Government Funding Directory

Canadian Government Grant, Loan, and Funding Programs Mentor Works Can Write for Your Business.

Canadian government funding programs can support small businesses, large corporations, non-profits and post-secondary research institutions. However, the key to accessing these programs are knowing which ones provide the best fit for your organization and upcoming projects.

Mentor Works team of Canadian government grant & loan application writers have an average success rate of 86% across all government funding programs and provide our clients with an average of 95% time savings. Speak with a member of our team to find out what programs your business may be eligible for by calling us at 1-888-599-3111 or visiting our Get Funding Help page.

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Funding Programs Region Funding Activity Description Learn More Show on Site? Tags
Accelerating Innovations Into Care Alberta Research & Development
  • Supports the commercialization of health tech via collaborations of Alberta SMEs and public health providers
  • Up to 50% project expenses to a maximum $150,000 contribution
 Yes
Accessible Technology Program (ATP) Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supports the development and testing of assistive technologies
  • Up to $4M per project/year in non-repayable grants
 Yes software,
Ag Action Manitoba Manitoba Business Expansion
  • Supports the growth and competitiveness of Manitoba agriculture
  • Amount varies depending on the project focus your business chooses
 Yes food,
AgriAssurance: SME Stream Canada-wide Business Expansion
  • Supports businesses to meet certification standards in the agricultural and agri-food sector
  • Up to 50% to a maximum $50,000 in non-repayable government funding
 Yes food, manufacturing,
Agricultural Clean Technology Program (ACT) Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supports research, development and adoption of clean technologies through investments and promotion of gri-based bioproducts
  • Access up to 50-75% of costs to a maximum $5M project
 Yes food, manufacturing,
AgriInnovate Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supports businesses to commercialize and/or adopt innovative agri-based products, technologies, processes or services
  • Access up to 50% of project expenses to a maximum of $10 million per application
 Yes food,
Alberta Media Fund Alberta Research & Development
  • Supports organizations and individuals developing screen-based media, scripts, books, magazines, and sound recordings
  • Up to 18%-50% of eligible costs covered to a maximum $20k-$200k, depending on funding stream
 Yes software,
Agri-Tech Innovation Cost-Share Program Ontario Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports the modernization of agriculture-specific, unique and innovative technologies in the workplace that enhance protection of workers against COVID-19
 Yes food, manufacturing, cleantech
Alberta-Ontario Innovation Program Ontario Research & Development
  • Supports commercialization of technology and/or productivity improvements of businesses
  • Access up to 50% of costs to a maximum $500,000 per collaboration
 Yes automotive,
Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (AVIN) Program Ontario Research & Development
  • Supports projects related to the development, validation, testing, demonstration, and prototyping of mobility technologies and services
  • Up to one-third of the eligible project costs up to a maximum of $500,000
 Yes automotive, cleantech,
AV R&D Partnership Fund: Technology Demonstrations Ontario Research & Development
  • Supports the development and demonstration of pre-market technologies the automotive sector
  • Up to 33% of eligible costs to a maximum of $1,000,000 in grant funding
 Yes automotive,
Business Scale-up and Productivity Program (BSP) Ontario Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Helps to offset upfront project costs and helps southern Ontario businesses grow more quickly
  • Access repayable funding for up to 35% of project costs to a maximum $10M
 Yes exporting, food, software, manufacturing, auto, cleantech,
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Support for projects that improve the physical condition of arts and heritage collaboration, creation, presentation, and exhibition spaces
  • Up to 50% to $500k-$15M depending on the project type. Up to 75% for rural and underserved communities
 Yes
Canada Job Grant (CJG) Canada-wide Hiring & Training
  • Designed to reduce the costs of providing third-party skills training to new and existing employees
  • Up to 50-100% of eligible costs covered in most provinces
 Yes exporting, food, software, manufacturing, auto, northern ontario, cleantech
Canada Media Fund: Experimental Stream Canada-wide Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Supports developing, producing, and promoting innovative, interactive software development projects including apps and video games
  • Up to $15k-$1.5M per project phase in grants
 Yes software, cleantech,
Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports business growth through business loans with competitive interest rates
  • Up to $1M for business expansion activities
 Yes exporting, food, software, manufacturing, auto,
Canada Summer Jobs Canada-wide Hiring & Training
  • Support for employers providing supervised career-related work experience for youth employees
  • Up to 50% of employee minimum hourly rate; Non-profits can receive grants up to 100% of minimum wage plus Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs); Amount is capped at a max $300K per employer/province or territory. Maximum 40 hours/week/employee can be included.
 Yes exporting, food, software, manufacturing, auto, northern ontario, cleantech
Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Canada-wide Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Supports Canadian agricultural business expansion and growth
  • Up to 50%-75% of expenses to a max $1M in grants
 Yes food,
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP) Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports projects that help the agricultural industry mitigate emerging issues and capitalize on opportunities
  • Up to 50% to a maximum of $1M in grants
 Yes food,
Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supports municipalities demonstrating an innovative solution or approach to environmental issues
  • Up to $175,000 to cover up to 80% of eligible costs for all three study streams
 Yes
CanExport Canada-wide Business Expansion
  • This program is currently paused until fall 2021. Supports global expansion projects including participation in trade shows and government-led trade missions
  • Up to 75% to a max $75,000 in grants
 Yes exporting, food, software, manufacturing, auto, northern ontario, cleantech,
CAP Alberta Alberta Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Supports businesses and organizations completing projects that lead to the growth and competitiveness of Alberta agriculture
  • Up to 50% of eligible project costs
 Yes food,
CAP Ontario Ontario Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Supports Ontario agricultural business expansion and growth
  • Up to 25% to 50% of eligible expenses to a max $250,000 in grants
 Yes food, northern ontario,
Celebrate Ontario Ontario Business Expansion
  • Supports festivals and events to enhance their programs, activities, and services
  • Up to $250,000 in grants per event
 Yes
CME Technology Assessment Program (TAP) Ontario Business Expansion
  • Supports manufacturers in Southern Ontario looking to complete a technology assessment to improve their systems, processes, and equipment
  • Up to 100% of assessment costs up to a $25,000 in grants
 Yes manufacturing, auto,
Creative Export Canada (CEC) Canada-wide Business Expansion
  • Supports commercialization of technology and/or productivity improvements of businesses
  • Access up to 50% of costs to a maximum $500,000 per collaboration
 Yes exporting, food, software, manufacturing, auto,
Customer Demonstration Program Ontario Research & Development
  • Supports technology demonstrations between two or more Ontario-based businesses
  • Up to 50% coverage of eligible expenses to a maximum $50k
 Yes
Dairy Processing Investment Fund (DPIF) Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports dairy processors who invest in areas that improve productivity and competitiveness
  • Up to 50% of costs to a max of $10M for expenditure projects and $250,000 for access to expertise
 Yes food,
Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) Ontario Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports economic development in investing in infrastructure or implementing strategies to advance regional priorities
  • Up to 15-50% of project expenses to a maximum of $500k-$5M in grant or loan funding depending on stream
 Yes
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration (EVID) Program Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports demonstrations of next-generation and innovative electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
  • Up to 50% of eligible project expenses and offers $250k – $3M in funding
 Yes automotive,
ENCQOR 5G SME Technology Development Program (5G SDP) Ontario Research & Development
  • Supports collaborative 5G technology development projects to develop, integrate, test, or validate pre-commercial 5G technologies.
  • Access up to $50k to $500k in Government Funding per application
 Yes software, cleantech,
Export Support Fund Alberta Business Expansion
  • Helps reduce the cost of attending trade shows in new export markets
  • Access up to 50% of costs to a maximum $20,000 per application
 Yes exporting,
Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) Ontario Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports forest industry businesses to invest in new equipment, facility expansion, process, and product innovation
  • Business Stream: Up to 30% in loans & Collaborations Stream: Up to 75% in grants
 Yes agri, northern ontario,
Green Municipal Fund Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports municipalities demonstrating an innovative solution or approach to environmental issues
  • Up to $175,000 to cover up to 80% of eligible costs for all three study streams
 Yes agri, northern ontario,
IESO Conservation Fund Ontario Business Expansion
  • Support new conservation and demand management programs, practices and technologies to reduce Ontario's electricity consumption
  • Up to a maximum of 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $500,000
 Yes agri,
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – National Research Council (NRC) Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Designed to accelerate the research and development projects of Canadian innovators
  • Access up to 60-80% of costs to a maximum $10M per application
 Yes software,
Industry Commercialization Associates Program Alberta Hiring & Training Research & Development
  • Supports hiring an associate to perform technical commercialization activities
  • Level 1 – Up to $52,500 annual stipend. Level 2 – Up to $75,000 annual stipend. Level 3 – Up to $105,000 annual stipend. Additional Expense Allowance of $7,000 annually.
 Yes
Industry R&D Associates Program Alberta Hiring & Training Research & Development
  • Supports hiring an associate to perform technical research and development activities
  • Level 1 – Up to $52,500 annual stipend. Level 2 – Up to $67,500 annual stipend. Additional Expense Allowance of $7,000 annually.
 Yes
Innovation for Defence and Security Program (IDEaS) Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supports pre-commercial military and defence technologies that have the potential to address current challenges faced by Canada’s Armed Forces
  • Access up to $1.2M for initial R&D. Fully-developed solutions may access up to $20M through a procurement program
 Yes
Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Helps startups and small businesses overcome technology development hurdles so that they can produce globally-demanded products and services
  • Up to $150k for proof of concept projects, and up to $1M for prototype development, and may also be awarded a government contract
 Yes media, software, cleantech,
Interactive Digital Media (IDM) Fund Ontario Research & Development
  • Supports Canadian media projects during their concept and production development stages
  • Eligible applicants can receive up to 50% of eligible costs to a maxium of $50,000 for concept and $250,000 for production
 Yes media, software,
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supporting clean technologies in the forest industry during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Applicants can receive 50% of eligible costs up to $20M for the general stream of the program, $1M for the small business stream, and $500K for the studies project stream
 Yes covid, forest, cleantech,
Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program (MIOP) Manitoba Business Expansion
  • Supports small and large businesses in Manitoba with low-interest repayable funding contributions to begin operations in Manitoba
  • Loans ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000 and paid back between 5 - 7 years
 Yes
Market Readiness Program (OCE) Ontario Business Expansion
  • Supporting academic spin-off companies with grants to further their early-stage commercialization and support scalable business growth
  • Max funding from $125,000-250,000 in Ontario provincial funding
 Yes
Mitacs Accelerate Canada-wide Hiring & Training Research & Development
  • Pairs businesses with Masters, PhD and PDF interns to overcome innovation challenges
  • Matching funds from Mitacs up to $7,500 per 4-6 month internship unit
 Yes cleantech,
MITACS Elevate Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supports industry and academic parterships to solve current issues through innovative means
  • Receive up to $25,000 from Mitacs
 Yes university, college, collaboarative, cleantech,
NGen Manufacturing Program Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supporting technology development that will help Canadian manufacturers compete globally
  • Grants up to 44.4% of eligible expenses with no limit on project size
 Yes manufacturing, manufacturers
NOHFC INVEST North Program Ontario Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Supporting economic development initiavitves in Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance towards projects that diversify their region
  • Receive up to $5,000,000 per project as either a grant or partially foregivable loan
 Yes research, university, manufacturing, media, agri, collaborative, northern ontario, cleantech,
NOHFC People & Talent Program Ontario Hiring & Training
  • Designed to attract, retain, and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce by creating and sustaining new and existing jobs
  • Receive up to 90% of an Indigenous person's salary of up to $52.5k a year, and up to 90% of other eligible applicants for up to $35k a year
 Yes research, university, manufacturing, media, agri, collaborative, northern ontario, cleantech,
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) Ontario Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supporting economic development initiavitves in Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance towards projects that diversify their region
  • Receive up to $2,000,000 per project as either a grant or partially foregivable loan
 Yes northern ontario,
NSERC Alliance Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supporting collaborative R&D projects between Canadian businesses and universities
  • Up to $1,000,000 in grant funding per year
 Yes university, college, collaboarative,
Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) Ontario Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports automotive businesses improve operational efficiency and competitiveness through the adoption of lean manufacturing processes and Industry 4.0-related technologies
  • Up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $100,000 in grants
 Yes auto, northern ontario,
Ontario Human Capital Research and Innovation Fund (OHCRIF) Ontario Research & Development
  • Funding research towards ideas and approaches on developing Canadas workforce
  • Covers 100% of eligible expenses to a max of $250,000
 Yes
Ontario Manufacturing Training Program (OMTP) Ontario Hiring & Training
  • Supports two types of eligible training activities for southern Ontario manufacturers impacted by COVID-19
  • Provides non-repayable contributions to a maximum $100,000 towards eligible expenses
 Yes covid-19, northern ontario, training,
Product Demonstration Program Alberta Research & Development
  • Supporting commercialisation-ready tech in the industries of energy, nanotechnology, health, and more
  • Grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $300,000
 Yes forest, manufacturing, energy, tech, software
Protein Industries Canada Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supporting collaborative product or process research, technology development, and export market development projects related to expanding Canada’s plant-based protein sector
  • Offsets up to 50% of eligible project expenses with no defined maximum contribution. Remaining project funds must be supported by at least two project partners.
 Yes university, college, collaboarative, health, research, food,
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) Ontario Business Expansion
  • Supporting businesses in all sectors through the COVID-19 pandemic by providing interest-free loans towards fixed operating costs, with a portion of the loan being
  • Southern Ontario: Up to $40K loan with $25 being forgivable, or $1M interest free loan. Northern Ontario: Up to $40K loan with $25 being forgivable, or $250K interest free loan
 Yes covid, auto, manufacturing, food, forest, media, software, food, northern ontario,
Rural Economic Development Fund (RED) Ontario Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Supports regional economic development activities in rural southern Ontario communities
  • Up to 30-50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $150,000-$250,000
 Yes northern ontario, cleantech,
SD Tech Fund Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Supports cleantech projects that aim to improve water, soil and air quality to reduce the effects of climate change
  • Access up to 40% of project costs for an average funding contribution of $3,000,000
 Yes agi, software, cleantech,
Skills Catalyst Fund Ontario Hiring & Training
  • Supports Ontario consortiums in the development and implementation of innovative workforce development projects that test new and emerging ideas and approaches to labour market challenges
  • Up to 80% of eligible training expenses to a maximum $500,000
 No northern ontario,
SONAMI Ontario Research & Development
  • Helps manufacturers and innovation-based businesses overcome innovation challenges
  • Access up to 50% of project costs
 Yes manufacturing, auto,
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) Ontario Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports companies investing in new facilities and equipment to advance regional priorities
  • Up to 15-50% of expenses to a maximum of $500k-$5M in grant or loan funding depending on stream
 Yes forest, manufacturing, energy, tech, software
Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Supports projects that drive sustained productivity and economic benefits
  • Submit a project budget of at least $20M and access up to 50% of eligible costs
 Yes software, cleantech,
Supply Chains and Logistics Excellence AI (SCALE.AI) Canada-wide Research & Development
  • Enhances Canada’s existing supply chain practices by boosting economic development through faster adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Access up to 40% of eligible project costs, with no minimum or maximum investment allocated per project
 Yes
Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Ontario Business Expansion
  • Helps not-for-profits and municipalities to invest in developing new tourism services, tourism investment attraction, and industry capacity building
  • Access up to 50% of costs. There is no maximum amount for applications
 Yes
Voucher Program Alberta Research & Development
  • Supports Ontario businesses to develop new products & services, and to create online tools that support market expansion and exporting
  • Access up to %50-75 of costs to a maximum $100k per application
 Yes
Western Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program Western Canada Business Expansion Capital & Tech Adoption Research & Development
  • Helps businesses with high growth potential adopt/adapt innovative technologies that support productivity and export expansion
  • Access up to 50% of costs to a maximum $5M per application and $10M per applicant
 Yes forest, manufacturing, energy, tech, software, covid,
Youth Employment Program (IRAP) Canada-wide Hiring & Training
  • Designed to assist funding of hiring young Canadian post-secondary graduates
  • Provides up to $30,000 per graduate (up to two) for a period of 6 to 12 months
 Yes university, college, collaboarative, northern ontario,
Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Supports projects that address knowledge gaps among Canadians on ZEV technologies to move forward to ZEV adoption
  • Up to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum contribution amount $50,000 per project
 Yes agi, software, auto, cleantech,
Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVI) Canada-wide Capital & Tech Adoption
  • Designed to increase a network of zero-emission vehicle charging and refuelling stations in more localized areas where Canadians live, work, and play
  • Up to 50% of costs to a maximum of $5M in Canadian government funding
 Yes agi, software, auto, cleantech,

Finding Canadian Government Grants for Business

Most business owners receive financing through banking institutions. However, they often overlook government grant funding for business activities from both the provincial (i.e. Ontario business grants) and federal levels of government. Canadian small business grants and other funding for small business is abundantly available. It’s important to know the different types of funding for small business. Fortunately, free resources can help sort through the funding landscape, including this Canadian Small Business Funding Guide.

Register for a Government Funding Webinar

Canadian government funding programs can support small businesses, large corporations, non-profits and post-secondary research institutions. However, the key to accessing these programs are knowing which ones provide the best fit for your organization and upcoming projects.

Find Canadian Government grants, loans, subsidies, and stimulus packages for:

  • Hiring and Training
  • Business Expansion & Exporting
  • Capital and Technology Adoption
  • Research & Innovation
  • Active COVID-19 Funding Programs

Register for an upcoming Canadian government funding event to learn more about how funding works, how to navigate the government funding process, and support services to help develop a successful application.

Mentor Works hosts frequent webinars and live events to help business owners and executives further learn about their funding potential. Register for a session to continue exploring business and export expansion funding.

See All Upcoming Events
16
June
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Webinar

Top Grants for Ontario Businesses in 2021

During this webinar, we'll share our insights on Canadian government funding, including COVID-19 financial support ...

Register

Free Downloadable Funding Resources

Canadian Business Funding Guide

Business Funding Guide

Get the complete guide to learning about Canadian government funding.

Download Now
Canadian Government Funding Types

Types of Funding

Compare and contrast grants, loans, tax credits, and other incentives.

Download Now
Navigating Government Funding for Business

Navigating the Process

Follow this roadmap to the government funding application process.

Download Now

Looking for Startups & Entrepreneur Funding?

If you’re a startup, the best way to align yourself for future government funding opportunities is by completing the Startup Funding Checklist. This startup funding resource provides priorities for all startups to carry out in order to be best positioned for funding.

Need Help Finding Canadian Government Funding?

Are you uncertain of your eligibility for any of the Canadian government funding programs listed above? The majority of government grants for small businesses are reserved for established SMEs (ie. 3+ years incorporated, 5+ payroll employees, $500,000+ annual revenue). If you are established, please send us a message or register for an upcoming small business funding event. From here, we can further evaluate your eligibility for specific Canadian government funding programs and help you choose the funds most optimal for your business’ growth plans.

Let’s Find You Funding

You can utilize our grant writing services if your Canadian business is:

  • Incorporated For 3+ Years
  • 15+ Payroll Employees
  • Positive Net Income
Get Funding Help