Article updated April 29, 2025
If you are considering investing in a new ERP or CRM system for your business, now is the time to take the leap! Several financial aid programs and tax credits are currently available to help organizations of all sizes continue their digital transformation, support their growth, and stay competitive on global markets.
The cost of an implementation project is often what keeps it from becoming reality. Instead of investing in an integrated system, SMBs often opt for specialized applications to meet specific needs and minimize their costs, for example a timesheet application.
However, both the Canadian and Quebec governments have put measures in place to help organizations modernize their IT systems. Some of our clients were able to benefit from these programs and save considerable amounts on their implementation costs, sometimes up to two thirds of the total!
If you are thinking about implementing a new ERP or CRM system, do not hesitate to contact us. We will provide the necessary expertise to submit your requests to the applicable programs.
Here are the main programs currently available:
View the details for each available program below and visit the following pages to find out more about eligible management solutions: the ERP solution Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the CRM solution Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement, and our project management solution integrated to Microsoft Dynamics, OMZY.
Microsoft also offers promotions to facilitate the migration of businesses to the cloud. The Bridge to the Cloud 2 promotion is available until December 31, 2025, and offers a 40% discount on cloud licenses when migrating your Microsoft Dynamics on-premises system to a cloud ERP solution such as Business Central. The AIM migration program, for its part, was launched to guide businesses throughout the migration of their management systems to the cloud so that they can benefit from technological tools such as Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant.
ESSOR Program
This program replaces the programs PME in action and Audit 4.0, which came to an end in the first quarter of 2022. An initiative of the Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI), the ESSOR program aims to make Quebec businesses more productive and competitive, and increase their growth.
Section 1 of ESSOR supports the completion of feasibility studies and digital plans, along with their implementation. Section 2 supports the productivity and expansion of businesses through investment projects.
Eligible organizations
The organizations that can benefit from this program are:
- For-profit enterprises that have an active establishment in Quebec;
- Businesses recognized as social economy enterprises under the Social Economy Act (CQLR, chapter E-1.1.1).
To receive financial support under the program, the business must be registered in Québec and conduct activities there.
If the business is foreign, it must be registered in Québec and commit to starting operations within 12 months following project approval.
Eligible projects and expenses
Section 1 of the ESSOR program comprises 3 sub-sections:
- Sub-section A applies to feasibility studies. The maximum coverage is 50% of eligible expenses up to $100,000 by project. The organization could receive up to $50,000 in grants.
- Sub-section B applies to digital diagnostics and plans. The maximum coverage is 50% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $40,000 per project. The organization could receive up to $20,000 in grants.
- Sub-section C applies to action plans and digital plans. The maximum coverage is 50% of eligible expenses for a first project, up to $100,000 per project. The organization could receipve up to $50,000 in grants.
For more information
Visit the Programme ESSOR – Volet 1 page on the MEI website (available in French only). For more details regarding the process or to submit a request for financial aid, communicate with your regional office.
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Tax credit related to investment and innovation (C3i)
Replacing the tax credit for investment, the C3i (Crédit d’impôt relatif à l’investissement et à l’innovation – Tax credit related to investment and innovation) is granted to organizations acquiring manufacturing or processing material, IT material, or business management software. The rate typically ranges from 10% to 40%, depending on the location and the economic vitality of the region.
Eligible organizations
Eligible organizations are those with an establishment in Quebec.
Eligible projects and expenses
Eligible expenses for one of the goods listed above are those exceeding $5,000 for IT material and business management software, and exceeding 12,500$ for manufacturing and processing material. The C3i is fully refundable for SMBs and non-refundable for large businesses.
For more information
Read the additional information in the 2024-2025 budget in PDF format (available in French only) on the Ministère des finances du Québec website. You will find all details regarding the tax credit rates and eligible organisations.
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Mesure de formation de la main d’œuvre (Labour Training Measure)
This program aims to develop the competences of your staff members. It helps you maintain the expertise already in place within your organization by facilitating access to training sessions that will help your employees better accomplish their tasks and keep their job.
Eligible organizations
With the exception of public and political organizations, all employers located in Quebec can benefit from this program.
Eligible projects and expenses
The aid provided as part of this program covers up to 50% of eligible training expenses, and can reach 75% in certain circumstances. It can be used to define your training needs, carry out your training project, and evaluate the efficiency of the training received.
To be eligible, you must show that the training activity helps retain your employees, increases the performance of your staff members, and can be transferred to other employees within your organization.
For more information
For more information, review the document for the Business section of the Mesure de formation de la main d’œuvre (in French only) on the Emploi-Québec website. You can also communicate with your local employment centre (CLE) or the Services Québec office of your region.
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