Grant money doesn’t need to be paid back — which makes it worth spending time pursuing. Canadian entrepreneurs have access to more grant funding than most realize. Here’s where to look.
Federal Programs
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
Offers up to $15,000 to small businesses to adopt digital technologies, plus a 0% interest loan of up to $100,000 from BDC to implement the plan. Eligibility requires being a for-profit SME with at least one employee. Check canada.ca/cdap for current status.
NRC IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)
Funding for technology-focused SMEs doing research and development. Financial contributions toward salaries of R&D staff. Particularly useful for tech startups. Apply through the National Research Council at nrc.canada.ca/irap.
CanExport SMEs
Up to $50,000 (covering 50% of costs) for small businesses developing new export markets. Covers trade show attendance, market research, legal fees for foreign market entry, and more. Apply at tradecommissioner.gc.ca/canexport.
Futurpreneur Canada
Not a grant but a mentorship + loan program: up to $20,000 in financing plus a BDC loan of up to $40,000 for entrepreneurs aged 18-39. The mentorship component (two years with an experienced business advisor) is often more valuable than the money.
Ontario-Specific Programs
Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE)
Funds collaborative projects between businesses and post-secondary institutions. Particularly useful for businesses with a research or technology component. oceinc.com.
Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Ontario has run multiple rounds of small business support funding tied to specific economic conditions. Check ontario.ca/smallbusiness for current availability.
Local Economic Development Programs
Many GTA municipalities run their own small business support programs. The City of Toronto’s Economic Development office, Mississauga’s Economic Development office, and Brampton’s Entrepreneur Hub all offer grants, subsidized programs, and advisory services. Contact your local municipality directly.
Sector-Specific Grants
- Women entrepreneurs: Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) offers up to $100,000 for women-owned businesses
- Black entrepreneurs: Black Entrepreneurship Program offers loans and ecosystem funding
- Indigenous entrepreneurs: Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development program
- Agriculture: AgriInnovate, AgriMarketing, and various Ontario agricultural programs
How to Actually Get a Grant
Grant applications take time and specificity. Tips that improve your odds:
- Read the eligibility criteria literally — apply only if you clearly qualify
- Match your language to the program’s stated goals
- Be specific about outcomes: jobs created, revenue expected, market size
- Apply early — many programs close when funds are exhausted
- Use a grant writer for larger programs ($1,000-$3,000 for professional help can be worth it on a $50,000+ application)
The BDC’s free advisory services can also point you toward funding your business qualifies for. Use them.
