Step 3 of 8
Step 3: automation funding for your AI and systems projects
Automation funding comes from three sources: Quebec programs, federal programs and organizations in your region. Before you buy software or hire an integrator, list the programs you qualify for and file the applications. Several programs refuse expenses made before the application is filed.
No commitment. No cost. 45 minutes.
Focus regions: Eastern Townships (Estrie) · Montérégie · Centre-du-Québec · Mauricie · Quebec City region (Capitale-Nationale) · Montreal · Laval · Laurentians (Laurentides). 1 regional partner.
4articles to go further
This step is part of service 1: Automate and augment. The three services together deliver the best result.
What you'll have at the end
- The list of programs your project qualifies for, with their filing dates
- An automation budget that shows the share covered by funding
- Applications filed before the first purchases
How to do it
- Start from the bottlenecks found in step 2: each automation project should fix one
- Call the Réseau accès PME service point at your MRC: it's free and they know the local funds
- Do a digital diagnostic, which often qualifies for funding itself
- Sort the programs: grants and contributions, tax credits, loans, employee training
- Build the budget with your accountant, taking the stacking rules into account
- File the applications before you sign purchase orders
Resources and programs
Where to find the funding
Rates, caps and dates change often. Each link goes to the official page: check the current conditions before you apply.
Government of Quebec
- ESSOR program (Investissement Québec)
Preliminary studies, including a digital diagnostic (component 1), and productivity projects (component 2). (Page in French.)
- Investment and innovation tax credit (C3i)
Refundable credit on manufacturing equipment, computer hardware and management software. The rate depends on the region. Confirm it applies to your expenses. (Page in French.)
- Workforce training (Services Québec)
Support to train your employees on the new tools: needs analysis, training, evaluation. (Page in French.)
Government of Canada and federal organizations
- NRC IRAP, including AI (National Research Council)
Industrial technology advisors and funding for SMEs that innovate, including with AI.
- SR&ED tax credits (Canada Revenue Agency)
For technical development that resolves a real uncertainty. Buying off-the-shelf software generally doesn't qualify.
- BDC, Business Development Bank of Canada
Loans for equipment and technology, and advisory services for digital projects.
- Scale AI
AI innovation cluster: co-funds AI projects, mostly as consortia with technology providers.
- Innovation Canada program finder
Free federal tool that lists programs that fit your profile.
Your region and associations
- Réseau accès PME (your MRC)
Free entry point in every region: advice, referrals and local investment funds. (Page in French.)
- PME MTL (Montreal)
Support and funds for businesses on the island of Montreal.
- Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ)
Manufacturers' association: programs, cohorts and diagnostics on productivity and digital.
- CRIQ, Quebec industrial research centre
Technical expertise and diagnostics for industrial automation projects.
Step 3 articles
Go deeper
Step 3 · Fund your automation
Automation and AI grants for Quebec businesses
Automation grants in Quebec: which programs exist, the order to apply in, and the one mistake that costs owners the funding.
Read the article →Step 3 · Fund your automation
Technology tax credits: C3i, SR&ED and the others
Technology tax credits for small businesses: what C3i and SR&ED cover, what they don't, and what to prepare with your accountant now.
Read the article →Step 3 · Fund your automation
Building a strong grant application
A strong grant application starts with a measured problem, a budget backed by supplier quotes and a realistic schedule. The template, section by section.
Read the article →Step 3 · Fund your automation
The networks and associations that help businesses automate
Small business support for automation in Quebec: who does what provincially and federally, who to call first, and how to avoid going in circles.
Read the article →
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need the funding approved before I start spending?
- Often, yes. Several programs don't accept expenses made before the application is filed or approved. Check each program's rule before you sign a purchase order.
- Can I combine several programs?
- Often, but programs cap the total public funding on a single project. Plan the stacking with your accountant before you apply.
- Are the amounts listed on websites reliable?
- Rates, caps and dates change often, sometimes mid-year. Rely on the program's official page and on the advisor handling your file.
Do it with a pro
You can do it all yourself. With us, it gets done faster, and better.
We and our regional partner implement each step directly in your business, while you keep running it.
No commitment. No cost. 45 minutes.
Focus regions: Eastern Townships (Estrie) · Montérégie · Centre-du-Québec · Mauricie · Quebec City region (Capitale-Nationale) · Montreal · Laval · Laurentians (Laurentides). 1 regional partner.