
ESM — Digital Acceleration
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Mauricie, QC
Boost your business's digital maturity with non-repayable funding
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $27,000
- Up to 45% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
The grant offers non-repayable financial support of up to $27,000 annually, aiming to boost the digital maturity of businesses by adopting Industry 4.0 practices. Eligible activities include strategic digital planning, process optimization, and technological solution implementation.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant offers a non-repayable financial contribution designed to assist businesses in enhancing their digital maturity as part of the Digital Transformation Offensive. The financing modalities are designed to support specific stages of strategic digital adoption and implementation.
- Non-repayable financial contribution up to $27,000 per year.
- Financing covers 45% of eligible expenses, with a maximum limit of $60,000 for expenses.
- For a project costing $25,000, the financial contribution would be $11,250.
- For a project costing $60,000, the maximum financial contribution is $27,000.
- Funding is subject to availability and eligibility does not guarantee financing.
- Only external expert fees (interventions and coaching) qualify as eligible expenses.
Activities funded
This grant focuses on advancing the digital maturity of businesses by supporting them in adopting industry 4.0 practices and moving towards becoming smart enterprises. Eligible projects span various stages of digital transformation and strategy implementation.
- Strategic planning incorporating digital elements.
- Integration of the Internet of Things (IoT).
- Drafting and distributing a requirements document for purchasing equipment or technological solutions.
- Automated predictive maintenance.
- Assistance with the acquisition and implementation of technology such as robots, CRM, or ERP.
- Integration of information technologies and data interconnection.
- Utilization of artificial intelligence (AI).
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company's location, profit orientation, and industry sector.
- The company must be established with the aim of generating profits.
- The company must be situated in Mauricie. If the headquarters is located outside this region, the project must be implemented in a subsidiary located in Mauricie.
- The company must operate in one of the following industrial sectors: manufacturing, information technology (IT), or business-to-business (B2B) services.
Who is eligible?
Eligible businesses for the grant must be profitable enterprises located in the Mauricie region, or have a project implemented in a subsidiary located in Mauricie. Businesses must operate within one of the following industrial sectors: manufacturing, information technology (IT), or business-to-business (B2B) services. Ineligible sectors include retail, hospitality, and construction.
Who is not eligible
Certain types of companies and industries are not eligible for this grant to ensure alignment with specific strategic objectives. The intent is to focus resources on sectors that promote digital and technological advancement.
- Companies involved in the retail industry.
- Businesses operating in the restaurant and hospitality sector.
- Enterprises within the construction industry.
Eligible expenses
The grant covers expenses related to obtaining external expertise and coaching for digital transformation projects.
- Fees for external expertise and coaching provided by experts.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically targeted at companies situated in a defined geographical region to enhance local digital maturity advancement. Eligible companies must meet regional requirements to qualify for this grant program.
- Companies based in Mauricie.
How to apply
1
Make a request
- Contact a person from the organization's team or fill out the online contact form to submit an innovation project.
- If an expert has already been targeted for the project, send their service offer to expedite the processing of the request.
- If the expert has not yet been chosen and you wish to access the network of experts, mention it in the request.
2
Processing the request
- Receive an acknowledgment of receipt of the request within 48 hours of its submission.
- Provide additional information if requested to assess needs and eligibility in the program.
3
Agreement or referencing
- Obtain a response from the organization regarding the eligibility of the application.
- If eligible, sign a non-repayable financial contribution agreement with the stakeholders.
- If not eligible, be put in contact with appropriate partners or experts.
4
Execution of your project
- Ensure the completion of the project within the planned deadlines with the help of a territorial advisor.
- Maintain the quality of deliverables and a good relationship between the company and the selected expert.
5
Project assessment
Fill out a satisfaction questionnaire once the project is completed to assist in the evaluation of the support and the network of experts.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The grant application process begins with a contact form submission or direct contact with the team.
- An official confirmation of receipt is issued within 48 hours of application submission.
- An agreement will be signed with ESM and an expert if approved, ensuring clarity on roles and expectations.
- Post-project completion, a satisfaction survey must be completed to assess project impact and provide feedback.
- ESM can refer external experts if the applicant has not pre-selected one.
- Financial aid is subject to fund availability, and having eligibility does not guarantee funding.
- ESM assists in connecting eligible businesses with suitable experts based on project needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ESM — Digital Acceleration Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ESM — Digital Acceleration. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the ESM — Digital Acceleration?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the ESM — Digital Acceleration a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the ESM — Digital Acceleration?
Who is eligible for the ESM — Digital Acceleration program?
Who can I contact for more information about the ESM — Digital Acceleration?
Where is the ESM — Digital Acceleration available?

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