For-profit company or social-economy enterprise (Loi sur l'economie sociale) registered in Quebec and exercising an activity there
Services
ESSOR - Volet 4 (Support for business internationalization)
Quebec loan (with loan guarantee of repayment up to 70% of net loss; a non-repayable contribution can also be offered in specific cases) supporting structured internationalization projects that increase the presence of Quebec companies in global supply chains: acquisition of goods-transit facilities (warehouses, intermodal transshipment sites), formation of joint ventures, acquisition of distribution networks, acquisition of a company outside Quebec, or opening a commercial office or subsidiary abroad. Acquisition of production plants outside Quebec is not eligible. The program ends March 31, 2027.
Overview
Quebec loan (with loan guarantee of repayment up to 70% of net loss; a non-repayable contribution can also be offered in specific cases) supporting structured internationalization projects that increase the presence of Quebec companies in global supply chains: acquisition of goods-transit facilities (warehouses, intermodal transshipment sites), formation of joint ventures, acquisition of distribution networks, acquisition of a company outside Quebec, or opening a commercial office or subsidiary abroad. Acquisition of production plants outside Quebec is not eligible. The program ends March 31, 2027.
Key numbers
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Instrument | loan |
| Level | provincial |
| Region | QC |
| Administrator | Investissement Quebec (as mandatary of the Ministere de l'Economie, de l'Innovation et de l'Energie) |
| Deadline | 2027-03-31 (program end) |
| Intake status | Open (continuous, selection-based); program ends 2027-03-31 |
| Non-US bias | Funds expansion into global markets outside Quebec (internationalization); no explicit US/non-US rule |
Eligibility
All sectors except
finance and insurance, arts/entertainment, management companies, accommodation and food services, primary sector (agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting), mining and oil/gas extraction, administrative and support services, real estate, personal services, utilities, health and social assistance, education, retail (unless preproduction + postproduction + head office in Quebec)
Project must be part of a structured and strategic internationalization approach, possibly comprising several export-linked activities, leading to a structuring internationalization project abroad
Project must generate economic spin-offs for Quebec and must not cause relocation of jobs, companies or production units
Projects must correspond to new activities, not installations already in place abroad
What it covers
Acquisition of facilities for the transit of goods (warehouses, intermodal transshipment sites, etc.)
Formation of a joint venture
Acquisition of distribution networks
Acquisition of a company outside Quebec (purchase of shares is not eligible)
Opening a commercial office or a subsidiary abroad (outside Quebec)
Acquisition of production plants outside Quebec is NOT eligible
Market and diversification rules
Loan and/or loan guarantee (guarantee of repayment up to 70% of net loss); non-repayable contribution possible in specific cases
Management fees of at least 0.5% of aid granted and annual guarantee fees of at least 0.5% of the guaranteed amount apply
Program ends March 31, 2027; MEIE and IQ reserve the right to suspend intake without notice
How to apply
Contact your IQ account director (directeur de compte)
If you have no account director, call the IQ reception and information service at 1 844 474-6367 or submit the contact form at the bottom of the program page to be assigned one in your region
Discuss the internationalization project and eligible capital expenditures with your director
Stacking notes
Complementary to other IQ financing solutions and private financing
Keep costs segregated and disclose all government sources; repayable loan must be repaid per the agreement
Notes
ESSOR Volet 4 explicitly supports more complex internationalization strategies (global supply chains) of Quebec companies
Same instruments and fee structure as ESSOR Volet 2; program framework 2025-2027
Listed alongside Panorama and ESSOR Volet 2 in the 2026 IQ tariff-response suite for market diversification
Relevant services
The services below are grant-eligible: CanExport and EDC reimburse up to 50% for incorporated Canadian exporters.
Book a free readiness call
Grant programs can reimburse up to 50% of eligible market-entry costs. In one free call we tell you honestly whether your product fits a non-US market.
Book a free readiness call