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Changes to the C3i Tax Credit: Fostering Business Investment and Innovation

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In the Fall 2023 Budget Update, the Quebec government announced an investment of $1.3B into the Investment and Innovation Tax Credit (C3i), extending its support for businesses for another five years until January 1, 2030. Initially introduced in the March 2020 budget to replace prior investment and innovation tax credits, the C3i tax credit aims to boost productivity in Quebec businesses while encouraging increased investments in economically disadvantaged areas.

Alongside the 5-year extension, several modifications have been announced to better serve the needs of Quebec businesses and bolster their efforts to improve productivity. This article will explore these changes.

Eligible Businesses and Expenses

The C3i tax credit remains accessible to businesses across diverse industries, with certain exceptions such as aluminum producers and oil companies. Eligible businesses, which are investing in equipment to improve their processes and increase productivity, can benefit from the C3i tax credit. This includes Quebec businesses that acquire manufacturing or processing equipment, general-purpose electronic data processing equipment, or eligible management software packages between March 10, 2020 and January 1, 2030.

As before, two exclusion thresholds apply. For manufacturing and processing equipment, only expenses over $12,500 are eligible for the tax credit. For the purchase of computer hardware and management software packages, a lower minimum, $5,000, applies.

Businesses claiming the C3i credit are also subject to a cumulative $100 million limit on eligible expenses over four years—an update compared to the previous five-year period.

Enhancement of Tax Credit Rates

The improvements to the tax credit rates are perhaps the most prominent change announced. C3i rates have increased by 5%, across all regions of Quebec. The tax credit rates vary depending on the location of the business, offering higher rates to businesses operating in areas deemed to have “low economic vitality”. These regions have been assigned an economic vitality index amongst the lowest 25% in the province.

As announced in the Information Bulletin 2023-4, RCM Appalaches and Témiscamingue are now included in the lowest quartile, while RCM Matawinie and Argenteuil are no longer included. These regional changes will apply to expenses incurred after June 30, 2025, ensuring a proper transition period for affected businesses. Consult the latest Regional Economic Vitality Index for the classification of regions across Quebec.

Below are the new rates for the regions across Quebec, applicable beginning January 1, 2024:

These new rates apply to eligible expenses incurred after December 31, 2023; or after March 25, 2021, and before January 1, 2024, for equipment acquired after December 31, 2023.

Please note, however, that some exceptions apply. Please consult Information Bulletin 2023-6 for more details.

Fully Refundable Tax Credit

Before the amendments to the C3i, the ability to receive a refundable tax credit was dependent on the businesses’ assets and gross income. Only businesses with assets and gross income below $50 million were eligible for a fully refundable tax credit.

However, in the recent budget update, requirements related to assets and gross income were removed. Now, all eligible companies can fully benefit from the refundable nature of the Investment and Innovation Tax Credit regardless of their assets or gross income.

Final Thoughts

The recent changes to the C3i Tax Credit represent a step forward in supporting Quebec businesses and fostering innovation and investment across the province. With the extension of the tax credit until 2029, increased rates, and various improvements, businesses, especially those in regions with low economic vitality, now have greater incentives and opportunities to improve productivity and expand their operations.

As businesses continue to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, the C3i Tax Credit stands as a valuable tool for driving progress and success in Quebec’s evolving economy.

Driving Digital Transformation: Funding for Canadian Businesses

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In an age dominated by digital innovation, Canadian businesses recognize the transformative potential of embracing cutting-edge technologies. As technology evolves rapidly, companies must not only keep up with trends but also innovate to gain a competitive edge. However, the financial investment required can often be a significant hurdle. To address this challenge, we’ve curated a list of key funding programs available to Canadian businesses seeking to advance their digital capabilities. By leveraging these funding opportunities, businesses can not only overcome the financial hurdles of digitization but also position themselves as leaders in their fields.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

ISED’S Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) is a cornerstone for small and medium-sized Canadian-owned businesses looking to embark on their digital journey. Under the Boost Your Business stream, this program offers grants covering up to 90% of the cost to develop a comprehensive digital adoption plan, up to a maximum of $15,000; 0% interest loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) for technology acquisition; and a wage subsidy to leverage the help of talented post-secondary students and recent graduates. The CDAP provides vital financial support for businesses seeking to integrate advanced technologies into their operations. Additionally, the Grow Your Business Online stream extends micro-grants to small businesses, supporting their transition towards comprehensive digital integration.

Investissement Québec

Investissement Québec’s Productivité Innovation initiative extends loans starting at $50,000 to help Quebec companies enhance their competitiveness and accelerate growth through innovation projects, which may involve a product, a process, commercialization efforts or organizational processes. This initiative supports the adoption of innovative technologies and processes such as automation, digitization, robotization and the use of artificial intelligence.

Investissement Québec also funding for technological advancement through the ESSOR program. Component 1 offers up to $100,000 in grant money for Feasibility Studies and Digital Diagnosis. Component 2 offers loans and loan guarantees to support an innovative technological transition or the acquisition of new technologies. Finally, Component 3 offers loans and loan guarantees for the acquisition or implementation of clean technologies.

Développement économique de l’agglomération de Longueuil (DEL)

The Call for Projects in Digital Transformation 5.0 seeks to assist organizations in their industrial transformation towards Industry 5.0. Eligible projects must be related to either an already implemented technology or involve the implementation of a new technology. Additionally, they must impact at least one of the three other aspects of Industry 5.0: human, resilience, or environment. Funding up to $20,000 is available.

Ontario BIA Association & Digital Main Street

The Digital Transformation Grant (DTG) program from Digital Main Street helps small businesses in Ontario adopt new technologies. The grants, up to $2,500, offer support for training, advisory support, and the digitization of brick-and-mortar small businesses.

Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates’ Alberta Digital Traction offers grants of up to $50,000 to Alberta businesses looking to incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their operations. It targets candidates who are in the process of validating their product or service in the market and are aiming to scale their digital technology in the next few years.

Northwest Territories Business Development and Investment Corporation

The Accelerate Digital Adoption Projects for Tomorrow (ADAPT) Fund, available in the Northwest Territories (NWT), offers up to $2,600 in funding for digitization projects and can supplement the CDAP, up to a combined value of $5,000. Eligible NWT businesses can receive funding for the development of a new e-commerce website, the improvement of an existing one, digital marketing, hardware/software costs, and more.

National Research Council (NRC)

The NRC’s Construction Sector Digitalization and Productivity Challenge Program is a unique initiative aimed at driving innovation through digitalization in the construction sector. This program recognizes the potential of technology in improving productivity and contributes to the emerging low-carbon economy, offering crucial financial support to businesses looking to make this transition.

Final Thoughts

These funding programs serve as catalysts for Canadian businesses seeking to advance their digital capabilities. By leveraging these opportunities, companies can embrace a broader spectrum of cutting-edge technologies and position themselves for growth and competitiveness. It is imperative for businesses to carefully review the specific eligibility criteria and benefits provided by each program to make informed decisions tailored to their unique digital transformation needs and goals.

Need support applying for funding?

If you have questions about any of the above programs or are considering submitting an application, don’t hesitate to contact R&D Partners at 1-800-500-7733 for more information or to schedule a meeting with one of our funding experts.

Unlocking Innovation: Intellectual Property Funding for Quebec Businesses

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In the dynamic landscape of business and technology, intellectual property (IP) stands as a cornerstone for innovation and growth. For businesses in Quebec, a wealth of opportunities awaits through various funding programs tailored to support and foster the protection of intellectual property. In this blog post, we delve into the world of IP funding, shedding light on the avenues available for businesses to safeguard their ideas, products, and technologies. Join us to explore how these initiatives enable Quebec businesses to innovate and thrive on a global scale.

ElevateIP

The newly launched Elevate IP funding program, announced in Budget 2021, assists Canadian enterprises with up to 500 employees. It offers assistance in mastering intellectual property, including crafting and executing strategies like trademark and patent filings, copyright, trade secrets, and more. This initiative operates in collaboration with Canadian Business Accelerators and Incubators (BAI).

Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) – IP Assist

The National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) has extended its advisory services with the IP Assist program to help profit-oriented small or medium-sized Canadian businesses drive growth through innovation. Qualifications include incorporation and a workforce of 500 or fewer employees. Successful applicants become integral to IRAP’s “portfolio,” receiving guidance from dedicated Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs). The IP Assist program consists of three progressive levels of assistance:

Level 1, Awareness: Companies benefit from customized “IP 101” sessions, heightening their understanding of intellectual property and its significance.

Level 2, Strategy: Companies develop a comprehensive IP strategy guided by ITAs. This includes gap analysis, IP landscaping (excluding legal review), competitive analysis, and background art searching.

Level 3, Action: Building upon Level 2, companies execute initiatives aligned with their IP strategy. It covers expenses associated with implementation, such as trademark clearance searches, patentability assessment, IP audit, and branding strategy. Notably, filing fees for patents or trademarks are not covered.

Note that Levels 2 and 3 exclude expenses like legal fees, foreign agent costs, and conference fees.

Innovation Program

The Innovation Program’s Support for Innovation Projects Stream from Investissement Quebec supports for-profit businesses or business groups across diverse sectors. It covers a range of innovation projects, from the planning stage to pre-commercialization. Collaboration with partners outside Quebec is permissible, provided it generates substantial economic and technological benefits for the province.

The program provides comprehensive support for IP protection activities, including funding for IP strategy, rights/licenses, patent applications, agent fees, and IP portfolio assessment. It facilitates patent applications domestically and internationally.

The deadline to submit a complete application is September 22, 2023.

CanExport Innovation Program

The CanExport Innovation program, facilitated by Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, is designed to support Canadian entities engaging in research and development with foreign partners. This initiative offers financial assistance of up to $75,000 CDN, covering 75% of expenses for a single technology. The program focuses on IP-related activities conducted in the foreign partner’s country, including application fees for patent or copyright protection through foreign agencies, as well as legal fees associated with pursuing IP safeguarding in international markets.

Applications are accepted year-round, but approved activities must be finished within the same government fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) as the approval.

Innovative Solutions Canada

Innovative Solutions Canada funds early-stage R&D and prototype testing through several streams. The Challenge stream issues challenges for early-stage innovations in a variety of industries and may cover IP costs for successful applicants. The Testing Stream issues calls for proposals for various themes or issues and funds late-stage innovations; IP is retained by the company.

Final Thoughts

The availability of IP funding programs offers a golden opportunity for Quebec companies to not only protect their innovative concepts but also fuel their expansion and success. By capitalizing on these initiatives, businesses can explore uncharted territories, drive economic growth, and amplify their presence on the global stage.

Need support applying for funding?

If you have questions about any of the above programs or are considering submitting an application, don’t hesitate to contact R&D Partners at 1-800-500-7733 for more information or to schedule a meeting with one of our funding experts.