Grant for a Manufacturing Company: The Complete Guide 2026
Quebec's manufacturing industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by technological innovation and the need to remain competitive globally. To support this evolution, obtaining a grant for a manufacturing company is no longer an option, but an essential development strategy.
Why are grants crucial for the manufacturing industry?
In a sector where capital investments for equipment, technology, and training are massive, grants act as a powerful financial lever.
Accelerate innovation and R&D
Finance your research and development projects to create new products or optimize your processes without drawing entirely from your own funds.
Stimulate digital transformation
Adopt Industry 4.0 technologies, such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and integrated management systems.
Improve competitiveness
Modernize your facilities and equipment to compete with global leaders, both in terms of quality and efficiency.
Create skilled jobs
By supporting your growth, grants promote the hiring and training of a specialized workforce.
Reduce financial risks
Sharing the cost of innovation with the government reduces your financial risk exposure and allows you to invest in more ambitious projects.
Are you eligible for a grant for your manufacturing company?
Although each program has its specificities, most grants for the manufacturing sector share a set of fundamental eligibility criteria.
| Eligibility Criterion | Description | What evaluators are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Company Status | Be an SME or large company legally incorporated and operating in Quebec or Canada. | Proof of registration, up-to-date financial statements, detailed description of main activities. |
| Business Sector | Belong to the manufacturing sector or a related sector (processing, assembly, production). | NAICS codes, precise description of the production chain, types of products manufactured. |
| Project Nature | The project must aim for innovation, modernization, export, productivity improvement, or environmental sustainability. | Detailed business plan, clear and measurable objectives, description of technologies involved. |
| Economic Impact | The project must generate positive spin-offs for the Quebec or Canadian economy. | Job creation or retention, revenue increase, contracts with local suppliers. |
| Financial Viability | The company must demonstrate its ability to co-finance the project and successfully complete it. | Solid financial structure, realistic and documented financial forecasts, history of sound management. |
| Innovative Content | The project must integrate a component of technological, process, or product innovation. | Description of competitive advantage, state-of-the-art analysis, intellectual property potential. |
Main grants for manufacturing companies in Quebec
The Quebec government and the federal government offer a multitude of programs to support the manufacturing sector.
ESSOR Program
Administered by Investissement Québec, the ESSOR program is one of the pillars of support for manufacturing companies. It aims to support investment projects in Quebec with a view to increased competitiveness and productivity.
Accelerate business growth, encourage strategic investment, and support digital transformation and facility modernization.
Loans, loan guarantees, and non-refundable contributions (grants) depending on the nature and size of the project. Amounts can reach several million dollars for major projects.
Advanced manufacturing, green technologies, automation, energy efficiency.
Innovation Program
Also managed by Investissement Québec, this program is specifically designed for technological innovation projects and new product development.
Support the implementation of innovation projects, commercialization of new products, and adoption of cutting-edge technologies to improve competitiveness.
Refundable or non-refundable contributions to cover part of expenses related to R&D, prototyping, and commercialization.
Product development, process improvement, integration of advanced technologies.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP NRC)
This federal program offers technical and financial support to Canadian SMEs to help them develop their technological capabilities and innovate.
Support SMEs in their R&D and innovation projects by providing technical expertise and funding.
Financial contributions to cover salaries of technical employees, subcontracting costs, and equipment expenses.
Access to NRC experts, funding up to 75% of eligible costs.
CanExport SME
Designed for companies wishing to develop new export markets, this federal program is essential for manufacturers targeting international markets.
Help SMEs cover costs related to foreign market prospecting, market studies, and trade missions.
Non-refundable contribution that can reach 75% of eligible costs, up to $75,000 per project.
Market studies, participation in international trade shows, trade missions, marketing material creation.
How to maximize your chances of obtaining a grant?
Navigating the grant ecosystem requires rigor, strategy, and a deep understanding of evaluation criteria.
Diagnosis and strategic alignment
We begin with an in-depth analysis of your investment projects (modernization, expansion, R&D, export) to align them with the objectives of the most relevant funding programs. This step ensures that your application is targeted, coherent, and aligned with government priorities.
Program identification and validation
Drawing on our constant monitoring of available programs, we identify the most advantageous grants and tax credits for your specific situation. We validate your preliminary eligibility and present you with a clear picture of opportunities, with an estimate of potential amounts and processing times.
Building a robust business case
This is the heart of the process. We help you write a compelling argument, define clear and measurable performance indicators, and build a financial plan that demonstrates the viability and economic benefits of your project. Every element of the file is designed to convince evaluators.
Support and follow-up
Once the application is submitted, we ensure follow-up with government agencies. In case of questions or verifications, we are by your side to defend your file and clarify the points raised. We also manage deadlines and timelines to ensure optimal processing.
FAQ
What is the typical amount of a grant for a manufacturing company?
Amounts vary considerably depending on the program and the scope of the project. A grant can range from tens of thousands of dollars for an export project (e.g., CanExport SME, up to $75,000) to several million dollars for a major investment project (e.g., ESSOR, which can reach $5 to $10 million depending on the project). SMEs typically receive between $100,000 and $500,000, while large companies can obtain larger amounts.
What types of projects are most likely to be funded?
Projects that are most successful are those that demonstrate strong potential for innovation, job creation, and competitiveness improvement. Projects related to digital transformation, automation, energy efficiency, high value-added product development, and export are particularly favored. Environmental and sustainable projects also receive increased attention.
How long does it take to get a response after submitting an application?
Processing times vary from 2 to 3 months for simpler programs to more than 6 to 9 months for complex applications involving significant investments. Rigorous preparation in advance is essential to avoid delays related to requests for additional information or file corrections.
Conclusion
Obtaining a grant for a manufacturing company is a strategic opportunity to accelerate your growth and strengthen your competitiveness. Government funding programs offer substantial resources to support your innovation, modernization, and expansion projects. With a structured approach and a well-prepared file, you maximize your chances of success and can turn your vision into reality.
At Avinova, we have the expertise and experience to accompany you at every step of the grant application process. Our team of specialized consultants understands the evaluation criteria of government agencies and knows how to present your project convincingly.
Contact us for a free consultation