Government of Canada Grant Programs
Last updated:Organization: National Research Council Canada
Amount: Up to $1,000,000
Canada's flagship innovation funding program. Provides advice, connections, and funding to help SMEs increase innovation capacity and commercialize technologies.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs with 500 or fewer employees
Learn More →Organization: Canada Revenue Agency
Amount: Up to 68% tax refund on R&D expenses
Canada's largest R&D incentive. Provides tax credits for eligible research and experimental development activities conducted in Canada.
Eligibility: Canadian businesses conducting eligible R&D in Canada
Learn More →Organization: Global Affairs Canada
Amount: Up to $99,999
Helps Canadian SMEs pursue new export opportunities in international markets. Covers market research, trade shows, and export development.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs seeking new export markets
Learn More →Organization: ISED Canada
Amount: Up to $15,000
Helps SMEs adopt digital technologies for e-commerce, digital marketing, and business operations. Includes access to digital advisors.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs with 1-499 employees
Learn More →Organization: ISED Canada
Amount: Up to $250,000
Provides financing, mentorship, and business support specifically for Black Canadian entrepreneurs and business owners.
Eligibility: Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada
Learn More →Organization: Futurpreneur Canada
Amount: Up to $60,000
Financing, mentoring, and support for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-39. Combines startup loans with expert mentorship.
Eligibility: Canadian residents aged 18-39 starting a business
Learn More →Organization: ISED Canada
Amount: Up to $50 million
Supports large-scale, transformative projects in R&D, commercialization, and growth. For major innovation and manufacturing investments.
Eligibility: For-profit corporations incorporated in Canada
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Organization: Natural Resources Canada
Amount: Up to $10 million
Supports clean technology development and demonstration. Helps companies bring clean energy innovations to market.
Eligibility: Canadian companies developing clean technologies
Learn More →Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Amount: Up to $10 million
Supports commercialization of innovative agri-food products, technologies, and processes.
Eligibility: For-profit organizations in agriculture/agri-food
Learn More →Organization: ISED Canada
Amount: Up to $1 million
Connects Canadian innovators with federal departments to solve government challenges. Procurement-driven innovation funding.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs with innovative solutions
Learn More →Organization: Employment and Social Development Canada
Amount: Up to $25,000
Wage subsidies for employers hiring youth aged 15-30. Helps businesses build workforce while supporting youth employment.
Eligibility: Employers hiring youth aged 15-30
Learn More →Organization: Indigenous Services Canada
Amount: Up to $500,000
Business financing and support for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Includes startup funding, business expansion, and mentorship.
Eligibility: Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses
Learn More →Organization: ISED Canada
Amount: Up to $100,000
Funding and resources specifically for women-owned businesses. Includes grants, loans, and ecosystem support.
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs and majority women-owned businesses
Learn More →Organization: ISED Canada
Amount: Up to $1,000,000
Government-backed loans for equipment, property, and leasehold improvements. Lower interest rates than conventional loans.
Eligibility: Small businesses with revenues under $10M
Learn More →Showing 15 of 74 Government of Canada programs
Use Grant Finder for All MatchesTop Government of Canada Grant Programs Comparison (2026)
| Program | Amount | Best For | Repayment | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRAP | Up to $1M | Tech R&D, innovation | None | 2-3 months |
| SR&ED Tax Credit | Up to 68% | R&D activities | Tax credit | Annual filing |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $99,999 | Export expansion | None | 4-8 weeks |
| CDAP | Up to $15,000 | Digital adoption | None | 4-6 weeks |
| Black Entrepreneurship | Up to $250K | Black entrepreneurs | None | 6-8 weeks |
| Futurpreneur | Up to $60K | Ages 18-39 | Partial | 6-8 weeks |
| Strategic Innovation | Up to $50M | Large projects | Varies | 3-6 months |
Frequently Asked Questions About Government of Canada Grants
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Summary: Government of Canada Grants for Small Business (2026)
The Government of Canada offers 74 federal grant programs for small businesses in 2026, with funding ranging from $5,000 to $50 million. The most popular program is IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program), providing up to $1 million for technology R&D through the National Research Council. The SR&ED tax credit returns up to 68% of eligible R&D expenses. For export-focused businesses, CanExport SMEs provides up to $99,999 for international market development. Small businesses can access the Canada Digital Adoption Program for up to $15,000 to adopt digital technologies. The Black Entrepreneurship Program offers up to $250,000 for Black Canadian entrepreneurs. Young entrepreneurs (18-39) can access Futurpreneur for up to $60,000 in financing plus mentorship. For large-scale projects, the Strategic Innovation Fund provides up to $50 million. Most federal grants are non-repayable and available to businesses across all provinces. Processing times typically range from 4-12 weeks. Source: GrantCompass.ca, updated February 2026.
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