and integration of identified technological solutions.
This is a crucial step in the digital turnaround of an SME. The project will enable a food processing company to draw up its action plan, choose the solution best suited to its context, select equipment and receive support in integrating the solutions.
Financing terms and conditions
- Financial assistance covers up to 60% of the total project cost (e.g., $15,000 out of a $25,000 project).
- The recipient company must invest at least 40% of the total project cost (e.g., $10,000 for a $25,000 project).
- The financing can reach up to 85% of training expenses within a digital project, through an additional support program.
Eligible projects & activities
- Implementation of digital solutions and technologies within food processing businesses.
- Development and execution of a digital transformation plan tailored to the company's needs.
- Selection, purchase, and integration of technological tools to enhance business processes.
- Change management initiatives and employee training to support digital transition.
- Initiatives to improve product traceability and origin through digital tools.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 15,000
Selection and integration of digital tools in a confectionery company
$ 15,000
Developing digital skills for employees in a beverage bottling company
$ 15,000
Integration of AI for predictive quality control in a bakery located
$ 15,000
Automation of packaging line for a seafood processing company
Eligibility criteria of the Digital Transformation Offensive Program (OTN) — Stream 1 – Support program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business capacity and strategic planning.
- The applicant must be a transformer within the food processing sector in Quebec.
- The applicant must have completed a digital diagnostic, with potential support available from Investissement Québec.
- A strategic planning exercise must be completed, including having a mission, vision, and development axes for the business.
- The applicant must demonstrate the ability to invest 40% of the total project financing, amounting to $10,000 for a project maximum of $25,000.
- The applicant must have the human resources to complete the digital transition within a short timeline.
- The applicant must have achieved a minimum of $1 million in revenue during the previous financial year.
Who is eligible?
The grant is specifically targeted towards companies in the food processing sector in Quebec. To be eligible to apply, an organization must be classified as a food processor, meaning it works with food that is no longer in its raw or fresh state. Associated sectors and suppliers like transportation, packaging, or technology solutions are not considered food processors and hence cannot apply. Applicants must have completed a digital diagnostic and a strategic planning exercise, be able to invest 40% of the total project costs, have a minimum turnover of $1 million from the previous financial year, and possess the human resources to complete the undertaking within a specified timeframe.
Who is not eligible
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward strategic sectors aligned with the grant's objectives.
- Agricultural sectors and related industries.
- Suppliers in transport or packaging sectors.
- Providers of technological solutions.
Eligible expenses
- Selection, purchase, and integration of technological solutions identified in the digital transformation plan.
- Consulting fees for external experts or integrators supporting the implementation of digital transformation projects.
- Training costs for workforce upskilling and digital technology adoption (up to 85% of eligible training expenses).
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Eligibility criteria of the Digital Transformation Offensive Program (OTN) — Stream 1 – Support program
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Below is a summary followed by the detailed criteria in bullet point form:
To be eligible for the grant, the applicant must be a transformative food processing company and meet specific financial and operational requirements. The eligibility depends on completing a digital diagnosis and planning strategic initiatives to demonstrate the company’s preparedness and willingness to invest in the digital transition.
- Complete a digital diagnosis (Investissement Québec offers a subsidy for this).
- Complete a strategic planning exercise (must include a defined mission, vision, and development axes).
- Demonstrate the ability to invest 40% of the total project funding, i.e., $10,000 on a project worth a maximum of $25,000.
- Have human resources available to complete the project within a short period.
- Have achieved a minimum revenue of $1M in the previous financial year.
How to apply to the Digital Transformation Offensive Program (OTN) — Stream 1 – Support program
1
Verification of eligibility criteria
- Ensure that your business is a food processor according to the provided definition.
- Check that your minimum revenue is $1M for the previous fiscal year.
2
Digital Diagnosis
- Complete a digital diagnosis, essential for determining your company's digital maturity.
- Investissement Québec offers a grant for this initial step.
3
Project Preparation
- Carry out a strategic planning exercise.
- Develop a detailed digital plan for your transformation project.
- Identify the digital solutions to integrate (Part 1) or the technologies to optimize (Part 2).
4
Selection of an integrator
Choose a specialized integrator to support your project, such as Coboom or Productique Québec, without being limited to these suggestions.
5
Preparation of the application
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Prepare the application form and the prequalification form.
6
Submission of the request
- Send the forms and supporting documents by email to otn@conseiltaq.com.
- Make sure the application is submitted before the program's deadline.
7
Follow-up of the request
Contact Sylvie Bouchard for any clarification or follow-up regarding the file at 514 249-9494.
Additional information
- The project must be completed within four months from the signature date of the agreement; reasonable extensions are possible.
- The OTN program administered by CTAQ will conclude on June 30, 2025.
- Integrators selected to support the project must not be suppliers of technological solutions.
Contact Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ)
otn@conseiltaq.com
450-349-1521