ESSOR – Part 1B QC Canada

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|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
  • Investissement Québec (IQ)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed

grant_single_labels|preview

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

There are several projects and activities eligible for this grant under the Programme ESSOR - Volet 1B.
  • Diagnostic and digital plan only
  • Diagnostic, digital plan, and implementation plan
  • Choice of technological solutions (implementation plan requires prior diagnostic and digital plan)
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$7,250

Granby
Conducting a comprehensive digital maturity diagnostic for a local dairy cooperative.

$9,000

Montreal
Developing a digital plan and implementation strategy for a bookshop.

$6,000

Quebec City
Creating a digital diagnostic and roadmap for a renewable energy startup.

$8,500

Sherbrooke
Conducting a digital audit and strategic plan for a nonprofit with autonomous revenue.

$4,000

Saguenay
Diagnosing digital maturity and developing a digital plan for a financial cooperative.

$8,750

Laval
Implementing a digital transformation plan for a social economy enterprise.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be legally constituted profit-oriented companies or social economy enterprises in Quebec with specific financial criteria and adherence to ethical standards.
  • Profit-oriented companies legally constituted.
  • Social economy enterprises as per the Law on the Social Economy (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1).
  • Enterprises with less than 250 employees and a minimum annual turnover of $2.5 million.
  • Enterprises must be registered and operate in Quebec, or foreign enterprises must commit to business operations in Quebec within 12 months post-authorization.
  • Non-eligibility includes companies involved in production/distribution of arms, fossil fuel energy, gambling, exploitation, and non-conformance to ethical standards or government obligations.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Programme ESSOR - Volet 1B provides financial support to legally constituted for-profit enterprises and social economy enterprises rooted in Quebec, focusing on those with a solid financial base and active commercial operations.
  • For-profit businesses legally constituted
  • Social economy enterprises with more than 40% of their financial viability based on autonomous revenue from economic activities
  • Businesses with 250 employees or less
  • Enterprises with a minimum annual revenue of $2.5 million
  • Enterprises registered and operating in Quebec
  • Foreign businesses registered in Quebec and committing to continuous or regular commercial operations within 12 months

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The grant has specific eligibility criteria that exclude certain types of companies from applying. Businesses involved in controversial or unethical sectors, under insolvency protection, or controlled by government entities, among others, are considered ineligible.
  • Companies on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA)
  • Companies on the list of businesses non-compliant with the Francisation process
  • Companies that have defaulted on previous financial obligations to the government
  • State-owned enterprises and those controlled by government entities
  • Companies under insolvency protection laws
  • Holding companies ("holdings")
  • Companies involved in activities that may tarnish the image of the Quebec government
  • Companies primarily engaged in the production or distribution of weapons
  • Companies in fossil fuel industries, except those transitioning to a low-carbon economy
  • Gambling operations
  • Companies in violent gaming or animal combat sports
  • Businesses in the sex industry
  • Companies involved in tobacco or drug sales (excluding cannabis and industrial hemp)

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. The eligible projects and expenses are related to digital diagnostics, digital plans, and implementation plans.
  • Professional fees for a digital auditor-accompanist (member of the Consortium of Digital Auditors of Quebec or independent digital auditor-accompanist).
  • Travel expenses in accordance with existing government norms stated in Quebec’s Management Policy Compendium.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

All eligible applicants must be legally constituted and carry out commercial operations actively in Quebec, Canada.
  • Businesses must be incorporated and operate in Quebec.
  • Foreign businesses must be registered and commit to conducting regular business operations in Quebec within 12 months of project approval.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria focus on the relevance, governance, quality, and potential impact of the project.
  • Relevance of the project
  • Contribution to the program's objectives
  • Contribution to the emergence, growth, and expansion of the company
  • Quality of project governance
  • Expertise and competencies of the company's leaders and key employees
  • Company's capacity to execute the project (financial, human, and technical resources)
  • Quality of the project
  • Quality of the strategic planning
  • Realism of the proposed financing structure and timeline
  • Financial support from partners and their level of engagement in the project’s financial arrangement
  • Potential impact of the project on
  • Profitability, productivity, and competitiveness of the company
  • Other considerations during project analysis
  • Incentive nature or necessity of the financial aid
  • Alignment between the project and the company's business model

grant_single_labels|register

  • Step 1: Prequalification
  • Ensure the eligibility of your project by completing the prequalification form on Investissement Québec's website.
  • Step 2: Review the Guide
  • Read the guide carefully to understand the requirements and better prepare your application.
  • Step 3: Gather Required Documents
  • Compile all mandatory documents listed in Section 7 of the guide, paying special attention to:
  • The service offer must cover the topics presented in Annex A of the guide.
  • If the auditor/accompanist is not a member of the Quebec Consortium of Digital Auditors, attach their CV.
  • The strategic plan must cover the topics listed in Annex C of the guide.
  • Step 4: Prepare and Submit the Application
  • Register for MÉIÉ services on ClicSEQUR Enterprises to access the form.
  • First, complete the ADN 4.0 via the provided link. Then, complete the financial aid application form for Programme ESSOR – Volet 1B.
  • Ensure both steps are correctly completed and that each section of the form is detailed.
  • Download the forms “Identification of the Board Representative and Declarations and Consent” and attach it to the duly completed and signed application form upon submission.
  • Submit the form directly from the ClicSEQUR platform, ensuring it includes all the mandatory documents listed in Section 7 of the guide.
  • Step 5: Request Processing
  • Check Section 6 of the guide, which explains the request's processing steps and provides important additional information.
  • Step 6: Eligibility of Expenses
  • Expenses are eligible from the date of transmission of the request. Note that submitting a request does not guarantee financial aid.
  • Step 7: Assistance and Inquiries
  • For any questions related to the application submission, email soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com
  • Submit additional information as requested and adhere to deadlines throughout the process.

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