Startup Grants and Funding Sources in Canada
In Canada, there are plenty of startup grants and funding sources for small businesses. Most will usually have specific requirements to apply, but some can have fewer requirements. This will mean that there are going to be more applicants and the competition for these funds will be stiff.
However, it can be challenging just to get to the application process. It can feel as if you are looking for a needle in a haystack when trying to find any business grants or other funding sources in Canada. Searching for hours or even days on the internet is really the last thing that you want to be doing. This can also be confusing because there are a lot of grants that your small business might be eligible for but it does not specifically say it is for small businesses.
There is more than likely a grant for your small business, whether it is a newer startup or a business that you are looking to expand that is more established. You just have to know where to look.
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It is very important to understand the different kinds of small business funding. Luckily, we have gathered some funding sources for you to look through.
Alberta Startup Grants and Funding Sources
The below are startup grants and funding sources available for small businesses in Alberta.
If you are looking for Alberta grants or business funding and the below options are not helpful, or you need more guidance and help, access all of these options and steps to apply via our Funding Database.
Alberta Export Support Fund
This fund helps small businesses by reducing any costs to attend any new export market trade shows. Ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, this program offers grants to help with the costs of marketing material translation, event registration, travel, and select accommodation costs. Businesses can also exhibit at a reduced cost during select international trade shows that are led by the Government of Alberta, allowing more access to possible foreign customers.
Alberta Innovates: Industry R&D Associates Program
The Industry R&D Associates Program from Alberta Innovates helps businesses with some of the costs to hire an associate to complete research and development activities. To cover a portion of any non-salary costs made by the researcher, the contribution will be paid as a monthly payment and an expense allowance every year of up to $7,000. The associate must be hired full-time.
Alberta Innovates: Product Demonstration Program
Businesses in Alberta that have innovative technology ready for commercialization in the industries of environment, information and communication services, energy, nanotechnology, health, and life sciences including agriculture, forestry, and biotech can qualify for this program. The program offers access to up to 50% of your business costs to a maximum of $300,000 per application.
Alberta Innovates: Export Readiness Micro-Voucher Program
This program supports small businesses in Alberta to develop and build an approach to expand business plans for global export. The focus of the grant is to help businesses hire a qualified service provider to assist with entering the global market. The grant pays one named service provider up to $20,000.
Alberta-Zhejiang Global Partnership Program
This grant provides support for small businesses to create strategic, industry-driven commercialization projects involving innovative work with a partner in Zhejiang. Approved businesses must match the contribution with in-kind resources and equal cash for the project.
Canada-Alberta Job Grant
This program allows employers to apply on behalf of current or future employees for training costs. The funding covers up to two-thirds of training costs to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee per year. If hiring an unemployed Albertan, up to 100% of training costs may be covered to a maximum of $15,000 per employee. Annual funding is capped at $300,000.
British Columbia Grants and Funding
The below programs are British Columbia grant options and various funding programs that may help your small business.
If you are unsure which of these options are right for your BC small business, access the Funding Database and get expert help.
Coast Funds Economic Development Fund
This fund supports sustainable economic development and environmentally sound activities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii areas. Projects with positive social or environmental impacts are given priority.
Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation Business Equity Program
The Business Equity Program provides non-repayable contributions to support starting, expanding, or acquiring a viable business. Incorporated businesses and individuals may receive up to $99,999, while community-owned businesses may receive up to $250,000, subject to other financing and a viable business plan.
Manitoba Business Grants and Funds
Use the below list of Manitoba business grants to kick-start your business. Access the Funding Database to see all Manitoba startup grants, loans, and funding options.
Dragon’s Quest Business Plan Competition
This annual Indigenous Business Planning Competition awards $5,000 to winners in urban, Winnipeg, and rural categories to help start their business.
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund: Business Contribution Fund
This non-repayable fund provides up to 30% of eligible costs to a maximum of $99,999 for individual First Nation businesses and up to $250,000 for group-owned businesses.
First Peoples Economic Growth Fund – Business Plan Assistance
This program helps First Nation entrepreneurs develop professional business plans. Funding covers up to 75% of costs to a maximum of $20,000.
Young Entrepreneurs Program
Applicants aged 18 to 29 may receive up to $4,000 to help with the costs of starting a business in Manitoba.
New Brunswick Grant Programs and Funding Sources
Enabling Agricultural Research and Innovation
This program supports innovative research and development activities within New Brunswick’s agri-food and agriculture sectors.
JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund
The Joint Economic Development Initiative supports Indigenous entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community economic development in New Brunswick.
Newfoundland and Labrador Grants and Funds
Consultant Advisory Services
This program covers up to 75% of consulting costs, to a maximum of $5,000, for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
Nova Scotia Business Grants and Funding
Innovation Rebate Program
This program helps Nova Scotia businesses improve competitiveness through innovation, new technologies, and process improvements.
Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive
This incentive supports training that helps Nova Scotia businesses grow and compete outside the province.
Ontario Startup Grants and Funding
The options below are Ontario startup grants, government loans, and