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.

Alberta Conservation Association - ACA Conservation, Community and Education Grants

Canada Foundation for Innovation - Innovation Fund

Community Action Program in the Field of Education (PACTE)

Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) — Micro-business

Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program
- Minimum amount : 125,000 $
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services


Launch Lab — Entrepreneurs In Residence (EIR)

Financial Assistance Program from the Fonds de la sécurité routière


AFA — Literary Individual Project Funding


The Physicians' Services Incorporated Foundation - Health Research Grants


RDAR — On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

Community Involvement Program

Export Market Access Program (EMAP)




Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)

United Way Simcoe Muskoka - Women United

Historic resource conservation grants

Défi-Québec, an entrepreneurial city

Freshslice Cares
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Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund (FAEEIF)

AFA — Indigenous Arts Individual Project Funding

Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program

Brant Community Foundation - Brant Community Foundation Grant

FortisBC — Custom Performance Program

Call for Proposals: Skills Research

Language Implementation Fund - Inuit Language Promotion and Protection (Schedule B-1)

Research Development Grants

AFA — Theatre Individual Project Funding

Skills for Success - Research and Innovation Stream

Funding of organizations for regional projects

Aquatic Habitat Quality Improvement Program


HIV Endgame Funding Program

Partnerships for Her Voice, Her Choice (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) - Call for Proposals

Sports for Kids Grant


United Way Central Alberta - Project Grants

Metcalf Foundation - Performing Arts Program: Internships

Heritage Program Grants - Community Museum Grants Program

Anti-Crime Capacity Building Program (ACCBP)

Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario

Employee Donations Fund

Public Interest Articling Fellowship

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Ontario On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative

Mille et UN Fund for Young People

Alberta — Value-Added Program

Zero Emission Transit Fund

BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program

Green Transition Fund

Training and Regional Events



Community Initiatives Program (CIP) - Major Sport Event Grant

Gaelic Language and Culture in the Community

CRIBIQ — PSO-Bioproducts and bioprocesses


Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program

Indigenous Priorities Fund

Solid Waste Management Innovation Fund

Community Social Investment Program - Sustainable Food Security Fund

Community Investment Program - Small Capital Fund

Community Enhancement Grants

Canadian Experiences Fund - Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Community Initiatives Program (CIP) - Operating Grants
Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant


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Carrot Cache Fund

Youth-led Community Health Grants Program

AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program

Reaching Home Grant

Civil Forfeiture Grant Program - Indigenous Healing

Local Food Infrastructure Fund – Small Scale Projects
Industry Development Partnerships

Equity through Diverse Impact (EDI) Grant

Heritage Legacy Fund (HLF) - Heritage Awareness Program

Local Food Infrastructure Fund – Large Scale Projects

Support for Indigenous collectives and organizations

Caring for our Community Grant Program

PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI)


Explore and Create — Professional Development for Artists

Audience Development Funding

PEI - Export Trade Assistance

Première Ovation - Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Crafts

AFA — Summer School Project Funding

CFNS VISIONS Fund


Great Lakes Protection Initiative

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund

Tourism PEI Festivals and Events Fund
