Open
ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project)
Supports business productivity and expansion through technological investment
Last Update: March 26, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open Date : March 26, 2026
- Closing date : April 1, 2027
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
ESSOR – Component 2 financially supports businesses in Quebec for investment projects focused on productivity, expansion, or technological transition. The program offers repayable contributions, non-repayable contributions, loan guarantees, and equity investments for activities such as the acquisition of equipment, technologies, or the modernization of infrastructure.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Optimize production processes
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : March 26, 2026
- Closing date : April 1, 2027
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Investment projects that increase production capacity in Quebec, including the creation or expansion of businesses.
- Modernization initiatives for existing companies established in Quebec.
- Technological transition projects to adopt new or advanced technologies.
- Implementation of digital solutions that may involve conducting a digital assessment.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit enterprises
- Social economy enterprises
- Foreign enterprises (must be registered in Quebec and commit to operate in Quebec within twelve months of project approval)
- Companies from all sectors except for the primary sector (agriculture, forestry, fishing) except greenhouse production, major processing projects, and forestry operations
- Companies in all sectors for digital solutions implementation projects
- Seasonal businesses located in Côte-Nord, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Bas-Saint-Laurent, and Capitale-Nationale (MRC de Charlevoix, Charlevoix-Est, and Portneuf), including those in the primary sector (commercial fishing, mariculture, agriculture, peat bogs, etc.)
Who is not eligible
- Companies in the primary sector (agriculture, forestry, fishing), except for greenhouse cultivation, major conditioning projects over $10M, or forest exploitation.
- Businesses in mining, quarrying, and oil & gas extraction.
- Companies offering real estate, rental, and leasing services.
- Enterprises in construction (except those linked to productivity improvements).
- Organizations in public services, holding companies, healthcare and social assistance, educational services, public administration, finance and insurance, arts, entertainment and recreation, telecommunications, broadcasting, accommodation and food services (unless accommodation is part of a tourism project), and other services except public administration.
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition, construction, development or expansion of buildings.
- Acquisition and implementation of equipment or software.
- Expenses related to significant technological transitions such as cloud computing, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence.
- Working capital expenses necessary for the execution of an investment project, applicable when financial assistance consists of a loan guarantee, a repayable financial contribution, or a forgivable loan, up to a maximum of 20% of total eligible expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies registered and operating in Quebec.
- For seasonal activities: Côte-Nord, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Capitale-Nationale (MRC of Charlevoix, Charlevoix-Est, and Portneuf).
Additional information
- Management fees (study fees) of at least 0.5% of the financial assistance amount are required.
- An annual guarantee fee of at least 0.5% of the guaranteed amount applies.
- The financial assistance to be prioritized includes repayable contributions and loan guarantees.
- Additional conditions may apply depending on the specific project and funding mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project). 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 ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project)?
ESSOR – Component 2 financially supports businesses in Quebec for investment projects focused on productivity, expansion, or technological transition. The program offers repayable contributions, non-repayable contributions, loan guarantees, and equity investments for activities such as the acquisition of equipment, technologies, or the modernization of infrastructure.
How much funding can be received?
ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project) Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **April 1, 2027**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project) program?
To be eligible for the ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project) program, you must:
The company must be a for-profit entity or a social enterprise.
The company must be registered in Quebec and conduct business activities there.
Foreign companies must be registered and commit to conducting business in Quebec no later than twelve months following project approval.
What expenses are eligible under ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project)?
Investment projects that increase production capacity in Quebec, including the creation or expansion of businesses.
Modernization initiatives for existing companies established in Quebec.
Technological transition projects to adopt new or advanced technologies.
Implementation of digital solutions that may involve conducting a digital assessment.
Who can I contact for more information about the ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project)?
You can contact Investissement Québec (IQ).
Where is the ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project) available?
The ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project) program is available the province of Quebec.