📋 Manufacturing Grants Overview
Canadian manufacturers can access significant government funding through federal and provincial programs. The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides up to $1 million for innovation projects, while the Strategic Innovation Fund supports major industrial transformation with grants up to $100 million. For R&D activities, the SR&ED tax credit offers up to 68% combined federal-provincial returns. The NGen Supercluster co-funds collaborative manufacturing projects, and CanExport helps manufacturers expand internationally. Provincial programs add additional support for workforce training, equipment upgrades, and technology adoption. Most programs accept rolling applications, but funding is competitive—early applications have higher success rates.
Compare Top Manufacturing Grants
Quick comparison of major funding programs for manufacturers
| Program | Max Amount | Best For | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRAP | $1 million | SME innovation & R&D | 2-4 months |
| Strategic Innovation Fund | $100 million | Large transformation projects | 6-12 months |
| SR&ED Tax Credit | 68% of R&D costs | Research & development | Annual claim |
| NGen Supercluster | Project-based | Advanced manufacturing tech | 3-6 months |
| CanExport SMEs | $99,999 | Export market development | 1-2 months |
| Canada Digital Adoption | $15,000 | Digital transformation | 1-2 months |
All Manufacturing Grant Programs
Federal and provincial funding opportunities for Canadian manufacturers
Canada's premier innovation funding program. Provides advisory services and funding to help SMEs increase innovation capacity and commercialize new products, processes, and services.
Supports large-scale, transformative projects in manufacturing, clean technology, and digital industries. Ideal for major facility upgrades, expansion projects, and industrial transformation.
Federal tax incentive for R&D activities in Canada. Manufacturers developing new products, improving processes, or solving technical challenges can claim significant tax credits on eligible expenditures.
Canada's Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster. Co-funds collaborative projects in automation, AI, robotics, and advanced materials. Requires industry consortia partnerships.
Helps manufacturers pursue new export markets. Covers costs of trade shows, market research, marketing materials, and business travel to target markets.
Helps manufacturers adopt digital technologies—ERP systems, inventory management, e-commerce platforms, and production automation software.
Funds AI implementation in supply chains and manufacturing operations. Focus on predictive maintenance, quality control, and production optimization.
Supports large-scale industrial transformation projects that strengthen Canada's manufacturing capacity through facility upgrades and major equipment investments.
Refundable tax credit for eligible R&D expenditures incurred in Ontario. Stacks with federal SR&ED for combined benefits.
Refundable tax credit for R&D activities in Quebec. One of Canada's most generous provincial R&D incentives for manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canadian manufacturers can access 18+ grant programs including IRAP (up to $1M for innovation), Strategic Innovation Fund (up to $100M for major projects), SR&ED tax credits (up to 68% of R&D costs), NGen Supercluster funding, and provincial programs like Ontario's Innovation Tax Credit and Quebec's R&D tax credits.
Manufacturing grants range from $10,000 for small equipment upgrades to $100 million for major industrial transformation projects. Most SME manufacturers qualify for $50,000-$500,000 through programs like IRAP, CanExport, and provincial innovation funds.
NGen (Next Generation Manufacturing Canada) is Canada's Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster. It co-funds collaborative manufacturing and technology projects, typically covering 30-50% of project costs. Manufacturers must partner with other industry members or research institutions to apply.
Yes, many programs specifically target SME manufacturers. IRAP is ideal for small manufacturers (under 500 employees) with up to $1M available. The Canada Digital Adoption Program offers up to $15,000 for digital tools. Provincial training grants cover up to $10,000 per employee.
SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) provides tax credits of up to 35% (federal) plus provincial credits for eligible R&D work. Manufacturers developing new products, improving processes, or solving technical challenges can claim these credits. Combined federal-provincial rates can reach 68%.
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