PrairiesCan Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP)

Insider Tip

The EOI stage is your critical gate — make it compelling with quantifiable growth metrics (revenue trajectory, job creation, export potential). BSP reimburses costs already incurred, so you need working capital to float expenses before claiming. Avoid including SR&ED-eligible expenses in your BSP budget to maximize both programs.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

• Business not incorporated or operating less than 2 years in Prairie provinces
• Cannot demonstrate confirmed co-funding of at least 50% from non-government sources
• Project costs below $200,000 minimum threshold

Success Profile

Incorporated business in AB/SK/MB with 2+ years of operation and 20%+ revenue growth. Priority sectors: advanced manufacturing, clean tech, digital, health/biosciences, value-added agriculture. Strong financial statements and confirmed co-funding capacity.

Evaluation Criteria

Market potential (credible sizeable market, export opportunity strengthens), management capability (track record for projects of this scale), financial capacity (sustain operations + 50% co-fund + repayment), economic benefits (Prairie job creation and revenue growth), technology readiness (TRL 7+ preferred for tech projects), and alignment with priority sectors (advanced manufacturing, clean tech, digital, health/biosciences, value-added agriculture).

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 7

• Wages and benefits for incremental staff specifically assigned to the project
• Purchase of machinery, equipment, and technology systems required for the project
• Management fees and direct operating expenses incremental to and essential for the project
• Costs to acquire, adapt, and integrate new technologies and processes
• Incremental costs for developing or expanding into new markets
• Consultant and implementation costs for productivity improvement and process re-engineering
• Capital and operating costs to enhance manufacturing capacity tied to project scope

Ineligible Expenses 8

• Basic and applied research and development (TRL 1-6)
• Allowance for interest on invested capital, bonds, debentures, and other debts
• Losses on investments, bad debts, and associated expenses
• Donations, dues, and membership fees
• Non-incremental costs that would have been incurred without the project
• Costs deemed unreasonable or not directly related to approved project activities
• Costs incurred before project approval
• SR&ED-eligible R&D expenditures (best excluded to maximize both programs separately)

Intake Periods

Continuous intake — no fixed annual deadlines. Apply at any time via 2-stage EOI + full application process. Best window: April-June (early fiscal year for fresh budget allocation). Lowest success probability: February-March (end of fiscal year).

Deadline Notes

Continuous intake with no fixed deadline. Budget availability fluctuates with fiscal year cycles (April 1 start). Submit EOIs early in the fiscal year (April-June) when fresh budget allocations are available.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Businesses not incorporated in Canada
• Businesses with fewer than 2 years of operating history in Canada
• Businesses without staffed operating facilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
• Businesses that cannot confirm non-government co-funding for at least 50% of project costs
• Businesses that have already received $10M in cumulative BSP support (lifetime cap)
• Non-profit organizations and charities (for-profit only; non-profits served by separate RIE stream)
• Businesses with project activities already underway before application submission

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

Low-to-moderate. Key triggers: project activities commenced before approval, material misrepresentation in EOI or application, failure to complete project or achieve approved scope, defaulting on repayment after project completion, change of ownership or insolvency during the project period.