Part of this work can be funded. But you have to know before you start.
Québec and Ottawa fund part of digital transformation, automation and AI-integration projects in small businesses — diagnostics, implementations, training, development. Here are the main programs, what they cover, and where to check your eligibility. Several require the application to be filed before the work begins — which is exactly why it comes up in the very first conversation.
Check what applies to you Twenty minutes, free. If nothing applies, you’ll know that too.What exists right now
Offensive Tr@ns Num
up to 50% · capped at $25,000Funds digital transformation projects in Québec SMBs: diagnostic, digital plan, solution implementation (automation, CRM, AI, cybersecurity), with up to 125 hours of guidance.
ESSOR program
varies by streamThe most versatile lever for automation, robotics, digital transformation and AI-integration projects. Covers everything from feasibility studies and digital diagnostics to implementation. Open to SMBs in every sector; the support takes different forms depending on the stream.
CRIC — Research and Innovation Tax Credit
up to 30% of eligible expensesThe Québec credit that replaces nine former measures. Applies to research and innovation expenses — which can include custom development with a genuine element of novelty. Stacks with the federal SR&ED credit.
SR&ED — Scientific Research and Experimental Development
up to 35% (CCPC)The federal credit for work of an experimental nature. For a Canadian-controlled private corporation, up to 35% of the first $3M in eligible expenses, refundable. Stacks with the CRIC.
Training — MFOR and the 1% law
variesTraining your team to work with AI can be subsidized, and eligible expenses count toward your training obligation if your payroll exceeds $2M. A well-structured training mandate can therefore cost much less than its sticker price.
Regional programs
varies by regionMontréal, Laval and the regional MRCs have their own envelopes — PME MTL, for example, offers grants for technology adoption. Less known, often less oversubscribed, and stackable with the rest.
See financing on pmemtl.com →My role in this, plainly
I’m not an accountant, a tax specialist, or an ADRIQ-accredited expert — and I won’t fill out your applications. What I do: when we look at a project together, I flag before you spend anything whether it looks eligible for a program, I structure the work so no doors get closed, and I point you to the right resource — your accountant, ADRIQ, or the program directly — to confirm it for real.
The amounts, rates and conditions above change without notice. Always validate at the source before committing to an expense.
Twenty minutes to know if it applies
Describe your project — or just what’s eating your week. We’ll look at what could be funded, and what won’t be.
Book 20 minutesOr write to me: denis@maz-ai.ca