What is the ESSOR program?
The ESSOR program is designed to support Quebec companies in their innovation and development efforts. Whether you're looking to improve your company's productivity, reduce your environmental footprint, or go global, ESSOR offers 4 programs tailored to your needs.
4 ESSOR Program categories to benefit from financial assistance to :
01
Accelerate the completion of investment projects
02
Increase productivity through the acquisition of new technologies
03
Reduce your company's carbon footprint
04
Strengthen your position in international markets
1: Feasibility studies and digital diagnostics
Target market: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees
Eligible projects :
- Sub-component A : Feasibility studies
- Sub-component B : Digital diagnostics, digital plans and implementation plans for companies with 250 employees or less and sales of at least $2.5 million.
- Sub-component C : Implementation of an action plan and digital plan for companies with 250 or fewer employees and sales of at least $2.5 million.
Contribution :
- Sub-component A, assistance is a maximum of 50%, for a maximum amount of $50,000.
- Sub-component B, assistance is 50%, for a maximum amount of $20,000.
- Sub-component B, assistance is 50%, for a maximum amount of $50,000.
Examples of projects: Assessing technological needs, setting up digital diagnostics
2: Implementation and modernization projects
Target market: Quebec-registered for-profit companies looking to modernize their infrastructures.
Eligible projects :
Investment project involving at least $100,000 in eligible expenses and aimed at :
- increase a company's production capacity in Québec
- the expansion of an existing company already established in Québec
- a technological transition
Contribution :
- A repayable or non-repayable contribution
- Loan guarantee (repayment guarantee of up to 70% of net loss)
- Equity investment
- Management fees (study fees) of at least 0.5% of the amount of financial assistance granted are payable by the company.
- Annual guarantee fees of at least 0.5% of the amount guaranteed.
Examples of projects: Manufacturing modernization, implementation of new production technologies
3: Adoption of clean technologies
Target market: Quebec-registered for-profit companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint
Eligible projects :
Investment projects involving at least $100,000 in eligible expenditures and aimed at significantly reducing the environmental footprint, regardless of productivity:
- through the acquisition and implementation of clean technologies;
- targeting renewable and clean energies or bioenergies;
- The reduction of the environmental footprint must be the primary purpose of the clean technology, not an indirect effect.
Contribution :
- A repayable or non-repayable contribution
- Loan guarantee (repayment guarantee of up to 70% of net loss)
- Equity investment
- Management fees (study fees) of at least 0.5% of the amount of financial assistance granted are payable by the company.
- Annual guarantee fees of at least 0.5% of the amount guaranteed.
Examples of projects: Installation of solar energy systems, transition to green hydrogen
4: Internationalization
Target market: Quebec-registered for-profit companies seeking to develop their presence in foreign markets.
Eligible projects :
Projects that generate economic benefits for Quebec and do not result in the relocation of jobs, businesses or production units.
- acquisition of goods transit facilities (warehouses, intermodal transshipment sites, etc.)
- acquisition of distribution networks or a business outside Quebec
- opening a sales office or subsidiary abroad (outside Quebec)
Contribution :
- A repayable or non-repayable contribution
- Loan guarantee (repayment guarantee of up to 70% of net loss)
- Equity investment
Examples of projects: Setting up export strategies, international partnerships
How do I apply for ESSOR?
The ESSOR program is open until March 31, 2025. Interested companies must submit their projects before this date to benefit from the support offered.
01 Pre-qualification
Contact a GURUS Solutions expert to help verify your eligibility and discuss opportunities for your business.
02 Preparation
Prepare your application by ensuring that your project meets the program criteria.
03 Transmission
Complete the official financing application form available on the Investissement Québec website.
04 Follow-up and implementation
Once your application has been accepted, our team will help you implement your project and make the best use of the funds.
Accelerate your digital transformation with GURUS Solutions
GURUS Solutions guides you towards a successful digital transformation, simplifying the ESSOR program process and helping you make the most of funding opportunities.
Expertise at every stage
Our experienced team is with you from A to Z on your Essor journey, for fast, efficient implementation and optimum results.
Eligibility for subsidies
We assess your funding potential in detail and maximize your chances of obtaining subsidies.
Simplified applications
Benefit from personalized support to make the process easier and increase your chances of approval.
Targeted needs
We conduct an in-depth analysis of your company's specific needs, so that we can tailor technology solutions to your objectives.
Informed choice
Faced with a multitude of options, we recommend the most appropriate solutions for your business.
Strategic planning
We work with you to develop a clear strategy and action plan to achieve your digital transformation objectives.
Ready to unlock the power of digital transformation grants?