The money exists for your project. You just need to know where to look.
Your next cloud migration project, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) implementation, or cybersecurity upgrade could be partially funded by the government. Yet most Quebec SMBs don’t know these programs exist, or simply don’t know how to access them.
It’s not a lack of willingness. It’s a lack of visibility into an ecosystem that, when navigated well, can turn an intimidating IT investment into a realistic, accessible project. In this article, we cover the full landscape of digital grants available in 2026 for organizations in Quebec: what’s eligible, how much you can get, and where to start.
Why do so few businesses take advantage of them?
In 2026, a technology grant is what’s known as non-dilutive financing — meaning it’s non-repayable and doesn’t dilute your equity. These programs, offered by the provincial and federal governments, were designed to reduce the financial risk tied to adopting new technologies, R&D, or implementing AI solutions in SMBs.
Businesses that are generally eligible are those running a structured technology project: digital transformation, automation, cybersecurity, software implementation, or applied AI projects such as demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, or operations optimization.
The question worth asking now: is your next IT investment already partially funded without you knowing it?
The 4 key programs to know in 2026
1. ESSOR – Quebec’s flagship program
Administered by Investissement Québec, ESSOR is the most versatile program available for digital transformation. It funds projects related to automation, robotics, AI integration, and technological transition, for SMBs across all sectors.
The program is structured into four complementary components, designed to support an organization at every stage of its journey:
Component 1: Feasibility studies and digital diagnostics
Funds the preliminary studies for your project: technical and economic feasibility analysis, and digital maturity diagnostics. This is the ideal starting point if you’re not yet sure where to begin.
Component 2: Productivity and expansion
Supports accelerating productivity growth through technological transition or the acquisition of new technologies. Funding can take the form of a loan, a loan guarantee, or, in certain specific cases, a non-repayable contribution.
Component 3: Environmental footprint
Funds projects that reduce a company’s environmental footprint — relevant for organizations looking to align their IT infrastructure with sustainability goals.
Component 4: Internationalization
Supports expanding your company’s presence in global supply chains, through loans, loan guarantees, equity investments, or grants.
For an IT organization, Components 1 and 2 are the most relevant: the first to frame the project and validate the strategy, the second to actually fund implementation — whether that’s a cloud migration, an ERP rollout, or cybersecurity infrastructure.
Note: applications must be submitted and approved before March 31, 2027.
Source: Investissement Québec — ESSOR Program
2. Offensive Trans Num – The fast track for SMBs
Administered by the Association pour le développement de la recherche et de l’innovation du Québec (ADRIQ), this program supports SMBs looking to move quickly on their digital shift. It covers digital diagnostics and the implementation of concrete solutions — ERP, CRM, automation, cybersecurity, e-commerce — with support from accredited, neutral experts, for up to 125 hours.
The grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $25,000 per project.
This program is aimed at SMBs looking to modernize their processes, boost productivity, and be guided by experts with no conflict of interest. For organizations that already have a clear idea of their needs, it’s often the most direct entry point into the funding ecosystem.
Source: ADRIQ — Trans Num Program
3. LIFT – The new federal program (BDC, April 2026)
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) has not been accepting new applications since February 2024. It has been replaced by LIFT (Leverage for Innovation and Focused Technology), an initiative launched by the Business Development Bank of Canada in April 2026.
LIFT offers two distinct tracks depending on the company’s profile:
Track 1: Digital transformation and AI
Open to all sectors starting at $1M in annual revenue, this track covers data infrastructure, ERP/CRM systems, cybersecurity, and AI solutions. A BDC plan is mandatory — BDC Advisory Services assesses your readiness level before moving to preferential-rate funded implementation.
Track 2: Productivity and advanced equipment
Reserved for certain sectors (manufacturing, transportation, construction, mining, etc.) with a threshold of $5M in annual revenue, this track targets automation and the acquisition of advanced equipment.
For IT organizations, Track 1 is clearly the most relevant: it’s open to all sectors, covers exactly the technology needs of a digital SMB, and combines advisory and funding in a single program.
4. CRIC – Tax credit for research, innovation, and commercialization
CRIC is a refundable provincial tax credit that encourages Quebec businesses to invest in R&D and commercialize their innovations. In practice, it reimburses a portion of expenses related to scientific research and experimental development carried out in Quebec.
The credit is calculated as follows:
- 30% on eligible expenses up to $1 million
- 20% beyond that first million
Eligible expenses include the salaries of employees assigned to the project, 50% of amounts paid to Quebec-based subcontractors, and equipment acquisition costs.
For organizations developing proprietary tools, cloud platforms, cybersecurity solutions, or custom business applications, this is a serious avenue to explore with your accountant. Note: CRIC cannot be combined with other government assistance on the same expenses. Your funding strategy therefore needs to be planned holistically, not program by program.
Source: Government of Quebec — CRIC
The stacking strategy: how to maximize your funding
What few organizations realize is that it’s possible to combine several programs to maximize the funding obtained. Well orchestrated, this approach can cover a significant portion of your total investment.
Here’s an example sequence an IT company might follow, to be adapted to your specific situation:
→ Step 1: Use ESSOR Component 1 to fund the digital diagnostic. Identify priorities: cloud, cybersecurity, automation.
→ Step 2: Based on the diagnostic, submit an ESSOR Component 2 or LIFT Track 1 application to fund the implementation of the chosen project.
→ Step 3: If the project involves proprietary software development, review eligibility for CRIC with your accountant, taking the non-stacking rules into account.
→ Step 4: For fast, accessible advisory support, Offensive Trans Num can round out the approach depending on the size and nature of the project.
Every situation is different. What matters is planning the funding strategy before starting the work, not after.
What to check before applying
Before diving in, here are four points to confirm:
Do you have a structured IT project?
These programs fund defined projects with objectives, a budget, and a timeline. Routine expenses or unplanned purchases are generally not eligible.
What’s your revenue?
Thresholds vary by program, from $1M for LIFT Track 1 up to $2.5M for certain ESSOR components. Check your eligibility before targeting a program.
Do you already have a digital diagnostic?
Several programs require one as a prerequisite. If you don’t, starting with ESSOR Component 1 is the natural sequence.
Have you respected the timing rule?
This is the most important rule, and the one most often overlooked: eligible expenses are only counted from the date the application is submitted. Never start a project before submitting your application, or you risk losing eligibility for all expenses already incurred.
In conclusion
Launching a digital transformation project often represents a significant investment. These costs can hold back some SMBs, despite the strategic importance of going digital. The programs available in Quebec and Canada were designed precisely to reduce that barrier — provided you know they exist and how to use them.
In 2026, the money is available. The real question is no longer “can we afford this project?” — it’s “have we looked at every program that could help fund it?“
At Oriso, we support our clients not only in implementing their cloud and cybersecurity projects, but also in identifying the funding programs they’re eligible for. Because a good IT partner doesn’t just tell you what to build — they also help you find how to fund it.
