The two largest programs available to a Canadian technology business are IRAP and SR&ED, and they work in opposite directions. IRAP funds a project before you spend, with an advisor involved from the start. SR&ED refunds a share of what you have already spent, through your tax return. Businesses that use both treat them as separate exercises rather than one application.
Incorporation is required for both IRAP and SR&ED, which rules out sole proprietors for the two largest programs in this sector.
Provincial innovation funding including product development vouchers and commercialization support for Alberta technology and industrial businesses.
BC innovation funding including R&D vouchers and technology commercialization support.
Federal departments post specific technical challenges and fund businesses to solve them, with the government as first customer.
Non-repayable contributions toward R&D projects with genuine technical uncertainty, plus access to an Industrial Technology Advisor who works with the business directly.
Industry-led funding for advanced manufacturing projects, particularly automation, clean technology manufacturing and digital production.
Canada's largest business support program, refunding a share of eligible R&D spending through the tax system rather than an application process.
A micro-grant for consumer-facing small businesses adopting e-commerce, plus advisory support from a local e-commerce advisor.
Wage subsidy for hiring young people aged 15 to 30 for summer positions. Open to small businesses including sole proprietors.
Cost-shared funding for training existing or new employees through a third-party trainer. Open to sole proprietors as well as incorporated businesses.
Every province runs wage subsidy and training grant programs for hiring and upskilling, often the easiest non-repayable money a small business can access.
Grant funding plus training and mentorship for new and early-stage Ontario businesses, delivered locally through Small Business Enterprise Centres.
The federal government's largest business funding vehicle, for major industrial, clean technology and critical infrastructure projects. Not a small business program.
Provincial financing and support for Quebec businesses, including loans, guarantees and equity, alongside tax credits administered separately.
Provincial funding for Ontario businesses investing in equipment, capacity and domestic supply chains. Runs on periodic intake windows rather than continuously.
A federal loan guarantee that makes banks willing to lend to businesses they would otherwise decline. You borrow from your own bank; the government covers up to 85% of the lender's loss on default.
Term lending from the federal business development bank, structured around cash flow rather than collateral, with longer amortizations and more flexible repayment than a commercial bank.
Collateral-free startup lending with mandatory mentorship for founders aged 18 to 39, often co-lent with BDC. It is a loan, not a grant, but it is the most accessible startup capital in the country for founders with no business credit history.
Covers most of the cost of a digital adoption plan built with an approved advisor, and opens access to an interest-free BDC loan to implement it.
Lending for Black business owners through partner financial institutions, alongside a separate knowledge hub and ecosystem funding stream.
Provincial grant and funding programs for BC businesses, alongside Small Business BC advisory services.
The government's own search tool covering hundreds of federal, provincial and municipal programs. Where to go once you have exhausted the major programs listed here.
Financing and support for Indigenous-owned businesses, delivered largely through a network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions rather than a single federal program.
Regionally targeted Ontario funds for job creation, equipment and expansion: Southwestern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
Federal agencies funding business growth in their own regions, usually through interest-free repayable contributions rather than grants. Terms and priorities differ by agency.
A federal strategy combining a loan fund, an ecosystem fund, and access to advisory support for women-owned and women-led businesses.
