Grants
Governmental grants in Canada have been essential in supporting numerous businesses by providing direct funding for Research and Development projects and facilitating innovation during commercialization stages. Regardless of its size – whether a small enterprise or a large company – your business stands to benefit significantly from these opportunities.
In addition, these grants complement the federal and provincial Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit (SR&ED), offering a powerful synergy. By leveraging both grants and tax credits, your project can receive direct financial support while also qualifying for partial reimbursement – as high as 35% – of the investments made, potentially resulting in a tax refund.
The added benefit is that you may utilize the same documentation for both claims, thereby reducing your workload while simultaneously bolstering the funding for your project.
Whether you’re working on products, technologies, or services in the research and development phase, or looking to market your innovation at the commercialization stage, there are several government programs available in Canada or at an international level to help you. Here is a quick overview of the main ones.
Administered by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), this program targets R&D projects with a high potential for innovation, offering financial support for technology and for hiring new graduates.
Eligibility
Funded Expenditures
Funding Mechanism
The funding for IRAP goes up to $10 million in funding, $1 million per year, over 10 years. To maximize your entry into IRAP program, FI Group recommends that you aim for an initial project with a budget of around $50,000 to secure a spot on their client list and set the stage for future growth.
The automotive industry is undergoing several major changes, with technological advances and evolving mobility preferences redefining its future. Through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Ontario is leading this transformation, building a world-leading automotive manufacturing, and accelerating innovation through game-changing research and emerging technologies.
Administered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), the OVIN R&D Partnership Funds are ideal for small and medium enterprises (SME) that require co-investments and the support of strategic partner to develop, test, validate and demonstrate:
Eligibility
Qualified expenditures
Overview
| Program | Budget | Application timeline | Application process |
| EV & C/AV and smart mobility
Stream 1 |
Up to $300,000 over 12 months | Open, rolling Intake | One-stage application with a single full proposal |
| EV & C/AV and smart mobility
Stream 2 |
Up to $3.000.000 over 24 months | Different rounds during each year | Two-stage application:
– Expression of interest – Full proposal |
| WinterTech Development | Up to $1,500,000 | Different rounds during each year | Two-stage application:
– Expression of interest – Full proposal |
Funding mechanism
Managed by the Minister of Economy and Innovation (MIE) and Investissement Québec, the program’s objective is to support businesses, primarily SMEs, strengthening their capacities and giving them priority at different stages of their innovation projects in Quebec or with partners located abroad.
Eligibility
Qualified Expenditures
Funding mechanism
| Project type | Maximum aid rate | Maximum aid amount |
| Single company | 30% of eligible expenses | $100,000 per project |
| Company conducting a collaborative project | 50% of eligible expenses | $150,000 per project |
| Company conducting
-Real-life operation or use demonstration -Technology showcase |
50% of eligible expenses | $350,000 per project |
AgriScience Program aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians.
Eligibility
Any for-profit Canadian company with R&D projects (SRL 4-7) related to Health claims and human clinical trials, variety development, pest and disease surveillance and indigenous knowledge and science priorities.
Funding mechanism
Qualified Expenditures
Eligible costs include project expenditures with capital assets, administrative costs, contract services, salaries and benefits, travel costs and other related costs.
Areas of concerns
Projects must address ate least one AgriScience three priorities: climate change and environment, economic growth and development, and sector resilience and societal challenges.
Deadline
Rolling intake until March 31, 2028, or until the AgriScience budget runs out.
How to apply
We can put you in contact with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) staff and assist you during application.
