If you’re planning a major investment in Quebec, funders want proof your project is ready—not just a good idea. A feasibility study is often the key document they look for. Programs such as ESSOR – Volet 1: Appui à la concrétisation de projets d’investissement (études de faisabilité et diagnostic numérique) use feasibility studies and digital diagnostics. These help decide if your business is prepared to move forward with an investment.
For many small and medium-sized businesses, this raises a practical question: Do you need a feasibility study before you apply, or can funding help pay for one? The answer depends on how Quebec investment grants assess readiness.
Quebec investment grants aim to reduce risk before public funds are committed. Readiness means you can show:
Funders usually want third-party analysis instead of internal estimates. That’s where feasibility studies and digital diagnostics come in.
For Quebec investment grants, a feasibility study usually includes:
A digital diagnostic focuses on your company’s digital maturity—systems, cybersecurity, automation, and data use.
Programs like ESSOR – Volet 1: Appui à la concrétisation de projets d’investissement (études de faisabilité et diagnostic numérique) are designed to fund these readiness activities. They do not fund the investment itself.
ESSOR – Volet 1: Appui à la concrétisation de projets d’investissement (études de faisabilité et diagnostic numérique) is delivered by Investissement Québec. Its goal is to help Quebec businesses check investment projects before committing significant capital.
ESSOR – Volet 1 can support:
These studies must directly support a planned investment, not general business planning.
While eligibility is reviewed case by case, the program generally targets:
ESSOR – Volet 1 offers non-repayable financial support, based on agreement terms and project approval.
Funding amounts depend on the scope and complexity of the study. Investissement Québec does not publish a fixed maximum. Support is tailored to each project.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher help Canadian businesses filter Quebec programs that fund feasibility studies or capital investments quickly and easily.
Quebec investment grants look beyond whether you have a feasibility study—they check what it says.
Evaluators usually look for:
A weak or overly optimistic study can delay approval or lead to funding refusal.
Most Quebec investment grants expect third-party analysis. Internal spreadsheets rarely carry enough weight.
ESSOR – Volet 1 is tied to a specific investment project. Broad strategic plans often don’t qualify.
These grants are meant to support decision-making before you commit funds, not to reimburse completed studies.
If your investment depends on automation or IT systems, skipping a digital diagnostic can weaken your application.
A well-prepared study can make your application stand out. Here are some tips:
Taking these steps can help you meet funder expectations and improve your chances of approval.
Q: Do all Quebec investment grants require a feasibility study?
No. Some grants fund equipment or expansion directly. Others, like ESSOR – Volet 1, focus on readiness and analysis before the investment.
Q: Can ESSOR – Volet 1 pay for a feasibility study I already completed?
Generally, funding applies to future or in-progress studies. Completed work is often not eligible, but this depends on approval timing.
Q: Is ESSOR – Volet 1 repayable?
It is positioned as non-repayable financial support, subject to the specific agreement signed with Investissement Québec.
Q: Can I combine ESSOR – Volet 1 with other grants?
In some cases, stacking with other provincial or federal programs is possible, as long as total public funding limits are respected.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary based on project complexity and how complete your application is when submitted.
If you’re planning an investment in Quebec and are unsure whether a feasibility study is needed, start by mapping your project stage against programs like ESSOR – Volet 1. GrantHub tracks active grant programs across Canada and helps you see which ones support feasibility studies, digital diagnostics, or capital investments based on your business profile.
See also:
A strong feasibility study shows funders your business is ready to invest with confidence.
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