Business Financing in Canada
Funding is a crucial element for any business looking to start, grow, or innovate. In addition to traditional options such as bank loans or relying on investors, there is a frequently underestimated alternative: grants. This detailed guide explores the various sources of grants available, as well as the financial services and sustainable funding strategies for businesses in Canada. By following the outlined steps, entrepreneurs can identify grants suited to their projects, whether they are government programs, innovation funds, or initiatives specifically targeting certain sectors. Grants are an advantageous solution, often non-repayable, allowing businesses to fund their projects without resorting to debt.

QEPD — Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund - CED (QC)

Canada Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

Rio Tinto Alcan Canada - Diavik Communities Contribution Programme

Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans

Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG)

Toronto Arts Council - Strategic Funding Programs

Celebration and Commemoration Program - Commemorate Canada

Giving Voice Grants

ERA — Advanced Materials Challenge

Métis Cultural Development Fund

BOLT Grant Program

Community Capacity Building Fund
Nova Scotia Community Housing Capital Fund

Skills for Success Program — Research and Innovation Stream

Communities - Americas, Local Charity of the Year

ViaSport - BC Sport Participation Program: Community Sport Program Development Fund

PacifiCan — Jobs and Growth Fund — For profit

Adjustment Services

The Sisters of Providence Care of St. Vincent de Paul Community Impact Fund - ACEs & Resilience Stream

Stait Family Fund

Marian Hebb Research Grant

First Peoples' Cultural Council - Arts Vitality Grant

Non-profit housing retrofit grants

ViaSport - Northern BC Coaching and Officiating Development Fund

Vision Grants
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Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Entrepreneur Support

Musagetes Grant Program

STDP AO 10.3 Space R&D – Next wave of technologies

Donation and Sponsorship Requests

Children and Youth Program Grants

OAC — Multi and Inter-Arts Organizations: Operating

Improving Crop and Livestock Health and Quality


Official Languages Economic Development Initiative in Quebec — For-profit

OAC — Literature – French-language projects


Public Voice Fund

Civil Forfeiture Grant Program - Restorative Justice

Prospera Foundation Grants

Aecon Cares

CED — Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative


WindsorEssex Community Foundation - KidStartGrants

Donation Program

Biofood Innovation Program Component 3 – Business innovation in the commercial fisheries and aquaculture sector

Vermilion Ways of Caring

Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI) - Harvester Training
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Artist to Market Program (AMP)

Global Programmes - Disaster Risk Reduction

Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP)

innovÉÉ — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

ARBJ — Entrepreneurial Skills Development Program

Transal — Consortium TIC

Rental Cost Assistance

Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program — Collaboration projects

Global Programmes - Social Entrepreneurship

The Accerta Health Access Foundation Grant

First Nations Training to Employment Program

Community Opportunity Readiness Program

Community Salmon Program

Heritage grants - Heritage Incentive Program


Sienna For Seniors Grant

Enfant Soleil - Sport and Susatainable Health Fund

Journalism Futures Fund - Organizational Funding Stream

Cultural Industry Organizations Project Grant

Charity Alive Fund

Alberta Innovates — Industry R&D Associates Program

OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)

AFA — Public Art Galleries Operating Funding

Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Sector Support Capital Expansion Incentive

The Sisters of Providence Care of St. Vincent de Paul Community Impact Fund - Older Adults Connecting & Belonging (OACB) Stream
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Partners for Places Grant

Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Fund

Scotiabank - Climate Action Research Fund

Canada Arts Presentation Fund - Development

Culture and Heritage Grants and Contributions Program - Culture and Heritage

Arts Funding Program - Three-Year Operating Funding

NED Grants Program

Action for Women’s Health


The Gordon Foundation

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program

Environmental Legacy Grants


Economic Development Organization Operating Support Program (PAFODE) — Component 2 : Operating support for organizations supporting strategic sectors and regional economic development


Communities and Artists Shifting Culture


Arts Management Systems Funding


Community Safety Fund

United Way Winnipeg - Organizational Development Grants

Community Relations and Partnerships

Community Development Fund

Alberta Innovates — Water Innovation Program
