ESSOR Program : Financing for Businesses

In Quebec, three out of four companies in the professional services sector (77%) have invested in digital technology over the past three years. This trend reflects a clear desire on the part of organisations to accelerate their digital transformation and increase their productivity.

To support these initiatives, the ESSOR Programme offers financial aid and grants to help companies with their investment, automation and innovation projects. A strategic opportunity to build sustainable, competitive growth in Quebec.

What is the ESSOR Program?

The ESSOR Program is a Québec government initiative, administered by Investissement Québec, designed to stimulate the competitiveness, productivity and sustainable growth of Québec businesses.

Designed to support projects with a high economic impact, this programme encourages innovation, digital transformation, sustainable development and international expansion.

A subsidy tailored to businesses

ESSOR stands out for its financial flexibility, offering different types of assistance depending on the needs of the companies: direct grants, soft loans, loan guarantees and even equity investments in certain strategic projects.

Thanks to this modular approach, the programme is aimed at growing SMEs as well as large companies looking to modernise their operations or increase their presence on external markets.

The different strands of the ESSOR Program

Strand 1A - Feasibility studies and investment projects

Section 1A of the ESSOR Program supports companies wishing to analyse the feasibility of an investment project before implementing it.

This could be a market study, a performance diagnosis or even a profitability analysis to prepare for modernisation, expansion or digital transition.

Part 1B - Diagnosis and digital plan (Audit 4.0)

Stream 1B is one of the most popular parts of the ESSOR Program, as it aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Quebec businesses.

This component finances up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $20,000, to carry out a digital diagnosis or a 4.0 audit.

It is primarily aimed at manufacturing and service SMEs wishing to assess their digital maturity, identify areas for improvement and define a clear technological action plan.

Section 1C - Implementing an action plan

Strand 1C supports businesses that are ready to embark on their transformation following a digital diagnostic.

This assistance can cover up to 50% of implementation costs, to a maximum of $50,000, for projects aimed at modernising operations, integrating new technologies or automating processes.

This component enables businesses to move from plan to action while reducing their financial risk, thereby promoting the rapid and effective adoption of digital or technological tools.

Strand 2 - Support for productivity and expansion

Tier 2 of the ESSOR Program targets development projects linked to the growth and competitiveness of Quebec businesses.

• It offers a grant of up to 30% of eligible expenditure to finance investments in equipment, technology or expansion.

• This enables companies to improve their production capacity, adopt clean technologies or strengthen their presence on international markets.

This aspect is particularly relevant for companies wishing to increase their productivity and accelerate their sustainable development.

What types of project can be funded?

The ESSOR Program supports a wide range of projects that contribute to the productivity, growth and modernisation of Quebec businesses. It is aimed at SMEs as well as organisations undergoing expansion or technological transition.

Eligible projects include

• Equipment modernisation and automation: acquisition of new technologies, robotisation, optimisation of production lines.

• Performance diagnostics and digital plan: 4.0 audit, digital maturity analysis, technology investment planning.

• Sustainable development and clean technology projects: carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, responsible resource management.

• Expansion or internationalisation: projects to increase production capacity, penetrate new markets or support export growth.

• Digital transformation projects: integration of software solutions, ERP, intelligent data management and process automation.

These initiatives enable companies to improve their competitiveness, reduce their operating costs and promote sustainable growth in a constantly changing economic environment.

How do you know if your company is eligible?

To benefit from the ESSOR Program, your company must meet several basic criteria defined by Investissement Québec:

• Be a company legally registered in Quebec, with an active establishment in the territory;

• Present a structuring project that aims to improve productivity, performance or innovation;

• Be in good tax standing and demonstrate a healthy and stable financial situation, guaranteeing the viability of the project;

• Provide up-to-date documents (financial statements, business plan, budget forecasts).

These conditions ensure that public funds support projects with strong economic potential and positive spin-offs for Quebec.

Maximise your ESSOR financing with support from Mallette

The ESSOR Program represents a unique opportunity for Quebec businesses to finance their investment, digital transformation and sustainable growth projects.

At Mallette, our teams combine expertise in strategy, financing and digital transformation to maximise the amount of your support and the success of your project.

Contact a Mallette advisor today to turn your investment project into a success supported by ESSOR funding.