How much funding can be received?

The ESSOR Program – Component 1 grant aims to support the investment projects of Quebec businesses, promoting the optimization of digital processes and the improvement of competitiveness. Eligible activities include the implementation of digital plans resulting from feasibility studies, aiming for productivity gains and the adoption of best business practices. The financial assistance takes the form of a non-repayable contribution, covering up to 50% of eligible expenses for the first project, with a maximum amount of $50,000 per project.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Programme ESSOR is aimed at supporting projects within Quebec, specifically targeting businesses that are either local or have committed to establishing an operational presence locally.

Companies must be registered in Quebec.
Businesses must have an establishment in Quebec and actively conduct commercial operations there.
Eligible foreign companies must be registered in Quebec and undertake to start operating commercially within the province within twelve months following project approval.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$17,500

Enhancing digital healthcare record systems for a local clinic

$15,000

Optimizing digital logistics processes for a local manufacturing company

$16,250

Implementing a new digital financial tracking system for a cooperative financial institution

$12,500

Developing a digital platform for community event management at a nonprofit organization

$15,000

Implementing a digital inventory management system at a local grocery store

$10,000

Enhancing digital marketing strategies for a local artisan cooperative

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the Programme ESSOR – Volet 1 includes specific criteria regarding the business's status, size, and activities.

Businesses must be legally constituted for-profit entities or social economy enterprises as defined by the Loi sur l’économie sociale, with financial viability resting on at least 40% autonomous revenue from economic activities in the last fiscal year.
Eligible businesses must have no more than 250 employees and a minimum annual revenue of $2.5 million.
Businesses must be registered in Quebec, have a business location there, and conduct ongoing or regular commercial activities.
Foreign businesses must be registered in Quebec and commit to conducting regular commercial operations in the province within 12 months after project approval.
Businesses should not be listed ineligibly on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA) or be non-compliant with the francisation process by the Office québécois de la langue française.
Businesses must not have previously failed to meet obligations related to a prior financial aid from Quebec's government in the past two years.
State corporations or those controlled directly/indirectly by government or municipal entities are ineligible.
Businesses under the protection of bankruptcy laws or holding companies are not eligible.
Applicants must not compromise the image of integrity associated with the Quebec government through unethical practices.
Businesses involved in sectors such as arms production, fossil fuels, gambling, exploitive entertainment, or tobacco are not eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the Programme ESSOR Volet 1C include businesses legally constituted as for-profit enterprises or social economy enterprises with at least 40% of their last fiscal year's revenues from autonomous economic activities. Applicable only for businesses with 250 employees or less and an annual revenue of at least $2.5 million. These businesses must be registered and have a physical presence actively conducting operations in Quebec. Foreign businesses must commit to establishing ongoing operations in Quebec no later than 12 months post-project approval. Exclusion criteria encompass businesses barred from public contracts, non-compliant with francization processes, previously defaulted on obligations, under creditor protection laws, or involved in disallowed activities such as arms, fossil fuels, gambling, violent or sexual exploitative industries, and recreational drugs outside of cannabis and hemp sectors.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain companies and industries are ineligible for this grant due to their status or activities. These restrictions are in place to ensure that funding supports responsible and compliant entities.

Companies listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts (RENA) or having subcontractors listed on RENA.
Businesses on the non-compliance list for francization process, as published by the Office québécois de la langue française.
Enterprises that defaulted on obligations related to previous financial aid from any Quebec government ministry or organization within the last two years.
State-owned enterprises or those controlled by governmental or municipal entities.
Companies under the protection of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
Holding companies or investment societies.
Businesses with activities that could damage the integrity or image of the Quebec government.
Industries involved in arms production or distribution.
Fossil fuel-related activities unless aimed at transitioning to carbon-neutral solutions.
Gambling and lottery, including casinos and bingo halls.
Organizations involved in violent gaming, combat sports, and similar activities.
Sexually exploitative industries such as erotic bars or adult entertainment.
Tobacco or drug-related sectors, with exceptions for cannabis and industrial hemp-related interventions.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant provides support for projects that implement a digital action plan, aimed at enhancing productivity and optimizing business processes. Eligible activities primarily stem from a structured digital plan.

Projects from the digital plan focusing on achieving productivity gains.
Process optimization initiatives embedded within the digital plan.
Adoption of best business practices through project implementation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses related to the implementation of a digital action plan aimed at business productivity gains and best practices adoption.

Professional fees for external consultants in line with Quebec government management policies.
Travel and accommodation expenses related to the project implementation, following Quebec government management policies.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

The contribution to the attainment of the program objectives.
The contribution to the emergence, growth, and expansion of local entrepreneurship.
The expertise and competencies of the project leaders and key employees of the company.
The company’s capacity to execute the project, which includes financial, human, and technical resources.
The quality of the digital plan related to the project.
The realism of the proposed financing structure and timeline.
The financial support of partners and their level of commitment to the financial setup of the project.
The potential impact on the company’s profitability, productivity, and competitiveness.
The quality of jobs created or maintained by the project.
The incentive or necessity of the financial assistance requested.
The 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 your project's eligibility by completing the prequalification form on the Investissement Québec website.
Step 2: Read the Guide
- Read the provided guide thoroughly to understand the requirements and better prepare your application.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Collect all required documents as specified in the guide, particularly the offer of service and the digital plan dated within the last 24 months.
- Ensure the ESSOR Program Form with the "Declarations and consent" section is completed and signed.
Step 4: Prepare the Application
- Include a detailed description of your company and project, explaining how it fits with your business model.
- Highlight the benefits and opportunities that the project presents.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
- Send your application via email to Investissement Québec at aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com.
- Ensure all mandatory documents are attached as detailed in the guide.
Step 6: Application Processing
- After submission, check your email for an automated acknowledgment receipt.
- You will receive updates throughout the application processing.
Step 7: Post-Submission
- If your application is deemed eligible, it will undergo a thorough evaluation based on predefined criteria.
- Responses to additional information requests should be prompt to avoid delays.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here is some additional information about the Programme ESSOR – Volet 1C:

Applications must include a prequalification step using an online form.
All requests for modifications must be sent to Investissement Québec before expenses are committed.
There is a set format for an offer of service including detailed steps, costs, and expert qualifications.
Travel expense refunds are restricted to specified government-approved rates.
Requests that do not meet program criteria or are incomplete will be rejected automatically.

grant_single_labels|contact

aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com

1 844 474-6367

Apply to this program

Unlocking Opportunities for Technological Advancement in Quebec

Programme ESSOR, part of the comprehensive investment support initiatives by Investissement Québec and the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, aims to propel Quebec-based enterprises toward enhanced productivity and competitiveness through strategic digital transformation plans. With a key focus on clean technologies and sustainable practices, this program provides non-repayable financial assistance to foster business growth and operational excellence.

Delve into the ESSOR Program Details and Benefits

Programme ESSOR has been meticulously crafted to support investment projects within Quebec, targeting increasing productivity and bolstering the competitive foothold of local enterprises on the global stage. It specifically seeks to incentivize clean technology innovations and digital transformations that align with the province's economic objectives. By funding these strategic investments, the program not only aims for immediate business augmentation but also encourages long-term sustainable growth and eco-responsible projects.

The initiative is designed to assist Quebec-based and foreign businesses willing to establish substantial operations within the province. For participants, acquiring this funding requires adherence to certain eligibility criteria, including committed financial viability, capable project governance, and alignment with eco-friendly practices. The program is a vital catalyst for enterprises looking to modernize their infrastructure, particularly by implementing digital and technological advancements derived from feasibility studies and numerics diagnostic assessments.

Recipients under Programme ESSOR can utilize funds for professional service fees, including consultancy for optimizing business processes and implementing innovative digital strategies. This well-defined focus ensures that businesses can effectively leverage external expertise, ultimately leading to increased productivity and streamlined operations. Additionally, allocations may cover travel and accommodation incurred during project execution, following the government's guidelines, ensuring that expenditures are both necessary and economically justified.

Emphasizing the necessity of private contribution, Programme ESSOR mandates that at least 50% of eligible expenditure must come from private sources or internal company funds, highlighting the need for a collaborative financial effort between the public and private sectors. This complements the program’s non-repayable financial aid, ensuring that supported projects have a solid financial foundation and realistic prospects for completion.

The selection process for Programme ESSOR is rigorous, scrutinizing applications to confirm alignment with Quebec's strategic goals. Successful projects must not only demonstrate potential for tangible economic benefits but also possess the operational capabilities to navigate and fulfill the project’s objectives. This comprehensive approach ensures investments lead to real, measurable outcomes contributing to the province's economic vitality.

Ultimately, Programme ESSOR represents a pivotal opportunity for businesses engaging in transformative technological projects, reaffirming Quebec's commitment to fostering an environment ripe for innovation and sustainable economic development. By participating in this initiative, companies can secure significant support that drives both immediate business improvements and contributes to Quebec's long-term economic strategy.