How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $20000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the ESSOR – Component 1B?

ESSOR – Component 1B is funded by Investissement Québec (IQ)

What are ESSOR – Component 1B's eligibility criterias?

Enterprises must be legally constituted for-profit businesses or social economy enterprises in Quebec. Only enterprises with 250 employees or fewer and at least $2.5 million in revenue are eligible. Foreign enterprises must be registered in Quebec and commit to regular commercial operations within 12 months after project authorization.

ESSOR – Component 1B

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QC, Canada

Support for investment projects through digital transformation

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grant_single|closingDate October 3, 2024

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Grant and Funding

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Investissement Québec (IQ)

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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|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers a non-repayable financial contribution to support investment projects, focusing primarily on digital diagnostics and implementation plans. The amount of aid is determined based on eligible expenses, with specific conditions on funding rates and private sector contributions.

The maximum financial aid available covers 50% of eligible expenses.
Cumulative government support cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses.
A minimum contribution of 20% from private sources is required, which can include cash or the company’s own funds.
The financial aid amount ranges up to $20,000 per application for the duration of the program.

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This grant focuses on supporting investment projects through the realization of digital diagnostics and feasibility studies. Eligible activities aim to enhance strategic digital planning and technological implementation within businesses.

Conducting a digital diagnostic to assess current digital capabilities and identify improvement areas.
Developing a digital plan, which includes strategic recommendations for digital transformation.
Formulating an implementation plan for digital solutions, encompassing the selection of appropriate technologies.

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$ 15,000

Developing a strategic digital transformation plan for growth

$ 18,000

Designing a digital architecture for retail operations

$ 16,000

Conducting a digital diagnostic for supply chain optimization

$ 15,500

Evaluating digital tools for enhanced agricultural processes

$ 14,000

Implementing a digital plan in small manufacturing firm

$ 17,000

Creating an advanced digital diagnostic for hospitality industry

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the realization of digital diagnostics, digital plans, and implementation plans.

Professional fees for a digital auditor-accompanist (must be a member of the Consortium of Quebec Digital Auditors or an independent auditor-accompanist).
Travel expenses in accordance with the government standards in force as outlined in the Quebec Government Management Policy Manual.

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This grant is available to companies located in or committed to Quebec, ensuring alignment with regional development and economic goals. Eligibility is limited to businesses duly registered and operating within Quebec.

Enterprises legally established in Quebec with an active business presence.
Foreign companies registered in Quebec intending to operate continuously or regularly within 12 months of project approval.

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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.

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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.