Program to help Québec tourism activities, attractions and events go digital — Activities, attractions and events

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or primary activity. The restrictions ensure that funds are focused on enhancing sustainable digital transformation within tourism-related sectors.

• Companies whose only activities are lodging, catering, or retail, or any combination thereof.
• Municipal, regional, or sectoral entities, unless acting as promoters of collective projects directly benefiting eligible companies.
• State-owned corporations or companies primarily owned by a state-owned entity.
• Companies under protection from the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
• Charitable organizations.
• Applicants who have failed to meet prior obligations under past financial aid within the last two years after being formally notified.
• Companies with permit operation defaults.
• Companies listed in the Register of companies ineligible for public contracts (RENA).
• Service companies such as aggregators, resellers, or promoters.
• Chartered or regular transport companies not offering a tourism-related activity such as excursions or sightseeing.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly necessary and essential for the realization of the digital transition projects.

• Acquisition of digital solutions.
• Acquisition of essential computer hardware for the deployment of the digital solution.
• Purchase of licenses or subscriptions for a maximum duration of 12 months as per the supplier's contract, invoiced and paid before October 31, 2024.
• Essential adaptation of a website or application for the deployment of the digital solution.
• Expenses inherent to the implementation of the overall digital solution, such as acquiring equipment or infrastructures essential to deployment (e.g., signage indicating the use of the solution) and content creation for digital solutions.
• Fees for the realization and implementation.
• Fees for accompaniment, diagnosis, or audit (operations, human resources, technologies) up to a maximum of 10% of the financial support.
• Training related to the project's digital solutions, up to a maximum of 10% of the financial support.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is designated for companies operating within the tourism sector in all regions of Quebec. Eligible applicants must demonstrate commercial activities related to tourism attractions, festivals, and events occurring in Quebec.

• Quebec, Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The applicant can expect a structured process of applying which involves the submission of a project deposit file, evaluation of the project, signing a grant agreement, realization, and mid-term evaluation, and final account rendering.
• The financial aid provided is non-repayable (grant).
• The applicant must cover at least 25% of the total project costs from their own funds.
• The total government financial aid cannot exceed 75% of the eligible project costs.
• If the financial aid is not fully allocated in the current call for projects, there might be a second call for projects.
• For projects involving purchases or services above CAD 25,000, an invitation for tenders must be issued, requiring at least two quotes.
• The final disbursement of 25% will be made after reviewing the project realization and all required documents.
• Major project modifications or significant delays must be communicated to EAQ, and amendments might be necessary.
• Failure to commence the project within 90 days after signing the grant agreement could lead to a demand for reimbursement of any financial support already provided.
• The applicant has the opportunity to refuse the consent for data exchange between the Ministry of the Economy, Innovation, and Energy and Revenu Québec with no impact on their application.