Closed
Rural Vitality Fund – Automation and Digital Practices
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Financial support for rural businesses advancing automation and digitalization
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Rural Vitality Fund – Automation and Digital Practices provides up to $5,000 in non-repayable financial support to rural businesses in the Haut-Richelieu region to accelerate automation and the adoption of digital practices. Eligible activities include acquiring productivity-enhancing equipment, software, professional services for implementation and training, and feasibility studies.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Increasing community impact
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Montérégie
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Implementation of automation technologies to improve productivity.
- Adoption of digital practices within business operations.
- Installation of productivity-enhancing equipment.
- Integration of new software solutions for business improvements.
- Projects that generate a positive impact on the local rural community through technological advancement.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 4,950
Acquisition of automation software for a rural bakery
$ 4,900
Installation of automated labeling machine in a dairy workshop
$ 4,850
Digital transition for a small hardware retailer's inventory system
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an industrial, commercial business, or a non-profit organization (NPO).
- The business must be located in one of the 13 rural municipalities of the Haut-Richelieu territory, excluding Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
- The proposed project must involve the acquisition of digital equipment and/or automation aimed at improving productivity.
Who is eligible?
- Industrial companies
- Commercial enterprises
- Non-profit organizations (NPOs)
Who is not eligible
- Companies based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of equipment that increases productivity.
- Renovations required for installing eligible equipment.
- Purchase of software that results in productivity gains.
- Professional fees for software implementation.
- Professional fees for employee training on the new equipment or software (if not covered by Services Québec).
- Software rental fees for the first two years only.
- Professional engineering fees for designing custom automated equipment.
- Feasibility studies or option analyses related to the project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies located in one of the 13 rural municipalities within the MRC du Haut-Richelieu, excluding those based in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.
Selection criteria
- Submission of up-to-date financial statements and supporting documentation for project and business viability analysis.
- Assessment by NexDev business advisors for compliance with fund objectives and requirements.
- Evaluation by the Common Investment Committee (CIC) and select advisors for project selection.
How to apply
1
Check your eligibility
- Verify that your business is located in one of the 13 rural municipalities of Haut-Richelieu (excluding Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu)
- Ensure your business type is industrial, commercial, or a non-profit (OBNL)
- Confirm your project involves automation or digital practices to improve productivity
2
Consult with NexDev advisors
- Contact NexDev's Business Services team for guidance
- Discuss your project and obtain information on required documentation
3
Gather required documentation
- Collect up-to-date financial statements and relevant documents
- Prepare a detailed project outline showing productivity gains
- Ensure you have all supporting documents requested
4
Submit your application
- Complete the grant application form available through NexDev
- Attach all required documents
- Submit your application before the July 28 deadline
5
Await selection results
- Wait for review by NexDev advisors and the CIC committee
- Selection results announced in September 2025
6
Begin your project upon approval
- If selected, review funding agreement
- Proceed with project after eligibility confirmation and funding approval
7
Submit final documentation for reimbursement
- Collect invoices and proof of completed work
- Submit all documentation to NexDev for reimbursement
Additional information
- The annual eligibility rules for this fund may be revised based on the volume of grants awarded.
- NexDev reserves the right to use the beneficiary company's name for promotional purposes and to highlight community impacts.
- Funding is available only until the allocated envelope is depleted.
- All admissible expenses must be incurred after confirmation of eligibility.
Contacts
grangerf@nexdev.ca
4503599999
