ESSOR – Part 1C
QC, Canada
Boost the realization of an investment project for your company by enabling the implementation of an action plan and a digital plan.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 03, 2024
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 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
Projects eligible for this grant must be derived from the digital plan (from the sub-component 1B process) and aim at productivity gains, process optimization, and adoption of best business practices.
- Professional fees (external consulting firms) in compliance with current governmental standards
- Travel and accommodation expenses related to project implementation, complying with current governmental standards
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$17,500
Richmond
Enhancing digital healthcare record systems for a local clinic
$15,000
Toronto
Optimizing digital logistics processes for a local manufacturing company
$16,250
Calgary
Implementing a new digital financial tracking system for a cooperative financial institution
$12,500
Vancouver
Developing a digital platform for community event management at a nonprofit organization
$15,000
Toronto
Implementing a digital inventory management system at a local grocery store
$10,000
Montreal
Enhancing digital marketing strategies for a local artisan cooperative
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The grant is intended for Quebec-based small businesses and social economy enterprises aiming to enhance their productivity and competitiveness through investment projects. The project must contribute to the program's objectives and adhere to specific criteria.
- For-profit businesses legally constituted
- Social economy enterprises with a financial viability based on over 40% autonomous revenue from their economic activities
- Businesses with 250 employees or fewer and an annual revenue of at least $2.5 million
- Must be registered and operating continuously in Quebec or commit to doing so within twelve months
- Must not be listed on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA)
- Must not be included on the list of non-conforming enterprises per the Office québécois de la langue française
- Must not have defaulted on obligations concerning prior financial aid from Quebec government bodies in the past two years
- Cannot be a state-owned enterprise, a subsidiary of one, or under the protection of insolvency laws
- Not involved in sectors related to arms production, fossil fuel extraction, gambling, violent games, exploitation, or tobacco and drug-related activities (except cannabis and industrial hemp)
- Must have a French version of their website
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The following is a summary of the eligible clienteles:
- For-profit companies legally constituted
- Social economy enterprises which rely on more than 40% of their financial viability from self-generated revenue
- Enterprises with no more than 250 employees and with a turnover of at least 2.5 million CAD
- Companies must be registered in Quebec with a business operating continuously or regularly in the province
- Foreign enterprises, if they register in Quebec and commit to conduct continuous or regular business operations within 12 months after project approval
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Below is a bullet point list of these ineligible companies:
- Companies listed on the Registre des entreprises non admissibles aux contrats publics (RENA).
- Companies on the list of non-compliant companies published by the Office québécois de la langue française.
- Companies that have defaulted on financial obligations to ministries or government organizations in the last two years.
- State-owned enterprises or those controlled by a government (municipal, provincial, or federal).
- Companies under protection from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
- Holding companies.
- Companies with unethical behavior that could tarnish the image of the Quebec government.
- Companies primarily involved in arms production or distribution.
- Companies involved in fossil fuel exploration, extraction, drilling, production, or refining (with some exceptions).
- Gambling operations such as casinos, bingo halls, and gaming terminals.
- Companies involved in violent games, combat sports involving living beings, races, and similar activities.
- Companies involved in the sex industry (e.g., erotic bars, escort agencies, erotic massage parlors, swingers clubs, and pornography production).
- Companies involved in the production, sale, and consumption services of tobacco or drugs (except for cannabis and industrial hemp related activities).
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The following expenses are considered admissible under the Volet 1C of the Programme ESSOR.
- Professional fees for external consulting firms in compliance with current governmental standards.
- Travel and accommodation expenses directly associated with the project implementation, also in conformity with current governmental standards.
- Costs related to the purchase of specialized information
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is eligible for companies that are legally constituted and registered in Quebec. Foreign companies must be registered in Quebec and conduct continuous or regular commercial operations in Quebec within twelve months of project authorization.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Client eligibility: For-profit businesses or social economy enterprises registered and operating in Quebec.
- Sector eligibility: All sectors except primary sector, mining, real estate, public administration, healthcare, education, finance, arts, telecommunications, accommodation, and others.
- Admissible activities: Diagnostics, digital plans, and implementation plans for businesses with specific revenue and employee criteria.
- Eligible expenses: Professional fees, specialized information purchase costs, and travel expenses.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Préqualification
- Ensure the eligibility of your project by completing the prequalification form on the Investissement Québec website.
- Step 2: Reading the Guide
- Carefully read the guide to fully understand the requirements and prepare your application.
- Step 3: Gathering Mandatory Documents
- Gather all mandatory documents listed in Section 7 of the guide, including:
- An offer of service covering the rubrics in Annex A.
- A digital plan updated within the last 24 months.
- A duly filled and signed Programme ESSOR - Volet 1C form containing the "Declarations and Consent" section.
- Step 4: Preparing the Application
- Attach a detailed description of your company, your project, and explain how it integrates into your business model while highlighting the advantages and opportunities of the project.
- Step 5: Submitting the Application
- Submit your application to Investissement Québec via email at aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com, along with all mandatory documents mentioned in Section 7.
- Step 6: Application Pathway
- Refer to Section 6 of the guide for information on the pathway of your application, including critical steps and timelines.
- Step 7: Eligible Expenses
- Note that only expenses incurred from the date of application transmission are eligible for reimbursement if the grant is approved.
- Step 8: Questions and Assistance
- Contact soutien.aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com for any questions related to the application process and ensure timely submission of any additional requested information.
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
ESSOR – Supporting Investment Projects through Feasibility Studies and Digital Diagnostics
The ESSOR grant program aims to accelerate investment projects by funding preliminary feasibility studies and digital diagnostics for businesses operating in Quebec. The program provides non-repayable contributions covering up to 50% of eligible expenses for new projects, with a maximum allocation of $50,000 per project.
Understanding the ESSOR Grant Program: Comprehensive Guide
The ESSOR grant program, spearheaded by Investissement Québec, is designed to foster the growth and development of businesses by mitigating the financial burdens associated with preliminary project studies and digital diagnostics. This program is particularly valuable for companies looking to refine their investment decisions with fundamental insights and strategic planning before committing significant resources.
Program Objectives
The primary objective of the ESSOR program is to support the realization of investment projects by providing financial assistance for the necessary preliminary steps. These include conducting feasibility studies and diagnostics to ensure that the businesses make informed decisions based on comprehensive data and analysis. By doing so, the program aims to accelerate economic growth, enhance business competitiveness, and spur innovation within Quebec's dynamic economic landscape.
Key Benefits of the ESSOR Program
The ESSOR program offers the following benefits:
- Non-repayable Contributions: Businesses can receive non-repayable financial aid, reducing the risk and upfront costs associated with initial project assessments.
- Variable Funding Rates: The funding rate varies depending on the sequence of the project:
- 50% of eligible expenses for the first project.
- 40% of eligible expenses for the second project.
- 30% of eligible expenses for subsequent projects.
- Significant Financial Support: The maximum financial assistance per project is capped at $50,000, offering substantial support for comprehensive studies and diagnostics.
Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for businesses aiming to benefit from the ESSOR program:
Business Type and Location:
- The program is open to both for-profit enterprises and social economy enterprises as defined by the Law on Social Economy (RLRQ, chapter E 1.1.1).
- Only businesses registered and operating in Quebec are eligible. Foreign enterprises must commit to conducting their activities in Quebec within twelve months following project approval.
Sectors of Activity:
While the program is inclusive, covering all sectors of activities, certain exceptions apply:
- Primary Sector: Includes agriculture, forestry, and fishing with specific exceptions:
- Greenhouse or building-based horticulture.
- Conditioning activities for significant projects valued over $10 million.
- Forestry exploitation.
- Other sectors excluded from eligibility include:
- Mining, quarrying, oil, and gas extraction.
- Real estate, rental, and leasing services.
- Construction (except productivity improvement projects).
- Public utilities.
- Management of companies and enterprises.
- Healthcare and social assistance.
- Educational services.
- Public administration.
- Finance and insurance.
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation.
- Telecommunications services.
- Broadcasting services.
- Accommodation and food services (unless linked to a tourism project).
- Other services (except public administration).
- For seasonal businesses in specific regions (Côte-Nord, Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Bas-Saint-Laurent, and certain areas within Capitale-Nationale), the primary sector is also eligible, including commercial fishing, mariculture, agriculture, and peat bog operations.
Eligible Projects and Activities
The ESSOR program supports a variety of projects aimed at fostering informed investment decisions:
- Digital Diagnostics and Plans: For businesses with up to 250 employees and a minimum annual turnover of $2.5 million, this involves conducting digital diagnostics, formulating digital plans, and creating implementation plans. These initiatives are crucial in identifying technological needs, potential, and strategic pathways for digital transformation.
- Execution of Digital Plans: Following the diagnostic phase, companies can also secure funding for implementing digital plans developed under sub-volet 1B. This ensures a continuum from planning to execution, enabling businesses to adopt digital solutions effectively.
Additional stipulations include:
- Projects must commence within three months of receiving approval.
- The maximum duration for project execution is twelve months.
Admissible Expenses
To ensure that the funding is utilized efficiently, the ESSOR program covers specific admissible expenses related to preliminary activities:
- Professional Fees: Costs associated with hiring experts for conducting feasibility studies and digital diagnostics.
- Specialized Information Purchases: Expenses for acquiring specialized data and information critical for project evaluation.
- Travel and Stay Expenses: Necessary travel and accommodation costs incurred during the course of project studies and diagnostics.
Application Process and Important Dates
The ESSOR program is currently not accepting new applications under Volet 1; however, businesses are encouraged to stay updated as the submission reopening date will be announced shortly. It is important for interested enterprises to regularly check for updates and prepare their documents in advance to ensure timely submissions once the intake resumes.
Given the dynamic nature of grants and subsidies, businesses should also proactively engage with Investissement Québec's Service d’accueil et d’information at 1 844 474-6367 for the latest information and guidance.
Maximizing the Benefits of the ESSOR Program
Here are strategic steps for businesses to leverage the full potential of the ESSOR program:
- Early Preparation: Begin by gathering relevant data, developing a coherent project plan, and identifying key areas requiring feasibility studies or digital diagnostics. This proactive approach ensures readiness once applications open.
- Expert Consultation: Engage professionals with expertise in feasibility studies and digital transformation. Their insights can help shape robust proposals aligned with the program’s objectives and eligibility criteria.
- Regular Engagement: Maintain ongoing communication with Investissement Québec to stay informed about program updates, changes in eligibility, application deadlines, and other pertinent details.
- Compliance with Criteria: Meticulously ensure that your business and project meet all eligibility criteria to avoid delays or disqualifications. This includes verifying sector eligibility, preparing financial documents, and adhering to project timelines.
Conclusion
The ESSOR grant program is a vital resource for Quebec-based businesses seeking to advance their investment projects through meticulously planned feasibility studies and digital diagnostics. By offering significant financial support, the program mitigates initial costs, enabling enterprises to invest in essential preliminary activities that lay the groundwork for informed and strategic investment decisions.
Companies are encouraged to capitalize on the opportunities provided by the ESSOR program by diligently preparing proposals, engaging with experts, and staying informed about application cycles and requirements. This strategic approach will not only enhance the chances of securing funding but also drive long-term business growth and innovation.
