Small Business Grants: How to Qualify for Canadian Programs
There are 68 small business grants currently offered at the federal level in Canada, and well over 2,287 programs when you account for Provincial, Territorial, and grant programs run by nonprofits and universities.
The typical Canadian small businesses can qualify for at least one of these programs — however, the majority of programs are tied to specific government priority industries like agriculture and hard tech. Key selection criteria for most programs emphasize job creation (Does the business support 10–500 national jobs?) and innovation (does the business drive growth for the Canadian economy?).
Virtually all programs require the company to be incorporated, and to show at least 1–2 years of tax returns during the application process. For information on startup-grants for new or pre-seed companies, see our index of Canadian startup-up grants. For more information on provincial grants, see our page on Ontario small business grants.
Top Federal Small Business Grant Programs Active in Canada (2024)
| Program Name | Grant Range or Benefit | Ideal Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Innovation Fund | Typically supports requests exceeding CAD $10 million | Larger firms in key sectors aiming for innovation and growth |
| Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) | Financial support and advisory services | SMEs focusing on innovation and technology development |
| AgriInnovation Program | Variable depending on project | Agribusinesses looking to commercialize innovative products |
| Clean Growth Program | Support for commercial readiness of clean technologies | Companies in energy, mining, forestry improving efficiency |
| Trade and Transportation Corridors Initiative | Funding for infrastructure improvement projects | Businesses enhancing Canada's trade infrastructure |
| Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) | Variable grants for business growth and innovation | SMEs at various stages of development across Canada |
Canada Small Business Grant Program Summaries
Strategic Innovation Fund
This fund aims to stimulate economic growth by funding large-scale projects in key industrial sectors.
Businesses looking to enhance R&D and commercialize new technologies can apply for support, with funding requests usually starting from CAD $10 million.
Targeted at larger firms in sectors critical to economic development.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
IRAP provides financial assistance and advisory services to small and medium-sized enterprises focused on innovation and technology development.
The program supports the commercialization of new technologies into the global market.
SMEs focusing on innovation and technology development are ideal candidates for this program.
AgriInnovation Program
This program encourages the commercialization and adoption of innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes, or services.
By targeting the agriculture sector, it aims to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.
Agribusinesses looking to commercialize innovative products are encouraged to apply.
Clean Growth Program
The Clean Growth Program focuses on advancing emerging clean technologies toward commercial readiness in the energy, mining, and forestry sectors.
It supports projects that propose new ways to use resources more efficiently while reducing environmental impacts.
Companies in energy, mining, forestry sectors improving efficiency and sustainability are ideal applicants.
Trade and Transportation Corridors Initiative
This initiative invests in infrastructure projects that help strengthen Canada’s trade corridors.
Funding is provided to improve the flow of goods and services, making Canadian businesses more competitive in the global marketplace.
Businesses enhancing Canada's trade infrastructure are prime candidates for this grant.
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
REGI supports businesses at various stages of development, including startups, scale-ups, and those looking to commercialize innovative products or processes.
It fosters business growth and helps enhance the innovation capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada.
SMEs at various stages of development across Canada are ideal applicants for this program.