The ESSOR Program – Component 1

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 Deadline

2025-02-06

Funding Amount

$50,000

Type of Grant

Grant, Funding

Sectors

Industrial

Demographics

Incorporation

For Profit

Perks

Region Restriction

This grant is restricted to whole of Canada

Keywords

funding

Age Restriction

This grant is age restricted from 18 to 100

Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility criteria

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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

Who is eligible

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

Who is not eligible

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).

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

Eligible geographic areas

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 Application website

https://hellodarwin.com/business-aid/programs/essor-part-1c

Contact

For more information please contact :

aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com

1 844 474-6367