ESSOR 1C is Investissement Québec's digital transformation sub-stream, funding the implementation of projects arising from a digital readiness plan. It supports ERP/CRM deployments, automation, data analytics, cybersecurity, and other productivity-driving digital projects. The grant covers up to 30% of eligible costs, capped at $30,000 per project.

ESSOR 1C offers a non-repayable grant of up to 30% of eligible expenditures, with a ceiling of $30,000 per project. A digital project of $100,000 or more can recover the maximum. Total public aid from all sources combined generally cannot exceed 50% of eligible costs. The project must start within 3 months of authorization and finish within 12 months.

Eligible companies must be for-profit (or qualifying social economy enterprises), incorporated in Quebec, have 250 or fewer employees, report minimum annual revenues of $2.5M, and have a French-language website. All industries qualify. Excluded sectors include armaments, non-decarbonized fossil fuels, gambling, tobacco, and recreational cannabis.

ESSOR 1C is a non-repayable grant — not a loan and not a tax credit. Investissement Québec disburses funds in milestone-based tranches: an advance at kickoff, interim payments on expense receipts, and a final payment on project completion report. No repayment is required as long as agreement conditions are met.

Eligible costs include external consultant fees for diagnosis and implementation, software acquisition (ERP, CRM, cybersecurity, analytics), custom software development, system integration, user training tied directly to the implementation, and project management fees. Standard hardware, recurring post-implementation subscriptions, and general operating costs are typically excluded.

ESSOR 1C accepts applications on a rolling basis until March 31, 2027, subject to available funds. There is no call-for-projects window — you can apply at any time. IQ processes complete files in approximately 60–90 days. As funding is limited, applying early in the program year is strongly recommended.

Yes, with limits. Total public aid from all sources combined generally cannot exceed 50% of eligible project costs. ESSOR 1C is commonly stacked with municipal digital grants and Sectoral programs. It cannot be stacked with programs that cover identical expenses at rates that would push total support above the 50% ceiling.

Hubvention manages the full ESSOR 1C mandate: eligibility audit, digital project structuring to meet IQ criteria, digital plan narrative, budget preparation, application filing, and follow-up with the IQ advisor through to signed agreement. Our success-based fee means you pay only when funding is secured.