Access $50 billion+ in federal and provincial funding. 118+ active programs for Canadian businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs.
Explore funding programs by category to find the best match for your business
Programs from Government of Canada agencies including NRC-IRAP, CRA (SR&ED), BDC, and EDC. Available nationwide.
Province-specific funding from economic development ministries. Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec offer the most programs.
Funding for technology development, research, and commercialization. Includes SR&ED tax credits and IRAP contributions.
Support for international expansion including CanExport, trade missions, and market research funding.
Wage subsidies and skills training funding including Canada Job Grant and provincial training programs.
Environmental initiatives including Net Zero Accelerator, clean technology adoption, and energy efficiency upgrades.
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success
Use GrantCompass to match your business profile with available grants. Filter by industry, province, business stage, and funding amount to find the best opportunities.
Each program has specific eligibility criteria, deadlines, and documentation requirements. Carefully review all guidelines before starting your application.
Gather business registration, financial statements, and project plans. Strong applications include clear objectives, realistic budgets, and measurable outcomes.
Most programs have online portals for submission. Some require direct contact with program officers. Submit before deadlines and keep copies of everything.
Track your application status and respond promptly to requests for additional information. Typical approval takes 4-16 weeks depending on the program.
Common questions about Canadian government grants
Canada offers 118+ government grant programs including: federal programs (SR&ED, IRAP, CanExport, Strategic Innovation Fund), provincial programs (Ontario Jobs Grant, BC Tech Fund, Alberta Innovates), and municipal economic development grants. Total funding exceeds $50 billion annually.
Eligibility varies by program but common requirements include: Canadian-controlled corporation, operating in Canada, viable business plan, and project alignment with program goals. Programs exist for startups, established businesses, non-profits, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and women-owned businesses.
The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) offers the largest grants, with contributions exceeding $100M for major projects. For most businesses, IRAP provides up to $1M non-repayable, while the Canada Small Business Financing Program supports loans up to $1M.
Yes, most government grants are considered taxable income in Canada. They must be reported as business income in the year received. However, some programs like SR&ED provide tax credits rather than grants, which reduce your tax payable.
Timeline varies by program: IRAP approval takes 4-8 weeks, SR&ED claims process in 6-12 weeks, provincial grants typically 8-16 weeks, and larger federal programs like SIF can take 6+ months. Complete documentation speeds up the process.
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