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 program is accepting continuous intake

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 developed a digital transformation plan under component 1B

ESSOR – Component 1C

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QC, Canada

Support for investment projects in Quebec

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Grant and Funding

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Investissement Québec (IQ)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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$ 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

Developing a cloud-based client portal for services

$ 50,000

Implementing real-time data analytics for decision-making

$ 48,000

Implementing an AI-based inventory management system

$ 48,000

Creating a mobile application for better customer engagement

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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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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Quebec

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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.

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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.