Updated December 2026

E-commerce Business Grants Canada

Free funding for online stores, Shopify businesses, digital retailers, and e-commerce startups. Access grants for website development, digital marketing, and international expansion.

15+ Grant Programs
$100K+ Max Funding
$2,500 Quick-Start Grant

Funding for Every Type of E-commerce Business

Whether you're launching your first Shopify store, scaling a dropshipping operation, or expanding your existing online retail business internationally, Canadian government grants can help fund your growth. These programs cover everything from initial website development to sophisticated digital marketing campaigns and cross-border e-commerce expansion.

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Online Retail Stores

Product-based businesses selling directly to consumers

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Dropshipping

Third-party fulfillment e-commerce models

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Marketplace Sellers

Amazon, Etsy, eBay sellers scaling operations

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Digital Products

Software, courses, downloads & subscriptions

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Subscription Boxes

Recurring e-commerce business models

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B2B E-commerce

Wholesale and business-to-business platforms

Digital Transformation & Startup Grants

Get funding to build your e-commerce presence, from website development to digital marketing tools

Provincial - Ontario $2,500

Digital Main Street - Digital Transformation Grant

Digital Main Street Ontario

Perfect for main street businesses going digital. Covers costs for e-commerce platforms, online payment systems, digital marketing tools, and website development.

Non-Repayable Quick Approval Digital Tools
Eligibility:

Small main street businesses in Ontario registered in a participating municipality.

Apply Now
Territorial - NWT Up to $2,600

ADAPT Fund - Digital Adoption

Prosper NWT

Specifically designed for e-commerce adoption. Covers website development, online store setup, e-commerce platforms, and online payment system integration.

E-commerce Specific Website Dev Payments
Eligibility:

For-profit businesses in NWT with at least one employee or $10,000 in annual gross revenues.

Learn More
Federal Up to $350,000

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Government-backed loans for e-commerce technology, equipment, and improvements. Lower interest rates and easier approval than traditional business loans.

Loan Program Equipment Technology
Eligibility:

Small businesses with gross annual revenues of $10 million or less.

View Details
Federal Crown $10K - $100K+

BDC E-commerce Financing

Business Development Bank of Canada

Flexible financing solutions designed for e-commerce businesses. Covers inventory, technology investments, marketing campaigns, and working capital for growth.

Flexible Terms Working Capital Growth
Eligibility:

Canadian small and medium-sized businesses with viable e-commerce operations.

Explore Options
Federal Up to $60,000

Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada

For young entrepreneurs (18-39) launching e-commerce businesses. Combines financing with mentorship to help first-time business owners succeed online.

Young Entrepreneurs Mentorship Startup
Eligibility:

Canadian citizens/permanent residents aged 18-39 starting or running a business <2 years.

Apply Now
Private Up to $150,000

The Coralus Loan (formerly SheEO)

Coralus

Zero-interest loans for e-commerce ventures led by women and non-binary entrepreneurs. Includes access to a global network of supporters and resources.

0% Interest Women-Led Network Access
Eligibility:

Ventures led by women and non-binary individuals generating revenue in Canada.

Learn More

Expand Your E-commerce Business Internationally

Ready to sell to customers around the world? These export programs help Canadian e-commerce businesses reach international markets with funding for marketing, market research, and trade support.

CanExport SMEs

Up to $75,000

Fund your international e-commerce expansion. Covers digital marketing in foreign markets, website localization, international marketplace fees, and market research.

Apply for CanExport →

Export Development Canada (EDC)

Insurance & Financing

Protect your international e-commerce sales with export credit insurance. EDC covers non-payment risks when selling to foreign customers.

Explore EDC Solutions →

Trade Commissioner Service

Free Advisory

Free market intelligence and introductions in 160+ cities worldwide. Get expert advice on entering new e-commerce markets.

Connect with TCS →

Ontario Together Trade Fund

Varies

Helps Ontario e-commerce businesses respond to trade challenges by diversifying markets and investing in technology for international competitiveness.

View Ontario Fund →

Regional E-commerce Support Programs

Province-specific programs to help local e-commerce businesses grow and compete online

Regional - Atlantic Up to $500,000

ACOA Business Development Program

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Supports Atlantic Canadian e-commerce businesses with funding for technology adoption, digital marketing, and e-commerce platform development.

Atlantic Canada Technology Growth
Eligibility:

SMEs in NB, NS, NL, PEI. Must be incorporated 2+ years and profitable.

Learn More
Regional - Northern ON Up to $5M

FedNor Invest North Program

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Supports Northern Ontario e-commerce businesses with grants for technology adoption, innovation projects, and business expansion including online retail growth.

Northern Ontario Innovation Expansion
Eligibility:

Businesses located in Northern Ontario pursuing growth and innovation.

Explore FedNor
Regional - Prairies Varies

PrairiesCan Business Scale-Up

Prairies Economic Development Canada

Helps Prairie e-commerce businesses scale up operations, adopt new technologies, and expand into new markets with non-repayable contributions.

AB/SK/MB Scale-Up Technology
Eligibility:

Businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba with growth potential.

View Programs
Regional - BC Varies

PacifiCan Business Development

Pacific Economic Development Canada

Supports BC e-commerce businesses with funding for digital transformation, technology adoption, and market expansion initiatives.

British Columbia Digital Growth
Eligibility:

BC-based businesses with innovative e-commerce projects.

Learn More

Eligible E-commerce Platforms & Tools

Most grant programs support development and marketing costs for these popular platforms

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Shopify

Store setup, apps & themes

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WooCommerce

WordPress e-commerce

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BigCommerce

Enterprise solutions

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Magento

Custom development

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Square Online

POS integration

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Stripe/PayPal

Payment processing

E-commerce Grant Application Checklist

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Business Registration

Valid Canadian business registration (incorporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership)

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Business Plan

E-commerce growth plan including market analysis and revenue projections

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Financial Statements

Recent income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections

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Project Budget

Detailed breakdown of how grant funds will be used

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Vendor Quotes

Quotes for website development, software, or marketing services

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Proof of Operations

Evidence of existing business activity (invoices, contracts, sales records)

Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian Shopify store owners can access several funding programs: Digital Main Street offers $2,500 grants for digital transformation including Shopify development. CanExport SMEs provides up to $75,000 for international expansion of your online store. Provincial Regional Development Agencies (ACOA, FedNor, PacifiCan, etc.) offer various programs for technology adoption. The Canada Small Business Financing Program also covers technology investments for e-commerce platforms.

Yes! Several programs support new online stores. Digital Main Street offers $2,500 for digital transformation including e-commerce setup. Futurpreneur Canada provides up to $60,000 for entrepreneurs aged 18-39 starting businesses. The ADAPT Fund in NWT specifically funds e-commerce adoption and website development. Many provincial programs also support new business digital initiatives.

CanExport SMEs is the primary program, providing up to $75,000 for export market development including international digital marketing, website localization, and marketplace expansion. Export Development Canada (EDC) offers financing and insurance for international sales. The Trade Commissioner Service provides free support and market intelligence in 160+ cities worldwide to help you enter foreign markets.

Yes, several programs cover website development costs. Digital Main Street offers $2,500 specifically for digital adoption including website development. The ADAPT Fund in NWT covers website development, e-commerce platform setup, and payment system integration. Regional Development Agencies across Canada fund technology adoption projects including e-commerce platforms and custom website development.

For pure e-commerce operations, CanExport SMEs offers up to $75,000 for export activities. Regional Development Agencies like ACOA can provide up to $500,000 for business development. If your e-commerce business involves technology innovation, IRAP can provide up to $1 million for R&D projects. BDC also offers loans up to $100,000+ specifically for e-commerce growth and scaling.

Most grants are non-repayable (free money), but some programs are loans or require matching funds. Digital Main Street, CanExport, and most provincial grants are non-repayable. The Canada Small Business Financing Program and BDC provide loans that must be repaid with interest. Coralus (SheEO) offers zero-interest loans. Always verify the program type before applying - grant listings clearly indicate whether funds are repayable.

Related Grant Categories

💻 Technology Grants 🌍 Export & Trade Grants 🚀 Startup Grants 🏛️ Ontario Grants 👩‍💼 Women Entrepreneur Grants 📖 First-Time Applicant Guide

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