Updated November 2025

Canadian Manufacturing Funding & Grants

Access 18+ funding programs for manufacturing businesses. From equipment upgrades to facility expansions, find the support your operation needs.

Find Your Grants
18+
Funding Programs
$10M+
Maximum Funding
100%
Free to Apply

What is Manufacturing Funding?

Manufacturing funding in Canada includes grants, tax credits, and contributions that help manufacturers modernize operations, adopt new technologies, expand capacity, and improve competitiveness. Unlike loans, many programs provide non-repayable funding.

SR&ED Tax Credit

Canada Revenue Agency (Federal)

15-35% Credit

Canada's largest R&D incentive program. Manufacturers can claim tax credits on wages, materials, and contractor costs for qualifying scientific research and experimental development activities. Combined federal and provincial credits can exceed 50% in some provinces.

R&D Tax Credit All Provinces

IRAP

National Research Council Canada

Up to $1M

Non-repayable contributions for technology innovation projects. Covers up to 80% of eligible costs for R&D activities in manufacturing. Includes free advisory services from Industrial Technology Advisors.

Innovation Non-repayable Advisory Support

CME SMART Program

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

Up to $100K

Funding for manufacturing improvement projects including lean manufacturing, automation assessment, and digital transformation. Available through regional CME offices across Canada.

Lean Manufacturing Automation Digital

Strategic Innovation Fund

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

$10M+

Large-scale funding for major manufacturing projects with significant economic impact. Supports facility construction, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain investments.

Major Projects Facility Expansion Supply Chain

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of manufacturer funding are available in Canada?

Canadian manufacturers can access federal programs (SR&ED, IRAP, Strategic Innovation Fund), provincial manufacturing incentives, and private sector programs like CME SMART. Funding ranges from $5,000 for equipment upgrades to $10M+ for major facility expansions.

How much funding can manufacturers get in Canada?

Funding amounts vary by program: SR&ED offers 15-35% tax credits on R&D spending, IRAP provides up to $1M in non-repayable contributions, provincial programs typically range from $50K-$500K, and the Strategic Innovation Fund can exceed $10M for large projects.

What are the eligibility requirements for manufacturing grants?

Most programs require: Canadian-controlled corporation status, manufacturing operations in Canada, financial statements proving viability, and a clear project plan. Some programs target specific sectors (aerospace, automotive, food processing) or activities (automation, exports, clean technology).

What is the SR&ED tax credit for manufacturers?

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is Canada's largest R&D incentive. Manufacturers can claim 15% federal tax credit (35% for CCPCs on first $3M) plus provincial credits ranging from 4.5% to 30% depending on province. This covers wages, materials, and contractor costs for qualifying R&D activities.

How do I apply for IRAP funding as a manufacturer?

To apply for IRAP: 1) Contact your regional NRC-IRAP office, 2) Meet with an Industrial Technology Advisor, 3) Submit your technology innovation project proposal, 4) If approved, receive non-repayable contributions covering up to 80% of eligible costs. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks.

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