ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project)

Who is eligible?

• For-profit enterprises.
• Social economy enterprises.
• Foreign businesses registered in Quebec and committed to carry out an activity there within 12 months after project authorization.
• Businesses in all sectors for projects related to the acquisition and implementation of digital solutions.
• Businesses carrying out seasonal activities in Côte-Nord, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Bas-Saint-Laurent, and Capitale-Nationale (MRC of Charlevoix, Charlevoix-Est and Portneuf).

Who is not eligible

• Businesses in the primary sector (agriculture, forest and fishing), except for greenhouse cultivation or buildings with the same purpose as a greenhouse, conditioning activities when the project is major, and forest exploitation.
• Businesses in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.
• Businesses in real estate and rental and leasing services.
• Businesses in construction, except projects related to productivity growth.
• Businesses in public services, management of companies and enterprises, health care and social assistance, education, public administration, finance and insurance, arts, entertainment and recreation, telecommunications, broadcasting, accommodation and food services, and other services (except public administration).

Eligible expenses

• Capital expenditures directly related to the project, including buildings, equipment, and software.
• Expenses related to a major technological transition, including cloud computing, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence.
• Working capital necessary to carry out an investment project when the financial assistance is a loan guarantee, repayable contribution, or forgivable loan, up to 20% of total eligible expenses.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec.
• Côte-Nord.
• Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
• Bas-Saint-Laurent.
• Capitale-Nationale (MRC of Charlevoix, Charlevoix-Est and Portneuf).

• Investment projects, other than those carried out by seasonal businesses, must demonstrate a potential increase in productivity through higher profitability or higher payroll.
• The project must begin no later than six months after authorization, or within 12 months for projects requiring a minimum investment of $10M in capital expenditures or the creation of 100 jobs.
• The project timeline cannot exceed five years from the project start date, although a schedule of no more than three years is preferred.

• Step 1: Determine EligibilityEnsure your business is a for-profit or social economy enterprise registered in Quebec.
• Confirm your sector of activity is eligible, avoiding excluded sectors like primary agriculture, mining, and telecommunications unless specified exceptions apply.
• Verify that your project involves significant investment with at least 100,000 CAD in eligible expenses.
• Step 2: Prepare Project ProposalClearly define the investment project, focusing on productivity increase or technological transition.
• Include details of expenses related to capital, technological transition, or working capital.
• Outline the expected increase in capacity, modernization, or digital solution implementation.
• Step 3: Financial Analysis and PlanningConsider the financial aid forms available: repayable contributions, loan guarantees, or non-repayable contributions.
• Evaluate the management fees and annual guarantee fees applicable to the financial aid received.
• Step 4: Submit ApplicationContact the relevant Quebec government body or portal where the application should be submitted.
• Prepare all necessary documentation and complete any required forms as per the specific submission requirements of the funding body.
• Step 5: Await Response and Initiate ProjectAfter submission, allow time for the review of your application by the authorities.
• Upon approval, commence the project within the stipulated time frame, adhering to any conditions linked to the financial aid.

• Management fees (frais d’étude) of at least 0.5% of the amount of financial assistance granted are required.
• Annual guarantee fees of at least 0.5% of the guaranteed amount are required.
• Other conditions may apply.