How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $50000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

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

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

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

For-profit and social economy enterprises Located in Quebec Have 250 employees or fewer Have a revenue exceeding $2.5M Have a digital transformation plan made under component 1B

ESSOR – Component 1C

Last Update: May 21, 2025

QC, Canada

Support for investment projects in Quebec

ESSOR – Component 1C at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $50,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : April 24, 2025

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Status

Open

Overview of the ESSOR – Component 1C program

The ESSOR – Component 1C grant offers non-repayable financial assistance of up to $50,000 per project to support the implementation of digital action plans aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness for Quebec-based businesses. Eligible activities include professional consulting services and related travel expenses for projects initiated from a digital plan developed under Component 1B.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable contribution covering up to 50 % of eligible expenses, for a first project, with a maximum of 50 000 $ per project.
A minimum contribution of 50 % of eligible expenses from private sources is required.
Expenses are eligible only from the date of submission of the application.

Eligible projects & activities

Implementation of action plans and digital strategies derived from a recent digital assessment.
Projects focused on increasing productivity, optimizing business processes, or adopting best business practices through digital transformation.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Automating supply chain operations for efficiency and cost reduction

$ 50,000

Upgrading the e-commerce platform for a seamless user experience

$ 50,000

Implementing real-time data analytics for decision-making

$ 50,000

Developing a cloud-based client portal for services

$ 48,000

Implementing an AI-based inventory management system

$ 48,000

Creating a mobile application for better customer engagement

Eligibility criteria of the ESSOR – Component 1C program

The applicant must be a legally constituted for-profit business or a social economy enterprise, with financial viability relying on more than 40% autonomous revenue from the most recent fiscal year.
The business must be registered in Quebec, have a physical establishment in Quebec, and carry out ongoing or regular commercial activities there.
The business must have 250 or fewer employees and annual revenues of at least $2.5 million.
The project must result from a digital plan developed through the ESSOR program's sub-component 1B, aiming at productivity gains, process optimization, or adoption of best business practices.
For foreign companies, registration in Quebec and commitment to begin ongoing commercial operations within Quebec within 12 months of project approval are required.

Who is eligible?

Legally constituted for-profit businesses
Collective social economy enterprises as defined by the Act respecting the social economy (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1), with at least 40% of financial viability based on self-generated revenue from economic activities in the previous financial year
All sectors of activity are eligible for digital solution implementation projects, provided these stem from a digital plan from sub-component 1B

Who is not eligible

Companies listed on the Register of Enterprises Ineligible for Public Contracts (RENA), including their subcontractors for the project.
Enterprises on the list of companies non-compliant with francisation requirements by the Office québécois de la langue française.
State-owned enterprises or those majority-controlled by a government body (municipal, provincial, or federal), municipal entities, or companies majority-owned by a state corporation.
Businesses with a main activity in the production or distribution of weapons, fossil fuel exploration (except for low-carbon transition activities), gambling, violent or exploitative entertainment, sexual exploitation, or those associated with tobacco or illicit drugs (excluding certain cannabis or industrial hemp interventions).
Holding companies and businesses under bankruptcy or insolvency protection.

Eligible expenses

Professional fees for external consulting firms, in accordance with the Government of Quebec's management policy standards.
Travel and accommodation expenses associated with project implementation, compliant with the Government of Quebec's standards (including eligible transportation costs, lodging per-diem rates, and meal allowances).

Eligible geographic areas

Quebec

Eligibility criteria of the ESSOR – Component 1C program

Relevance of the project, particularly its contribution to the program's objectives and the growth of local entrepreneurship.
Quality of governance, including the expertise of the leaders and the company's ability to implement the project (financial, human, and technical resources).
Quality of the project, especially the coherence of the digital plan, the funding structure, and the commitment of partners.
Potential impacts on profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and job quality within the company.
Incentive nature or necessity of financial aid and alignment of the project with the company's business model.

How to apply to the ESSOR – Component 1C program

Verify eligibility criteria

Ensure your business and project meet all program eligibility requirements, including having 250 or fewer employees and an annual revenue of at least $2.5 million
Confirm your project aligns with the program’s objectives

Prequalification process

Complete the prequalification form available on the program’s website
Confirm the acceptability of your project before proceeding

Review program details

Read the information about the program on the Investissement Québec website
Consult the complete application guide for Sub-Stream 1C

Prepare required documents

Gather all required documents as listed in Section 6 of the guide
Ensure all documents are in French
Refer to Appendix A for proper service offer formatting

Register for MEIE services on ClicSEQUR Entreprises platform
Ensure you have access to the online application form

Complete and submit application

Fill out the financial aid application form for ESSOR, sub-stream 1C, online on ClicSEQUR
Attach all required documents as per Section 6
Detail each section of the form accurately
Refer to the checklist to ensure your application is complete

Await results and feedback

Your application is submitted through ClicSEQUR platform
Wait for confirmation and possible requests for additional information

Additional information

Applications can be submitted until March 31, 2025.
A French-language website is required for applicant companies.
All required documents must be provided; incomplete applications will be refused.
Supporting documents, such as an updated digital plan and financial statements, must meet specific requirements regarding period and format.