ESSOR – Part 1B
QC, Canada
Boost the realization of an investment project for your company by enabling the completion of digital diagnostics, digital plans, and an implementation plan.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 03, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
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- grant_single|allIndustries
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- Investissement Québec (IQ)
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grant_card_status|closed
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The ESSOR Program - Component 1B aims to support the realization of investment projects in Quebec by providing non-repayable financial assistance for digital diagnostics, digital plans, and implementation plans. Projects must start within three months of their authorization and include activities such as diagnosing the company's digital maturity index and selecting technological solutions. The assistance can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a cap of $20,000 per application.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to companies that are registered and have an establishment in Quebec, reflecting the focus on regional support within the province. The program is tailored to support local businesses in Quebec with their investment projects and digital transformation efforts.
- Companies domiciled within the province of Quebec, Canada.
- Foreign businesses that are registered and commit to operating continuously in Quebec within twelve months of project approval.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$9,000
Developing a digital plan and implementation strategy for a bookshop
$8,500
Conducting a digital audit and strategic plan for a nonprofit with autonomous revenue
$4,000
Diagnosing digital maturity and developing a digital plan for a financial cooperative
$8,750
Implementing a digital transformation plan for a social economy enterprise
$6,000
Creating a digital diagnostic and roadmap for a renewable energy startup
$7,250
Conducting a comprehensive digital maturity diagnostic for a local dairy cooperative
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and business activities.
- The applicant must be a for-profit corporation legally constituted.
- The applicant can be a social economy enterprise as defined by the Quebec Social Economy Act, with financial viability relying on more than 40% from autonomous revenues from the last financial year.
- Only businesses with 250 employees or fewer, with a minimum annual revenue of $2.5 million, are eligible.
- The business must be registered in Quebec, have an establishment in Quebec, and actively conduct commercial operations on a continuous or regular basis in Quebec.
- Foreign enterprises must be registered in Quebec and commit to conducting continuous or regular commercial operations in Quebec within 12 months following the project authorization.
- Applicants are not eligible if they are listed in the Quebec Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), including subcontractors involved in the project.
- Applicants are not eligible if listed as non-compliant in the francization process by the Office québécois de la langue française.
- Applicants are not eligible if they have defaulted on previous financial aid obligations from any Quebec government ministry or organization in the two years preceding the financial aid request.
- State corporations, entities controlled by municipal, provincial, or federal governments, or entities majoritarily owned by a state corporation are not eligible.
- Applicants under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act are not eligible.
- Holding companies are not eligible.
- Applicants with ethical behaviors potentially tarnishing the integrity and probity of Quebec's government, or by association, are not eligible.
- Applicants primarily involved in the production or distribution of weapons are not eligible.
- Applicants involved in fossil fuel exploration, extraction, refining, except those transitioning to a low-carbon economy, are not eligible.
- Applicants involved in gambling activities such as casinos, bingo halls, or gaming terminals are not eligible.
- Applicants engaged in violent games, combat sports involving live species, racing, or similar activities are not eligible.
- Applicants involved in sexual exploitation activities such as erotic bars, escort agencies, erotic massage salons, or swinger clubs, and the production of pornographic material are not eligible.
- Applicants involved in the production, sale, or services related to tobacco or drugs, with exceptions for cannabis and industrial hemp-related activities, are not eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The ESSOR Program - Component 1: Support for the realization of investment projects is designed for companies looking to invest in Quebec, particularly focusing on technological advancements and eco-responsible initiatives. The program outlines specific eligibility requirements for applicants.
- For-profit companies that are legally constituted.
- Social economy enterprises that rely on at least 40% autonomous revenue from economic activities.
- Enterprises with no more than 250 employees and a minimum annual turnover of $2.5 million.
- Companies must be registered and have operations in Quebec.
- Foreign companies must register in Quebec and engage in continuous commercial operations within 12 months of project approval.
Entities not eligible for this program include those involved in certain controversial or prohibited sectors, as well as those failing to meet integrity and governance standards.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes specific types of companies and industries primarily based on their status and main business activities. These restrictions focus on ensuring compliance with ethical and operational standards.
- Companies registered on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA) and their subcontractors planned for project work.
- Companies listed as non-compliant in the francization process on the website of the Office québécois de la langue française.
- Businesses that have failed to meet obligations related to previously granted financial aid by a Quebec ministry or organization in the two years preceding the application.
- State-owned enterprises or those directly/indirectly controlled by government entities at the municipal, provincial, or federal level.
- Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Holding companies.
- Businesses exhibiting unethical conduct harming the image of the Quebec government.
- Companies primarily involved in the production or distribution of weapons.
- Entities engaged in fossil fuel exploration, extraction, drilling, production, and refining, except those transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- Businesses involved in gambling, such as casinos and bingo halls.
- Companies producing violent games or combat sports involving living creatures.
- Organizations involved in sexual exploitation, including erotic bars and escort agencies.
- Businesses related to the production, sale, or services of tobacco or drugs, aside from cannabis and industrial hemp interventions.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible projects under this grant focus on the digital transformation of businesses through the implementation of digital diagnostics, planning, and execution activities. These initiatives are designed to enhance technological capability and operational effectiveness.
- Conducting a digital diagnostic to assess the current digital maturity of a business.
- Developing a digital plan that aligns with strategic business objectives.
- Creating an implementation plan for selected digital solutions.
- Selecting technological solutions based on the digital diagnostic and plan outcomes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to digital diagnostics, digital plans, and implementation plans.
- Professional fees for a digital auditor or consultant, either a member of the Consortium des auditeurs numériques du Québec or an independent auditor-accompanist.
- Travel expenses in accordance with the Government of Quebec's management policy handbook.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects within the Programme ESSOR − Volet 1 involve a thorough assessment based on various criteria to determine their alignment with program objectives and their potential impact.
- Pertinence of the project: Its contribution to the objectives of the program and the growth and expansion of the enterprise.
- Quality of project governance: Expertise and competencies of the company's leaders and key employees, and the company's capacity to execute the project including financial, human, and technical resources.
- Quality of the project: Effectiveness of strategic planning, realism of the funding structure and timeline, and the level of financial support and commitment from partners.
- Potential outcomes of the project on the company's profitability, productivity, and competitiveness.
- Incentive nature or necessity of the financial aid: Alignment between the project and the business model of the company.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Prequalification
- Ensure project eligibility by completing the prequalification form on the website.
- Step 2: Review Guidelines
- Read the guide carefully to understand requirements and prepare the application effectively.
- Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Collect all mandatory documents as listed in Section 7 of the guide.
- Include service offer covering the topics in Annex A.
- Attach CV of the auditor-accompanist if not part of the Consortium.
- Prepare strategic planning documentation as per Annex C.
- Step 4: Application Preparation and Submission
- Register for MÉIÉ services on ClicSEQUR Entreprises for form access.
- Fill out ADN 4.0 first, then complete the financial aid application for ESSOR Program Volet 1B.
- Download and complete “Board Representative Identification and Declarations and Consent” forms.
- Submit the form through ClicSEQUR platform along with required documents from Section 7.
- Step 5: Track Application Process
- Consult Section 6 of the guide for detailed information on application processing stages.
- Step 6: Understand Eligible Expenditures
- Only expenditures made after submission are eligible for reimbursement.
- Step 7: Inquiries and Assistance
- For questions regarding the application process, contact soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant supports businesses in Quebec by providing financial assistance to accelerate digital transformation and bolster investment projects, with a strong emphasis on adherence to economic standards. Specific criteria ensure that eligible applicants align with the program's strategic goals and adhere to certain operational rules.
- Prequalification is required by filling out a form on the Investissement Québec website.
- Financial support is for expenses incurred from the date of application transmission.
- Excludes funding for arms production, fossil fuel industries, gambling, and sexually exploitative activities.
- Enterprises must meet strict integrity standards.
- Only companies with a French-language website are eligible.
- Economic inclusion extends to socially focused enterprises with significant autonomous revenue.
- Detailed documentation is required, including financial statements and strategic plans.
- Analysis of applications is rigorous and may require additional information.
grant_single_labels|contact
soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com
1 844 474-6367
Apply to this program
Fostering Digital Transformation with Programme ESSOR: Stream B
The Programme ESSOR in its Stream B specifically targets the enhancement of digital infrastructure through investment projects. It aims to aid companies in Quebec in transitioning towards digital methodologies to boost productivity and competitiveness.
A Comprehensive Breakdown of Programme ESSOR's Stream B
The Programme ESSOR, through its Stream B, is an initiative led by Investissement Québec in collaboration with the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie. This program is strategically designed to catalyze the digital transformation of businesses within Quebec, positioning them advantageously within today's fast-evolving technological landscape. By supporting pre-investment studies such as digital diagnostics and implementation plans, the program focuses on accelerating investment projects crucial for companies aiming to expand or recalibrate their operations in alignment with modern technological developments.
Stream B of the Programme ESSOR emphasizes the significance of digital overhauls. Companies are encouraged to conduct thorough digital diagnostics and formulate comprehensive digital plans to identify critical areas for technological enhancement and implementation. This initiative is crucial for fostering growth, particularly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which form the backbone of Quebec's economy, helping them to improve their operational efficiency and competitive standing. Moreover, this support is extended to various sectors, allowing a broad spectrum of industries to benefit from this strategic push towards digital innovation.
Notably, the grant provides non-repayable financial assistance, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses related to digital projects, with a maximum governmental contribution up to 80%. This provision ensures that businesses are incentivized to leverage innovative digital solutions without bearing prohibitive costs. Eligible expenditures include professional fees for certified auditors and project-related travel expenses, subject to compliance with government travel policies. This financial model encourages enterprises to invest in necessary technology upgrades and to utilize expert guidance efficiently, easing the fiscal responsibilities particularly for smaller businesses.
The Programme ESSOR also underscores the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly practices within these digital projects. Companies are incentivized to integrate eco-responsible measures within their project proposals, ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of environmental integrity. This aligns with a larger governmental push towards sustainable development, equipping businesses with both the tools and the narrative to operate responsibly in a market increasingly attentive to ecological concerns.
Application for this funding requires comprehensive documentation, including detailed project descriptions, recent strategic plans, financial statements for the past two years, and an assessment of linguistic and public compliance. These rigorous requirements ensure that only well-prepared and viable projects receive support, optimizing the impact of investments made through public funds.
Overall, Stream B of the Programme ESSOR represents a significant opportunity for Quebec businesses to advance in digital capabilities, offering both financial assistance and strategic support. Through this initiative, companies can enhance their technological framework, thereby fostering resilience and paving the way for future growth in an economy increasingly governed by digital innovations.
