How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available to companies located within Quebec, as it specifically targets the transformation food industry sector in this region. Only businesses classified as food processors within Quebec are eligible to apply.

Companies located in Quebec.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$15,000

Implementing a data warehousing solution for a meat processing facility

$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

$15,000

Adopting traceability for product origin in a dairy processing plant

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a transformer in the food processing sector in Québec.
The applicant must have completed a digital diagnostic, with potential support from Investissement Québec.
A strategic planning exercise must be completed, even if in a simplified version.
The applicant must demonstrate the capacity to invest 40% of the total project financing, equivalent to $10,000 on a project of up to $25,000.
There must be sufficient human resources to complete the project within a short timeframe.
The applicant must have achieved a minimum revenue of $1 million in the previous fiscal year.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Companies within the food processing sector in Quebec are eligible to apply for this grant. To qualify, applicants must be considered food processors, which means they transform raw or fresh food products into processed goods.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed towards the specific sector of food processing industry.

Companies involved in agriculture.
Industries related to transport.
Businesses within the packaging sector.
Providers of technological solutions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant supports projects focusing on the digital transformation of food processing companies in Québec, enhancing their productivity and competitiveness through technological advancements. Eligible projects are divided into two main streams, encompassing both the implementation of digital strategies and optimization of data utilization.

Accompaniment in implementing digital plans: selection, purchase, and integration of technological solutions for food processing companies.
Optimization support: enhancing data warehousing, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence capabilities post-implementation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the digital transformation projects for food processing companies.

Costs associated with the acquisition and implementation of digital tools and technologies.
Consulting fees for expert guidance in developing and executing a digital transformation plan.
Expenses for training and upskilling employees as part of the change management strategy.
Fees for data warehouse and business intelligence system optimization.
Costs related to implementing artificial intelligence solutions, including predictive models and machine learning initiatives.

grant_single_labels|criteria

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.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the "Offensive transformation numérique" grant:

Step 1: Assess Eligibility
- Verify that your business is a food transformation company based in Québec.
- Ensure your company had a minimum of $1 million in revenue in the last financial year.
Step 2: Complete Preliminary Requirements
- Conduct a digital diagnosis to assess the current digital maturity of your enterprise.
- Complete a strategic planning exercise outlining your company's vision and development axes.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
- Develop a detailed digital transformation plan, listing the technological tools and processes you intend to integrate.
- Consult with suggested integrators such as Coboom or Productique Québec for expert advice (although any non-solution providing consultant can be chosen).
- Compile required financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to finance 40% of the project.
Step 4: Fill Out Application Forms
- Complete both the Application Form and the Prequalification Form, available on the CTAQ website.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
- Email completed forms and any necessary supporting documents to otn@conseiltaq.com.
Step 6: Await Confirmation
- Look for confirmation of receipt from CTAQ.
- Follow up if necessary for any additional information or clarification requests.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The grant focuses on supporting the digital transformation of food processing companies in Quebec, with specific eligibility criteria and a structured application process.

The program requires a minimum investment of 40% from the participating company.
The project must be completed within 4 months from the agreement signing date.
The project includes two main components: implementation of digital solutions and optimization through advanced technologies like AI and BI.
Eligible companies must have achieved at least $1 million in revenue in the previous financial year.

grant_single_labels|contact

otn@conseiltaq.com

514 249-9494

Apply to this program

Boost Your Business with Digital Transformation Grants

Explore the opportunity to enhance your food processing operations through the Offensive Transformation Numérique (OTN) grant, offered by the Government of Quebec in collaboration with the Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ). This grant is specially designed for food processing companies looking to implement digital solutions and increase competitiveness in the sector.

In-Depth Information About the OTN Grant and Its Significance

As the global business environment evolves, the importance of digital transformation becomes ever more pronounced, particularly in the manufacturing and processing industries. In Quebec, the Offensive Transformation Numérique (OTN) grant represents a pivotal opportunity for food processing companies to stay competitive and thrive. The OTN grant, a joint venture between the Quebec government and the Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ), offers $2.64 million in funding to support these companies in their digital transition journey.

The program acknowledges the essential role of digital advancements in enhancing business competitiveness and productivity. With the increasing demand for efficiency and innovation, digital tools are no longer optional but necessary for companies intending to maintain and grow their market presence. This grant explicitly focuses on aiding Quebec's food processing sector to implement digital solutions, thereby fostering advancements in automation, data management, and technology integration.

One of the primary goals of the OTN program is to enable food processing enterprises to tackle critical industry challenges through digital transformation. These challenges include improving productivity, addressing labor shortages through automation, ensuring food supply continuity, and enhancing product traceability using digital tools. By doing so, these companies can not only address current operational bottlenecks but also position themselves strategically for future growth.

The program divides eligible projects into two interlinked but distinct components. The first component involves guiding companies through the selection, purchase, and integration of digital tools, ensuring that these solutions are best suited to the unique needs of each business. This extensive support ensures that food processors can effectively map out their action plans, select appropriate technologies, and execute their digitalization in a structured and supported manner.

The second component focuses on the optimization of newly implemented digital solutions, which includes data warehousing, implementing business intelligence (BI) approaches, and exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI). By adopting these advanced technological practices, companies can extract more value from their digital investments, leading to better decision-making and innovative capabilities.

Successful digital transformation involves more than just technology implementation; it requires significant changes in management practices, work processes, and workforce skills. Therefore, the program also emphasizes change management and workforce training as crucial elements to a successful company-wide digital transformation. The grant could cover substantial portions of training expenses, thereby easing the financial burden on companies and enhancing their capacity for successful transformation.

Ultimately, the OTN grants provide a significant advantage for eligible food processing companies by offering financial resources, expert guidance, and strategic frameworks to navigate and capitalize on the digital transformation. By participating, businesses can ensure they remain at the forefront of innovation, thereby securing their competitivity in both local and global markets.