Do you have an investment project? The ESSOR program is here to help you!
Investissement Québec's ESSOR program is designed for growing Quebec companies looking to make strategic investments. Whether you want to conduct feasibility studies, perform digital diagnostics or implement action plans, ESSOR offers you support of up to $120,000 to make your projects a reality with component 1 of the program.
Sub-sections A, B and C
Carrying out feasibility studies (sub-component A)
• Non-refundable contribution
• Maximum aid rate : 50% of eligible expenses
• Maximum amount : $50,000 per project
Production of digital diagnostics, digital plans and implementation plans (sub-component B)
• Non-refundable contribution
• Maximum aid rate : 50% of eligible expenses
• Maximum amount : $20,000 for the duration of the program, until March 31, 2025
Implementation of an action plan and a digital plan (sub-component C)
• Non-refundable contribution
• Maximum aid rate :
• 50% of eligible expenses for a first project
• 40% of eligible expenses for a second project
• 30% of eligible expenses for yet another project
• Maximum amount : $50,000 per project
Eligibility requirements
To benefit from the ESSOR program, your company must meet certain criteria:
1. Quebec company
You must be a for-profit business or a social economy business, registered in Quebec and carrying out an activity there.
2. Income
At least 2.5M in turnover during your last full fiscal year
3. Eligible sectors of activity
All sectors are eligible, with some exceptions such as primary sector (except certain specific activities), mining, real estate services, and others listed in the detailed conditions.
4. Eligible projects
Projects must support a decision to invest in Quebec, with specific criteria for feasibility studies, digital diagnostics and the implementation of action plans to improve operational efficiency through digital transformation.
4.1. Feasibility studies (sub-component A)
This sub-component concerns the carrying out of feasibility studies to analyze or evaluate the technical or economic parameters of business establishment, modernization or expansion projects.
4.2. Digital diagnostics and implementation plans (sub-component B)
This involves carrying out digital diagnostics, digital plans and implementation plans for companies with 250 employees or less, with a turnover of at least $2.5 million.
4.3. Implementation of an action plan and a digital plan (sub-component C)
This sub-component supports the implementation of a digital plan resulting from the diagnostics carried out under sub-component B for companies with 250 employees or less, with a turnover of at least $2.5 million.
Additional Conditions
• The project for which financial assistance is granted must begin no later than three months after its authorization.
• The project completion period cannot exceed twelve (12) consecutive months.
• Other conditions may apply depending on the specificities of each project.
By respecting these conditions, your company can benefit from the financial support offered by the ESSOR program to realize its investment projects in Quebec.
Eligible expenses
The ESSOR program covers several types of expenses:
• Professional fees
• Costs related to the purchase of specialized information
• Travel and accommodation expenses
Important :
- Any incomplete or non-compliant application will be automatically refused. Refer to the Application Guide to verify the accuracy of your documentation and the information to be provided.
- If your business meets all three of the following criteria:
- Has 250 employees or less
- Located in an MRC of devitalized regions
- The investment project to be submitted is small in scale
Eligibility and Financing Terms
The ESSOR program provides for specific eligibility criteria and investment terms adapted to each component. Interested companies must ensure that they meet these criteria to benefit from the financial support offered by the program.
Program End Date
The ESSOR program is open until March 31, 2025. Interested companies must submit their projects before this date to benefit from the support offered.
Timeline of a request for component 1
Prequalification
5 to 15 minutes
- Complete the prequalification form to check the admissibility of the file
Preparation
1 to 3 days
- Download the application guide
- Download the checklist (highly suggested)
- Collect the required documents
- Complete the form and the Declarations and Consent page
- Consult the screen prints of the form for sub-section 1B
Transmission
30 min to 2h
- Review the check-list
- Send the request to aidefinanciere@invest-quebec.com or via clicSÉQUR for sub-section 1B
- If you are unsure about a question, please contact customer service at 1-844-474-6367
Compliance and Notice of Opening
6 weeks
- Verification of the presence of mandatory documents
- Receipt of a notice of opening or a notice of refusal
Notice of Summons and Analysis
15 days
- Receipt of a notice of assignment by an advisor: start of file analysis
- Request for additional information if necessary
Notice of decision and implementation
20 days
- Receipt of a notice of decision
- Receiving an offer letter
Request for disbursement
- Transmission of the disbursement request (90 days max. after the expected end date of the project for the final disbursement)
- Analysis of the request and confirmation of the disbursement amount
Final disbursement
- Receipt of check within 20 days after receipt of confirmation of the disbursement amount
- Process taken from the Investissement Québec website for the greatest possible precision
Conclusion
Investissement Québec's ESSOR program is an exceptional opportunity for Quebec companies that want to realize their investment projects, increase their productivity, reduce their environmental footprint and integrate into global supply chains. Don't miss this chance to propel your company to new heights with the financial and strategic support of the ESSOR program. For more information and to submit your project, visit the Investissement Québec website today.
