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Source verified July 8, 2026
ESSOR – Component 1A
Funding for feasibility studies and investment planning
Offered by
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
March 31, 2027
Opened April 24, 2025
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
This program supports feasibility studies for investment projects in Quebec. It offers up to 50,000 CAD per project to help businesses assess implantation, modernization, or expansion plans.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- $ 2,500,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- 250-250 employees
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Feasibility studies for investment projects
- Market analysis
- Site selection analysis
- Technology or process evaluation studies
- Regulatory and legal framework analysis
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed Board Representative Identification and Consent form
- Detailed project description and financing structure
- Last two years of annual financial statements, or two-year forecast statements for startups
- Compliant service offers
- Proof of French-language compliance, if applicable
- Other documents required for project review
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated for-profit businesses
- Social economy enterprises
- Foreign businesses registered in Quebec
Who is not eligible
- Businesses in public procurement ineligibility registry (RENA)
- Businesses not compliant with French-language francization requirements
- State-owned or government-controlled entities
- Businesses under bankruptcy or creditor arrangement protection
- Businesses mainly active in arms, fossil fuels, gambling, adult entertainment, or tobacco/drug-related activities
Eligible expenses
- Professional fees for external consultants
- Purchase of specialized information
- Travel and accommodation expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses incurred before the application is filed
- Capital expenditures and depreciation
- Internal company expenses
- Debt service, loan repayments, capital replacements, and principal payments
- Sales taxes
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Selection criteria
- Project relevance to program objectives
- Management team expertise and project capacity
- Project quality and business fit
- Expected impact on profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and job quality
How to apply
- Step 1: Prequalification
- Complete the online prequalification form
- Confirm preliminary eligibility before applying
- Step 2: Preparation
- Register for MEIE services through ClicSÉQUR Entreprises
- Read the program guide and checklist
- Gather all required documents in French
- Step 3: Submission
- Complete the application form online through ClicSÉQUR
- Attach all mandatory documents
- Submit the application from the portal
- Step 4: Follow-up
- Monitor the automated receipt confirmation
- Respond promptly if additional information is requested
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for compliance first
- Qualified files are then assigned and analyzed by a advisor
- Additional information may be requested during review
- A decision notice and offer letter are issued if approved
- Funding is paid according to the offer letter terms
Additional information
- All submitted documents must be in French.
- The program ends on March 31, 2027.
- Companies with multiple establishments should confirm funding terms in advance.
- Incomplete or non-compliant applications are automatically refused.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- ESSOR – Component 1BSupport for investment projects through digital transformation
- ESSOR – Component 1CSupport for investment project planning
- ESSOR – Component 2 (Productivity Project)Supports productivity and business expansion investment projects
- ESSOR – Component 3Funding for greener investment projects
- ESSOR – Component 4Supports Quebec companies in international expansion
- Support for the Completion of Investment ProjectsSupport for investment and digital transition projects
Frequently Asked Questions about the ESSOR – Component 1A Program
What is the ESSOR – Component 1A?
This program supports feasibility studies for investment projects in Quebec. It offers up to 50,000 CAD per project to help businesses assess implantation, modernization, or expansion plans.
How much funding can be received?
ESSOR – Component 1A Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is March 31, 2027. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the ESSOR – Component 1A program?
To be eligible for the ESSOR – Component 1A program, you must:
Incorporated and active in Quebec
Feasibility study for investment project
French website required
What expenses are eligible under ESSOR – Component 1A?
Feasibility studies for investment projects
Market analysis
Site selection analysis
Technology or process evaluation studies
Regulatory and legal framework analysis
Who can I contact for more information about the ESSOR – Component 1A?
You can contact Investissement Québec (IQ) by email at soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com or by phone at 1 844 474-6367.
Where is the ESSOR – Component 1A available?
The ESSOR – Component 1A program is available the province of Quebec.