Manitoba Climate and Economy Solutions Program (CESP)
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Joint federal-provincial grant program providing up to 35% of eligible project costs for Manitoba businesses, organizations, and communities undertaking GHG reduction projects. Funds stationary equipment retrofits (fuel switching from fossil fuels), industrial/commercial vehicle electrification, and self-generated renewable energy production. Part of a $23M envelope under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, with projects required to demonstrate cost-effectiveness under $2,500 per tonne of CO2e reduced.
Eligibility Requirements
- Manitoba for-profit businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations in Manitoba
- Manitoba municipalities and municipal entities
- Indigenous communities and organizations (First Nations, Métis)
- Manitoba government entities and Crown corporations
- Public sector bodies and research institutions
- Project must take place in Manitoba
- Eligible expenses incurred between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2029
- Projects must not exceed $2,500 per tonne of CO2e reduced
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to 35% of eligible project costs (25% federal + 10% provincial for businesses)
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 35% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Second intake opened February 2, 2026
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
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How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThe cost-effectiveness threshold of $2,500/tCO2e is the key screening criterion — calculate your GHG reductions carefully before applying. Fuel-switching projects (e.g., replacing propane or diesel heating with geothermal or electric) typically score well on cost-effectiveness. For-profit businesses get up to 10% provincial top-up beyond the 25% federal share, reaching 35% total. Submit Part A early in each intake window; approvals may be processed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
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Rejection Pitfalls 8
- Project exceeds $2,500 per tonne of CO2e cost-effectiveness threshold
- GHG reduction estimates are vague or not quantified in tCO2e
- Project is not located in Manitoba
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Success Profile
Manitoba businesses or organizations with shovel-ready projects that deliver measurable GHG reductions at under $2,500/tCO2e. Strongest applicants have detailed engineering estimates, clear fuel-switching or electrification plans, and 65%+ matching funds secured. Top project types: industrial boiler fuel-switching, commercial fleet electrification, solar/biogas installations, and geothermal district heating systems.
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Evaluation Criteria
Two-stage evaluation: Part A eligibility screening (completeness, eligible activities/expenditures, cost-sharing compliance); Part B merit evaluation covering: (a) Project Risks and Mitigation — financial, timeline, technical risks; (b) Project Viability — achievable workplan, capacity to complete; (c) GHG Reductions and Value-for-Money — quantified tCO2e reductions in 2030 using provided GHG Tool, cost-per-tonne ($500/tCO2e = excellent, $2,500/tCO2e = threshold); (d) Co-Benefits — industry-leading clean growth, clean growth collaboration, Indigenous climate leadership, climate adaptation; (e) Net-Zero Alignment — degree of decarbonization, carbon lock-in avoidance, best available technology, scope 3 emissions.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 9
Eligible Expenses 13
- Incremental human resources costs, including salary and benefits for project staff
- Management and professional service costs (accounting, monitoring, communications, audit charges)
- GHG emissions reductions verification and federal cost-effectiveness estimate verification
- Results monitoring, measuring and reporting costs
- Material and supply costs
- Printing, production, and distribution costs
- Equipment and capital assets purchase or rental
- Vehicle rental and operation costs
- Contractors required to perform project activities
- Training fees and expenses, including training materials
- Official language translation costs
- Monetary honoraria for Indigenous Elders and/or Knowledge Keepers for specific participation activities
- Non-rebatable GST/HST and PST
Ineligible Expenses 7
- Costs incurred in implementing projects that are cancelled or withdrawn
- Land securement, leasing land, buildings, and other facilities
- Leasing equipment other than equipment directly related to construction of project components
- Financing charges, legal fees, and loan interest payments, including those related to easements
- PST and GST/HST for which the recipient is eligible for a rebate
- Expenditures incurred before April 1, 2025
- Expenditures incurred after March 31, 2029
Intake Periods
Multiple intakes within the program period (April 2025 – March 2029). First intake closed December 1, 2025. Second intake opened February 2, 2026. Monitor [email protected] and Manitoba Grants Online for subsequent intakes.
Deadline Notes
First intake closed December 1, 2025. Second intake opened February 2, 2026 — closing date not publicly confirmed. Program is listed in Manitoba's grants directory (no dedicated landing page). Scroll to "Climate and Economy Solutions Program" on the grants listing page.
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskSee which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. Unlock with Premium →
How CESP Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba Climate and Economy Solution... | Up to 35% of eligible project costs | Hard | Reimbursement | Second intake opened... |
| Manitoba Climate Action Fund | Up to $150,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Check Manitoba website |
| Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit | Up to 30% refundable tax credit | Moderate | Tax Credit Offset | Ongoing (available March... |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Annual intake window.... |
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