For small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) via the Government of Canada, these grant programs are currently available across the country. These non-repayable grants can help businesses in growth, innovation and stability.
CanExport Program
This provides support for export marketing and international expansion activities. The program helps exporters improve their sales and brand exposure in international markets through trade shows and marketing activities, packaging modifications, and market research.
- Amount: Up to 75% of project costs to a maximum $75,000 in non-repayable grant funding per project. Up to two applications can be submitted per government fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
- Eligibility: Be registered in Canada and have a Business Number with CRA.
Canada Job Grant
The Canada Job Grant is a Canadian government funding program designed to reduce the costs of providing third-party skills training to new and existing employees. It is available across Canada, with each province and territory responsible for co-branding and developing a system that’s suited towards its workforce and business makeup.
- Amount: Non-repayable grant contributions of 50-100% of training costs (i.e. course, exams, textbooks, software resources, etc.) to a maximum $5,000 to $15,000 per trainee.
- Eligibility: Canadian SME with $2M liability insurance. Trainees must be a Permanent Canadian or citizen or granted refugee status.
Innovative Solutions Canada
ISC provides government grants and procurement contracts to stimulate technology research, development, and commercialization. The program helps start-ups and small/medium-sized businesses (SMEs) overcome technology development hurdles so that they can produce globally-demanded products and services, while also improving government operations.
- Amount: Phase 1: Grants up to $150k; Phase 2: Grants up to $1M; Phase 3: Government procurement contracts with no fixed maximum.
- Eligibility: For-profit, privately held Canadian businesses with fewer than 499 full time employees.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) is a government funded program for small and medium-sized businesses. IRAP provides technical and business innovation advising, as well as financial assistance under four sub-programs:
- Small Technology Innovation Projects
The program provides grants up to $50,000 to help fund research, development and commercialized technology projects. - Mid-sized Technology Innovation Projects
The program provides larger grants for companies that are typically focused on creating original software, and develop new projects through R&D. - Youth Employment Strategy Program
The program provides financial assistance for youth employment by covering 50% (up to $15,000) towards the first 12 months of salary for employees between the ages of 15-30. - Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program
The program offers grants for 80% of direct labour costs, and 75% of costs to hire subcontractors used to speed up product development. This grant is capped at $100,000.
IRAP Eligibility
To qualify for IRAP funding, your business must meet the basic eligibility criteria:
- Must be a small to medium-sized enterprise in Canada, incorporated and profit-oriented;
- Have 500 or fewer full-time employees;
- Must generate profits through development and commercialization of innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services, or processes in Canada.