Digital Transformation Grants for Québec SMBs in 2026
By Danny Malouin. Updated October 22, 2026. Reviewed every quarter.
In 2026 a Québec SMB that wants funding for its digital transformation has three grant doors open. ESSOR stream 1B for the diagnostic. ESSOR stream 1C for implementation. PME MTL’s Circuit numérique in Montreal. BDC LIFT adds a loan option. The Canada Digital Adoption Program is closed.
What is open in 2026
About 75 hours of services for Montreal businesses with 10 to 200 employees.[3]
ESSOR 1B
Diagnostic, plan, system selection. 250 employees or fewer, at least $2.5M in revenue.
Circuit numérique
ERP, CRM, migration, transactional website, connections. Montreal only.
ESSOR stream 1B: the diagnostic
This is the logical starting point. Stream 1B pays half of a digital diagnostic and the plan that comes out of it, up to $20,000. It also covers analysis of priority projects and system selection.[2]
The conditions that matter most.
- 250 employees or fewer and at least $2.5M in revenue.[1]
- A website with a French version.
- Compliance with francization rules if the business is subject to them.
- A service offer written in French by a Québec-based provider.
- A mandate covering at least 9 business processes, 3 of them critical, with a maturity diagnostic tool.
- No costs incurred before the file is submitted.
The most common mistake: paying or signing before the file is submitted. Those costs are not eligible.
The program framework allows aid to be granted until March 31, 2027. Investissement Québec can pause intake if the budget runs out.[2] Don’t wait for spring.
ESSOR stream 1C: putting the plan to work
Stream 1C funds the implementation of a recent digital plan, at 50% up to $50,000. You need to show where the plan came from, its priorities, expected benefits, timeline and costs.[2]
A solid 1B diagnostic sets up the 1C file directly.
Circuit numérique PME MTL
For Montreal businesses with 10 to 200 employees. Up to $9,000 to integrate an ERP or CRM, migrate data, improve a transactional website or connect systems.[3]
You need an existing digital maturity plan and an offer from a partner provider. A $3,300 registration fee applies. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
BDC LIFT: a loan, not a grant
Where to start
Check your size
Headcount and revenue decide which program fits.
Get a French website
ESSOR requires a French version of the site before you apply.
Diagnostic before software
The plan then feeds 1C, the Circuit numérique or BDC LIFT.
Nothing before you file
Don’t sign or pay anything before the file is submitted.
Beep Digital is a Montreal firm. We write our service offers in French and can help you see which program fits your project. Final eligibility always rests with the funding body.
Sources
This guide summarizes public programs, checked against the sources above in October 2026. Amounts and criteria can change. Always confirm with the funding body before applying.