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.

OVIN — Content Partnerships Program
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)- Max. $100,000
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Educational services

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities — National or Regional Component
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)- No Condition
- All industries

Strategic Improvement Assistance
Government of Prince Edward Island- Max. $20,000
- Up to 40% of project cost
- All industries

Experience Ontario 2024
Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS)- Max. $125,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

Big Future Innovation Grant
Credit Unions of Alberta- Max. $25,000
- All industries
Discover how much grant funding is available for your business
Subsidize your projects with government financial aid
Use our free grant estimator to quickly identify the available grant amounts for which your company may be eligible.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund (FAEEIF)
Efficiency Nova Scotia- Max. $250,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Interactive Digital Media Fund — Concept Definition
Government of Ontario- From $10,000 to $50,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

MASC AgriInsurance
Government of Manitoba- Up to 40% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Nunavut Filmmakers Funding — Creative Content Development Fund
Nunavut Film Development Corporation- Max. $22,500
- Up to 30% of project cost
- Information and cultural industries

Assurance Systems Program
Government of Prince Edward Island- No Condition
- Manufacturing
Tired of scrolling through all these programs?
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Loisir et Sport Montérégie — Transport Fund
Loisir et Sport Montérégie- No Condition
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

Ontario — Biosecurity Enhancement Initiative
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)- Up to 35% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Transportation and warehousing

ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Non Profit
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)- No Condition
- All industries

Nunavut Entrepreneurship Incentive
Government of Nunavut- No Condition
- All industries

Tourism Development Program (TDP)
Tourism Saskatchewan- Max. $40,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Accommodation and food services
Download the official 2025 grants guide
Access key insights to maximize your funding opportunities
Understand the different funding programs and find the best options for your business.

- Max. $300
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

Space Technology Development Program
Canadian Space Agency (CSA)- No Condition
- Professional, scientific and technical services

Hire for Talent
Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)- No Condition
- All industries

Yukon Tourism Training Fund
Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon- Up to 75% of project cost
- Accommodation and food services

Agriculture Stewardship Program
Government of Prince Edward Island- Max. $25,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- All industries
Find tailored funding for your business
Discover more funding opportunities on the helloDarwin platform
Look through over 3000 grants, tax credits, loans and more financial aid on the helloDarwin application.

Strategic Investments Program — Nunavut Business Investment Fund
Government of Nunavut- No Condition
- All industries

Women's Program
Women and Gender Equality Canada- No Condition
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)

AFA — Queen's Platinum Jubilee Scholarship for Visual Arts
Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA)- Max. $7,000
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

PacifiCan — Jobs and Growth Fund — For profit
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)- Up to 70% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Health care and social assistance

J. Armand Bombardier Bursary Program
J. Armand Bombardier Foundation- Max. $3,000
- Up to 10% of project cost
- Educational services
Access over 3000 different funding opportunities
Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs
The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

Inclusion Program
Government of Saskatchewan- Max. $2,000
- Health care and social assistance

Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program (PEFIP) — Stream 1
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)- Up to 70% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Product Development Partnership Program
Government of Yukon- Max. $25,000
- Accommodation and food services

B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program – Stream 2
Government of British Columbia- Max. $15,000
- Up to 51% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

NBIF — Corporate Cleantech Innovation Fund
New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF)- Max. $160,000
- Up to 20% of project cost
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Discover how much grant funding is available for your business
Subsidize your projects with government financial aid
Use our free grant estimator to quickly identify the available grant amounts for which your company may be eligible.

CBDC Entrepreneurial Opportunities Program (EOP)
Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)- Max. $5,000
- All industries

Organic Industry Development — Certified Organic Land Conversion
Government of Prince Edward Island- From $400 to $60,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Risk Management and Food Safety
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $50,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Junior Exploration Assistance Program
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador- Max. $225,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)- No Condition
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Tired of scrolling through all these programs?
Filter funding opportunities relevant for your company on the helloDarwin platform
Sort over 3,000 business funds by your industry, projects and location with helloDarwin's free app.

Community Enhancement Program — Rural Enhancement Funding Stream
Government of Ontario- Max. $500,000
- Up to 90% of project cost
- All industries

Manitoba Climate Action Fund (CAF)
Government of Manitoba- Max. $150,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing

Ville de La Tuque — RRF stream 4 - Support for vitality
Ville de La Tuque- Max. $100,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)

Toronto Cultural Festivals Funding Program
City of Toronto- No Condition
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

CQRDA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic
Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)- Max. $1,500,000
- Up to 40% of project cost
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Download the official 2025 grants guide
Access key insights to maximize your funding opportunities
Understand the different funding programs and find the best options for your business.

Community Interaction Program — Study/action projects
Government of Canada- Max. $200,000
- Up to 70% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Other services (except public administration)

Tourism Growth Program in southern Ontario
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)- Max. $250,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

Community Tourism Destination Development Fund
Government of Yukon- Max. $375,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services

Forest Biomass Program — Exploring biomass pathways stream
Government of Ontario- Max. $130,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

MRC Joliette — Business Assistance Fund (FAE) – Stream 1
MRC de Joliette (CDÉJ)- Max. $7,000
- All industries
Find tailored funding for your business
Discover more funding opportunities on the helloDarwin platform
Look through over 3000 grants, tax credits, loans and more financial aid on the helloDarwin application.

OCI — Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS)
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)- Max. $500,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Information and cultural industries
- Health care and social assistance

Tourism Growth Program in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)- Up to 15% of project cost
- Accommodation and food services

Perennial Crop Development Efficiency
Government of Prince Edward Island- Max. $100,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- All industries

EUREKA!
National Research Council Canada (NRC)- No Condition
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

REGI — Jobs and Growth Fund — CED (QC) — Not-for-profit
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)- Up to 50% of project cost
- All industries
Access over 3000 different funding opportunities
Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs
The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

OCI — ENCQOR 5G Technology Development (SME) Program
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)- Up to 100% of project cost
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services

Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)- Max. $250,000
- Up to 15% of project cost
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration

Agri-Food Market Development and Access
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $45,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Agri-Land Accessibility and Enhancement
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $35,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund
Government of Yukon- From $2,500 to $50,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Transportation and warehousing
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Discover how much grant funding is available for your business
Subsidize your projects with government financial aid
Use our free grant estimator to quickly identify the available grant amounts for which your company may be eligible.

Yukon Cultural Industries Training Fund (CTIF)
Government of Yukon- No Condition
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)- Up to 100% of project cost
- Manufacturing

SHRF — Establishment Grant
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)- Max. $150,000
- Health care and social assistance

SHRF — Solutions Program – Innovation + Impact Grants
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)- Max. $150,000
- Health care and social assistance

Continental Defense and Security Technologies
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)- Max. $2,300,000
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
Tired of scrolling through all these programs?
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SK Startup Institute — Business Advising
Government of Saskatchewan- No Condition
- All industries

Support for Translation and Interpretation Program
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $10,000
- Up to 100% of project cost
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration

NGen — Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)- No Condition
- Manufacturing

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)- No Condition
- All industries

Nunavut Filmmakers Funding — Market Endowment Program
Nunavut Film Development Corporation- Max. $5,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Download the official 2025 grants guide
Access key insights to maximize your funding opportunities
Understand the different funding programs and find the best options for your business.

Agricultural Insurance
Government of New Brunswick- No Condition
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

New Frontiers in Research Fund — Special Calls Stream
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)- Max. $250,000
- Up to 25% of project cost
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance

PacifiCan — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI)
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)- Up to 100% of project cost
- Manufacturing

Economic Development Capacity Building
Northern Development Initiative Trust- Max. $50,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- All industries

Island Community Food Security Program
Government of Prince Edward Island- Max. $10,000
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
Find tailored funding for your business
Discover more funding opportunities on the helloDarwin platform
Look through over 3000 grants, tax credits, loans and more financial aid on the helloDarwin application.

Agro-Environmental Services
Government of New Brunswick- Up to 100% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

OCI — Ready 4 Market (R4M)
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)- From $500,000 to $250,000
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance

OTF — Youth Innovations Test Grant
Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)- Max. $100,000
- Up to 15% of project cost
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration

Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP)
Library and Archives Canada- From $24,999 to $150,000
- Up to 100% of project cost
- Information and cultural industries

Strategic Industry Growth Initiative
Government of Prince Edward Island- Max. $20,000
- Up to 85% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Access over 3000 different funding opportunities
Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs
The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) — Studies projects
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)- Min. $100,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing

Business Planning, Skills Development and Agriculture Education
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $25,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Initiatives program (FIP)
Tourisme Montréal- Up to 80% of project cost
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services

Creative Saskatchewan - Feature Film & TV Production
Creative Saskatchewan- Max. $5,000,000
- Up to 30% of project cost
- Information and cultural industries

ERACM program - Business support: assistance and financing
Économie du Savoir Mauricie (ESM)- Max. $24,750
- Up to 55% of project cost
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Discover how much grant funding is available for your business
Subsidize your projects with government financial aid
Use our free grant estimator to quickly identify the available grant amounts for which your company may be eligible.

Market Development and Access
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $45,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Adjustment Services
Government of New Brunswick- Up to 50% of project cost
- Educational services

CanNor — IDEANorth
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)- Max. $6,000,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)- Up to 10% of project cost
- All industries

OTF — Capital Grant
Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF)- From $10,000 to $200,000
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Tired of scrolling through all these programs?
Filter funding opportunities relevant for your company on the helloDarwin platform
Sort over 3,000 business funds by your industry, projects and location with helloDarwin's free app.

Supporting Artistic Practice — Literary Publishing Projects
Canada Council for the Arts (CCA)- Max. $30,000
- Arts, entertainment and recreation

Invest Ottawa Scale-Up Platform
Invest Ottawa- No Condition
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services

Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Procurement
Government of Nunavut- Up to 5% of project cost
- All industries

Canada - Manitoba Job Grant
Government of Manitoba- Max. $100,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
- All industries

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership in New Brunswick
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $50,000
- Up to 25% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Download the official 2025 grants guide
Access key insights to maximize your funding opportunities
Understand the different funding programs and find the best options for your business.

Child Care Operating Funding (CCOF) - Base Funding
Government of British Columbia- No Condition
- Health care and social assistance

LRCC — Metis Women Entrepreneurship Program
Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC)- Max. $50,000
- All industries

Advancing Agri-Food Processing
Government of New Brunswick- Max. $50,000
- Up to 30% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing

Livestock Strategy Program — Provincial Abattoir
Government of Prince Edward Island- No Condition
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Public administration

NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge 2024
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)- From $1 to $2,100,000
- Up to 35% of project cost
- Manufacturing
Find tailored funding for your business
Discover more funding opportunities on the helloDarwin platform
Look through over 3000 grants, tax credits, loans and more financial aid on the helloDarwin application.

PROMPT — PARTENAR-IA
PROMPT- Max. $1,500,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance

Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program
Colleges and Institutes Canada- From $5,000 to $10,000
- Construction
- Manufacturing

SDTC — Seed Funding
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)- From $50,000 to $100,000
- Professional, scientific and technical services

Call for projects: Innovation and growth
PME MTL- Max. $50,000
- Information and cultural industries

SDTC — Scale Up Funding
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)- Max. $4,000,000
- Up to 33% of project cost
- All industries
Access over 3000 different funding opportunities
Try the helloDarwin platform today and find programs that fit your needs
The helloDarwin application makes it easy to unlock grants so your business can grow faster—with less hassle and more impact.

PRIMA — PARTENAR-IA — Academic
Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)- Max. $500,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Manufacturing

Technology showcase program for buildings and innovative wood solutions
Gouvernement du Québec- Max. $1,000,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Construction
- Manufacturing

Sustainable Development Technology Canada — Scale Up Funding
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)- Up to 33% of project cost
- Professional, scientific and technical services

CAAIN — Livestock Innovation Program 2024
Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN)- Max. $3,000,000
- Up to 40% of project cost
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 2 : SMEs
PROMPT- Max. $350,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)

The Artificial Intelligence innovation funding program (PIIA) - Part 1: Scope
PROMPT- Max. $1,500,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Other services (except public administration)