Funding · Québec
AI grants and funding for SMBs in Québec
An AI or automation project can be partly funded by public programs. Here, in plain language, are the two most useful programs for Québec SMBs right now. Rules change often: always check the current conditions on the official sites before applying.
ESSOR, component 1 — Investissement Québec
Component 1 of the ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec for Québec’s Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, helps businesses prepare their projects. It covers a digital diagnostic, a digital plan, an implementation plan and system selection, including integrating artificial intelligence where relevant.
According to the official program framework, the aid is non-repayable and can reach 50% of eligible expenses. The maximum is $20,000 for the digital diagnostic and plan, and $50,000 for implementing a digital plan, for the life of the program. For these digital projects, only businesses with 250 employees or fewer and annual sales of at least $2.5M are eligible. Applications can be approved until March 31, 2027.
Important: expenses committed before the application is filed are not eligible, so apply before signing the engagement.
LIFT — BDC
LIFT is a Business Development Bank of Canada program launched in 2026. It combines advisory services with preferential-rate loans to adopt AI, digital tools, data infrastructure and cybersecurity.
The Digital transformation and AI stream targets Canadian businesses with at least $1M in annual revenue. BDC lists loans from $25,000 to $2M for this stream and requires an up-to-date digital or AI plan. It is a loan, not a grant, and approval remains subject to BDC’s credit criteria.
How Génosa can help
The free diagnostic clarifies your project: which software to connect, which tasks to automate, where AI really helps. That work then gives a solid basis for your application, whether you prepare it yourself or with your accountant.
We guarantee no funding: the decision always belongs to the agency. Our role is to help you present a clear, realistic project.
Frequently asked questions
Can ESSOR and LIFT be combined?
Public programs have stacking rules. Check with Investissement Québec and BDC before planning your financing.
Are expenses already incurred eligible?
For ESSOR, no: expenses made before the application is filed are not eligible.
Prepare a fundable AI project
Book a free diagnostic to clarify your project before applying for funding.
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