Small Business Grants and Funding in Canada
The Canadian government, with multiple levels of government (local, provincial, and federal), has a number of government funding programs, including grants, government loans, tax breaks, and credits, to help individuals start a business or help existing businesses grow.
This is done to boost the Canadian economy, create jobs, and put money back into the system, allowing countless others to benefit from job creation and additional funding.
With that in mind, the Government of Canada regularly creates new funding opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of. This comes in the form of government grants to support small businesses. You can review all government grants and funding options in the Funding Database.
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Today, we will be looking at the top 11 small business grants for Canadians to take advantage of in 2026.
Access the Top 2026 Small Business Grants in Canada
These top 11 grant programs are provided to small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. See if any of them appeal to your specific business needs and use the Funding Database to obtain access and expert help for these non-repayable grants.
Grant #1: SCAP
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a comprehensive five-year program initiated in April 2026. It represents a $3.5 billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments to support Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.
The program includes $1 billion dedicated to federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion cost-shared commitment between the federal government (60 percent) and provincial or territorial governments (40 percent).
Key objectives of the Sustainable CAP include enhancing competitiveness, innovation, and resilience in the agricultural sector. Priority areas include climate change, environmental sustainability, research and innovation, market development, trade, resiliency, and public trust.
The partnership also introduces initiatives such as the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, a $250 million cost-shared program that supports carbon sequestration and the protection of grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands.
This agreement represents the fifth pan-Canadian agricultural policy framework, following the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Growing Forward 2, Growing Forward, and the Agriculture Policy Framework.
Want to access and apply for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership? Review program specifics in the Funding Database.
Grant #2: CDAP
Canada Digital Adoption Program
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) is a $4 billion initiative launched as part of Budget 2026 to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital technologies.
Program Streams
- Grow Your Business Online: Provides up to $2,400 in micro-grants to help consumer-facing businesses adopt e-commerce technologies.
- Boost Your Business Technology: Covers up to 90 percent of the cost, to a maximum of $15,000, to develop a digital adoption plan, plus access to interest-free loans up to $100,000.
The program aims to improve productivity, competitiveness, and digital readiness among Canadian SMEs.
Access CDAP through the Funding Database.
Grant #3
CanExport SMEs
The CanExport SMEs program helps Canadian small and medium-sized businesses expand into international markets by providing funding of up to $50,000, covering up to 50 percent of eligible costs.
Eligible activities include participation in international trade shows, business development initiatives, and e-commerce expansion. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Since its launch, CanExport SMEs has supported over 3,000 projects in more than 145 international markets.
Grant #4: CJG
Canada Job Grant
The Canada Job Grant helps employers cover the cost of third-party skills training for new and existing employees. Funding amounts and eligibility vary by province.
The program supports upskilling, workforce development, and training delivered by approved third-party providers.
Grant #5: ISC
Innovative Solutions Canada
Innovative Solutions Canada supports small businesses developing innovative products, services, or technologies. The program provides funding through Challenge and Testing streams.
- Phase 1 funding of up to $150,000 for proof of concept
- Phase 2 funding of up to $1 million for prototype development
Participants retain full intellectual property rights.
Grant #6: CEC
Creative Export Canada
The Creative Export Canada program helps Canadian creative industries grow internationally through funding and export development support.
Funding is available through Export-Ready and Export Development streams, supporting industries such as music, film, publishing, digital media, and design.
Grant #7: IRAP
Industrial Research Assistance Program
NRC IRAP supports innovative small and medium-sized enterprises through funding, advisory services, and R and D support.
The program plays a key role in commercializing technology and strengthening Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
Grant #8: NGen
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada is an industry-led organization supporting advanced manufacturing through funding, collaboration, and workforce development initiatives.
Grant #9: BSP
Business Scale-Up and Productivity Program
The BSP program supports high-growth businesses adopting innovative technologies to improve productivity, scale operations, and commercialize products.
Funding generally covers up to 50 percent of eligible project costs and is often repayable.
Grant #10: SWODF / EODF
Southwestern and Eastern Ontario Development Fund
This program supports job creation, innovation, and investment in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario through grants and loans for eligible businesses.
It focuses on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology, and life sciences.
Grant #11: SBSG
Small Business Success Grant
The Small Business Success Grant is a $1,500 non-repayable grant designed to help new Canadian businesses start and grow.
Key Benefits
- Up to $1,500 in grant funding
- No credit checks
- No restrictions on fund usage
- No matching contribution required
Eligibility Criteria
- Business must be located in Canada
- Business must be less than one year old
- Revenue must not exceed $10,000
- Business must be registered or incorporated
- Submission of a business plan and pitch deck is required
Program Benefits
- Equipment purchases
- Marketing and advertising
- Cash flow and operations
- Payroll and wages
- Hiring and training
- Leasehold improvements
- Inventory and supplies
- Professional services
Ready to Access Small Business Grants?
The grants listed above represent only a portion of what is available. The Funding Database includes over 1,500 funding options such as grants, loans, tax breaks, and credits.
Get expert help to search and apply for these grants today.