Grants and Funding for Metal Manufacturing in Canada for 2025

Canadian metal manufacturers can access funding to enhance efficiency and drive progress.

Canadian metal manufacturers can leverage grants to boost productivity and innovation. Funding helps drive sustainable growth and industry advancement.

Metal manufacturing is a cornerstone of Canada’s industrial landscape, supporting sectors such as automotive, construction, aerospace, and energy. In 2025, Canadian businesses in the metal manufacturing industry can access various grants and funding opportunities to modernize operations, innovate products, and adopt sustainable practices. This guide provides an overview of available resources, application strategies, and common challenges for securing financial support.

Why Grants and Funding Are Crucial for Metal Manufacturing

Grants and funding programs help manufacturers address industry challenges, including rising costs, global competition, and stringent environmental regulations. These financial resources enable businesses to:

Upgrade Technology: Implement advanced machinery and automation for improved efficiency.
Drive Innovation: Develop new products or materials to meet changing market demands.
Enhance Sustainability: Reduce emissions, improve waste management, and adopt greener processes.
Expand Operations: Invest in infrastructure, workforce development, and market expansion.

By leveraging these programs, manufacturers can maintain competitiveness, contribute to economic growth, and align with Canada’s sustainability goals.

Where to Start: Types of Funding for Metal Manufacturing

Understanding the types of funding available is the first step toward accessing financial support for your manufacturing business.

1. Federal Programs

Federal initiatives such as the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and the Clean Growth Program provide substantial support for innovation, R&D, and sustainability projects. These programs are ideal for large-scale initiatives with significant economic or environmental impact.

2. Provincial and Territorial Programs

Provinces like Ontario and Alberta offer tailored funding programs for manufacturing, such as the Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Fund and Alberta Innovates. These initiatives often target regional priorities, such as job creation and economic diversification.

3. Sector-Specific Programs

Programs like the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) support metal manufacturers involved in R&D or technological advancements. These grants are particularly useful for SMEs seeking to innovate.

4. Environmental Grants

With a focus on sustainability, programs such as the Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Net Zero Accelerator encourage manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt green technologies.

5. Export and Market Expansion Grants

Organizations like Export Development Canada (EDC) and Global Affairs Canada provide funding and resources to help manufacturers enter international markets or expand their global footprint.

Step 1: Research Available Programs

Start by exploring federal, provincial, and sector-specific resources. Key websites include:

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Provincial economic development agencies
Industry associations like Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
Online grant databases such as hellodarwin.com

Step 2: Assess Eligibility Requirements

Each program has unique criteria. Review details such as business size, project scope, and industry focus to ensure your project aligns with the funder’s objectives. For example:

Size of Business: Some programs cater exclusively to SMEs, while others target large enterprises.
Project Goals: Ensure your initiative aligns with objectives like innovation, job creation, or sustainability.
Geographic Focus: Check if the program is available in your region or requires specific regional impacts.

Step 3: Craft a Winning Application

A successful application demonstrates the project’s potential benefits and feasibility while addressing the funder’s priorities.

1. Define Clear Objectives

Outline your project’s goals, such as improving efficiency, launching a new product, or reducing emissions. Use data to quantify expected outcomes.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Plan

Include detailed timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Highlight key milestones and how funding will be utilized.

3. Provide Supporting Documentation

Prepare financial statements, technical specifications, market analysis, and letters of support from stakeholders.

4. Tailor Your Proposal

Customize your application to align with the specific goals of the funding program. Use language that reflects the funder’s priorities.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

To increase your chances of success, avoid these common mistakes:

Missing Deadlines: Submit applications well before the deadline to ensure timely consideration.
Inadequate Preparation: Gather all necessary documents and information before starting your application.
Unclear Objectives: Clearly articulate how your project meets the program’s criteria and delivers value.
Ignoring Follow-Up: Be prepared to answer questions or provide additional information if requested.
Overlooking Reporting Requirements: Plan for regular updates on your project’s progress as required by the funder.

Additional Resources for Metal Manufacturing Funding in Canada

Government Agencies: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Natural Resources Canada
Industry Associations: Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
Online Tools: Databases like hellodarwin.com for funding opportunities
Consultants: Professional grant writers and funding advisors can improve your application’s quality and success rate.

Conclusion: Strengthen Your Metal Manufacturing Business

Accessing grants and funding in Canada’s metal manufacturing sector requires thorough research, careful preparation, and strategic alignment with funding priorities. By leveraging these resources, businesses can enhance their operations, drive innovation, and contribute to a sustainable future. Start exploring opportunities today and position your company for success in 2025.

76 opportunities available

Grant and FundingClosed

REGI — Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) - Northern Ontario

Government of Canada

Funds to accelerate business growth in Northern Ontario

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpening Soon

Capitale-Productivity

Quebec City

Supports business productivity, growth, and sustainable practices projects

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

Economic development program to help revitalize territories (DEPART)

Investissement Québec (IQ)

DÉPART supports economic diversification and growth in targeted areas

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program — Energy Efficiency Solutions Track

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Support for industrial energy efficiency in Canada

Eligible Funding

Max. $20
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATECONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Tax CreditsOpen

Additional deduction for transportation costs for manufacturing SMEs

Revenu Québec

Tax deduction for manufacturing SMEs' transportation costs in remote areas

Eligible Funding

Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

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.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Are you looking for ways to secure funding for your business and reduce costs? Government grants, subsidies, and financial aid programs offer valuable opportunities for companies across various industries. Whether you’re a startup, an established small business, or a growing enterprise, you may be eligible for non-repayable grants, tax credits, and financial assistance to support your projects.

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Many businesses miss out on free funding opportunities simply because they don’t know they exist. That’s why we’ve created a free grant estimator—a powerful tool designed to help you identify available grant amounts based on your company’s profile, sector, and project type. In just a few clicks, you can gain insights into the financial aid programs that match your business needs.Our estimator scans a wide range of government grants, including:

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Unlike traditional loans, many government grants and subsidies do not require repayment, making them a valuable way to boost your company’s financial health. By securing business funding, you can invest in key areas such as technology, infrastructure, hiring, and research without straining your cash flow.Here’s how our free grant estimator can help you: ✅ Quickly assess your eligibility for various funding programs. ✅ Save time by filtering out programs that don’t apply to your business. ✅ Unlock hidden financial opportunities that you might not be aware of. ✅ Reduce financial risks by accessing non-repayable funding sources. ✅ Increase your chances of approval with up-to-date funding information.

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Don’t let your business miss out on grant funding that could propel your success. Whether you need support for a new project, expansion, hiring, or innovation, government financial aid programs are available to help. Start using our free grant estimator now and discover how much grant money your company can access today!

Grant and FundingOpen

Enbridge Gas Quebec — Custom-made project

Enbridge Gas Quebec

Supports energy-saving projects using natural gas in buildings

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Grant and FundingOpening Soon

CQRDA — INNOV-R SME

Centre québécois de recherche et de développement de l’aluminium (CQRDA)

Innovative projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec

Eligible Funding

Max. $450,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Grant and FundingClosed

MTRIC — PARTENAR-IA — Industry

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Funding for Quebec metal transformation innovative collaborations in AI

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,500,000
Up to 35% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Protect Ontario Financing Program

Government of Ontario

Financial support for Ontario businesses facing tariff-related challenges

Eligible Funding

Min. $250,000

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Grant and FundingOpen

Regions and Rurality Fund (RRF) - Component 1 - Support for regional outreach

Gouvernement du Québec

Supports regional projects impacting Quebec's territories and communities

Eligible Funding

From $100,000 to $3,000,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

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.

Across the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape, one paradox persists: billions of dollars are available every year in public funding and government grants, yet a large percentage of those funds remain unclaimed. Why? Because accessing them feels like trying to crack a bureaucratic code written in a foreign language.

Public funding is real—but it hides behind administrative red tape, eligibility mazes, fluctuating deadlines, and cryptic forms. The result? Thousands of businesses miss out on critical financial support, not because they’re unworthy, but because the system wasn’t built for speed, clarity, or accessibility.

That’s the problem helloDarwin set out to solve with its grant platform—a tool designed not only to uncover hidden opportunities but to turn them into engines for business growth.

The Reality: Entrepreneurs Don’t Have Time to Chase 28 Government Websites

What the team at helloDarwin realized early on is this: business owners have no shortage of vision, ideas, or ambition. What they lack is time, administrative capacity, and a clear path to funding.

Rather than throwing another data-heavy directory into the mix, helloDarwin built a smart, intuitive interface, backed by a high-impact support system, designed to translate public funding into real action.

No guesswork. No 100-page PDFs. No copy-pasting into spreadsheets at 10 p.m. Just a straight line from idea to opportunity—and from opportunity to execution.

Not a Promise. A Proven Process.

While it may look like a platform, helloDarwin is better described as a methodology. One that has been purpose-built for overworked founders, lean teams, and agile businesses. It follows three clear steps:

Explore — Use a dynamic tool to identify relevant programs based on your business profile, project goals, and sector.
Estimate — Get a personalized forecast of potential funding amounts.
Act — Access expert support to write, file, and manage your grant application all the way through approval.

What used to take companies three to six months (or was abandoned altogether) can now be launched in under a week. And unlike many do-it-yourself systems, helloDarwin’s method is reinforced by actual human support.

On the Ground: “We Thought It Wasn’t for Us”

Sophie, a co-founder of a sustainable design firm in Québec, had always assumed government grants were “for the big guys” or “tech companies with labs.” One afternoon, on a colleague’s recommendation, she logged into helloDarwin.

Within 15 minutes, she found she was eligible for:

80% funding for upskilling her team
Up to $50,000 for a digital process transformation
Export assistance for her eco-certified furniture line

With expert help from the platform’s network, two applications were submitted within six weeks. Three months later, the funds were flowing.

Her team kept working. She didn’t miss a single client meeting. The paperwork? Someone else handled it.

The Secret Weapon: Human Expertise + Automated Insight

The real strength of helloDarwin lies in the seamless handoff between technology and human expertise. Where most platforms offer tools and leave users to figure it out, helloDarwin provides real, qualified experts to walk alongside your business.

Once a relevant program is identified, users can activate support from:

Grant application specialists
Financial and tax consultants
Industry-specific advisors (tech, manufacturing, sustainability…)

These professionals know how to speak the language of funding agencies, avoid technical pitfalls, and build credible, compelling submissions that align with government priorities.

Grants as Strategy, Not Serendipity

One of the key cultural shifts that helloDarwin enables is this: stop seeing grants as a bonus. Start using them as a core business strategy.

By integrating public funding into your business roadmap, you can plan projects more effectively, make smarter investments, and time your initiatives with upcoming funding windows.

Take, for instance, a company that plans to hire three engineers in Q2 of next year. With helloDarwin, they can:

See which programs will be active
Prepare their documentation in advance
Maximize their reimbursement rate (often 50%–75%)
Accelerate hiring without overextending cash flow

This is not opportunism. It’s strategic resource allocation—backed by public funding that already exists.

A Platform That Evolves With You

Grants are seasonal. Programs change. Budgets close. That’s why a truly valuable tool must be living, adaptive, and proactive.

helloDarwin’s grant platform updates in real time. Its users receive alerts when:

A new program launches in their region or sector
Their business becomes eligible for something previously unavailable
A deadline is approaching for a high-value grant

It becomes a funding radar, embedded in your growth planning—not a tool you only use in times of desperation.

Who Is It For?

The answer is simple: any business with a project to fund. That includes:

Startups in early or late stages
SMEs looking to modernize
Manufacturers planning to automate
Creative firms digitizing their services
Exporters preparing to go global
Green innovators solving environmental challenges

Whether you're running a two-person creative agency or a 50-person industrial operation, there are grants for you. The only thing missing is a way to find them—and a partner to help unlock them.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Platform

helloDarwin doesn’t work in isolation. It collaborates with:

Local economic development organizations
Industry associations and chambers of commerce
Banks and financial institutions
Professional service firms and consultants

This ecosystem allows the platform to not only recommend funding, but also connect users with vetted experts and service providers who can execute the projects being funded.

Need help building your e-commerce site, launching your ESG strategy, or hiring an export advisor? helloDarwin connects the dots—from funding to fulfillment.

Three Common Mistakes That helloDarwin Helps You Avoid

Waiting Too Long Many businesses defer their plans because they believe it’s “not the right time.” In reality, most grants have narrow windows. Wait too long, and the funding is gone.
Assuming You’re Not Eligible Public funding isn’t just for deep-tech startups or cleantech firms. It supports marketing, recruitment, training, IT upgrades, and much more.
DIY Grant Applications Too many companies go it alone. But one wrong number, one missed document, or one misinterpreted eligibility clause can ruin your chances.

helloDarwin addresses all three by offering structure, automation, and expert support from the start.

A Cultural Shift in How Businesses See Funding

The deeper mission of helloDarwin isn’t just technological—it’s cultural.

It’s about creating a new reflex in business planning: "We have a project. Let’s see what support exists for it." It’s about empowering even the smallest businesses to dream bigger, knowing that capital is accessible, and the roadmap to get it is clear.

A company that integrates grants into its financial strategy can:

Innovate without draining its runway
Recruit more confidently
Accelerate product launches
De-risk export strategies
Improve retention through training and benefits

Grants don’t just lower costs. They unlock momentum.

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

WILWorks program — Student Work Placement Program

Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)

Practical student internships with wage subsidies in Canada

Eligible Funding

Max. $7,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

HUMAN RESOURCES

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

NGen — Cluster Building Project

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Funding to enhance SMEs capabilities and growth

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

MTRIC — PSO SME

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Funding for industrial research projects

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,500,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

MRC Beauce-Centre — Labor fund

MRC Beauce-Centre

Grants for hiring skilled tech workers in Beauce-Centre

Eligible Funding

From $3,500 to $5,000

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

HUMAN RESOURCES

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

DEL — Equipment and Technology Loan

Développement économique de l'agglomération de Longueuil (DEL)

Enhance business efficiency through financing equipment and technology investments

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGY

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.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Grant and FundingOpen

Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole — MADE

MRC des Maskoutains

Supports entrepreneurial start-ups with financial assistance

Eligible Funding

Max. $10,000

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

BUSINESS BUYOUT

Grant and FundingOpen

Laval économique — Tech shift – Manufacturing

Laval Economique

Digital transformation grants for Laval manufacturers

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Grant and FundingOpening Soon

Strategic Response Fund (SRF)

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)

Supports Canadian industries facing global trade and supply chain risks

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)INNOVATION

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

MTRIC — INNOV-R

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Targets collaborative industrial research to reduce GHG emissions

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,500,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

MRC de D’Autray — FLI/FLS

MRC de D'Autray

Supporting business development through proactive financial solutions

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000
Up to 20% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

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.

Imagine this: a fast-growing technology startup in Montreal is ready to expand internationally. They’ve built a solid team, developed an innovative SaaS product, and attracted their first round of investors. But as they prepare to hire new talent and scale operations abroad, they face a familiar roadblock—budget constraints. What they don’t realize is that there are government grants that could cover up to 75% of their next hire's salary and fund a good portion of their export marketing campaign. The only problem? They don’t know these programs exist, and even if they did, they wouldn’t know where to start.

This is exactly the problem helloDarwin set out to solve.

In Canada, there are thousands of grant programs available to support business development, innovation, sustainability, digitalization, and more. Yet navigating this ecosystem is like walking through a maze: confusing, technical, time-consuming, and—more often than not—discouraging. The result? Countless companies leave money on the table every year.

helloDarwin’s grant platform is flipping the script by turning complexity into clarity and making funding a strategic advantage for Canadian businesses of all sizes.

The Vision: A Smarter Way to Fund Business Growth

At its core, helloDarwin’s grant platform is built on a simple but powerful idea: funding should empower businesses, not overwhelm them.

Rather than forcing companies to research, interpret, and apply for grants on their own, helloDarwin offers an integrated digital solution that streamlines the entire process—from discovery to application, and even post-approval support.

This vision is rooted in the company’s broader mission: helping Canadian businesses thrive through smart connections. While helloDarwin originally made its name as a B2B matchmaking platform between businesses and service providers, its grant platform marks a bold and logical evolution: solving a systemic challenge with scalable impact.

Step 1: Discovery Made Easy

The first hurdle most companies face with grants is simply knowing what’s out there. With over 3,000 active programs available from federal, provincial, and municipal governments—not to mention sector-specific or innovation-focused initiatives—most businesses don’t have the time or resources to sort through the noise.

That’s where helloDarwin’s discovery engine comes in.

By inputting basic information—such as location, industry, company size, and project goals—users are instantly matched with relevant programs tailored to their needs. The platform’s smart algorithms cross-reference eligibility criteria with real-time data, surfacing only the most promising opportunities.

This eliminates guesswork and opens doors to programs that many companies never knew they were eligible for. A food processor in rural Ontario might find a grant for green packaging innovation. A Vancouver-based marketing agency may qualify for wage subsidies for creative hires. A manufacturing company in Halifax could discover federal funds for equipment modernization.

Step 2: Clear Guidance and Next Steps

Finding a grant is just the beginning. The real challenge begins when companies try to translate program guidelines into action. What are the actual funding limits? How are expenses defined? What paperwork is required? How long does approval take? What’s reimbursed, and what’s not?

helloDarwin’s platform demystifies these questions by offering clear, step-by-step breakdowns of each program: key dates, financial caps, co-funding ratios, admissible costs, and how to prepare a strong application. This reduces friction and helps companies build a confident, executable plan.

Step 3: Human Expertise When It Matters Most

Even the best-designed digital tools have their limits. That’s why helloDarwin complements its technology with real human expertise—grant advisors, funding strategists, and technical writers who know the process inside out.

For businesses that want to maximize their chances of approval, these experts step in to:

Review and validate eligibility
Write or revise grant applications
Build strong business cases aligned with funding priorities
Ensure deadlines are met
Coordinate post-funding reporting

This hybrid model—automation plus consultation—ensures that users get the best of both worlds. It’s fast and accessible for simple cases, and strategic and personalized for more complex projects.

And because helloDarwin is deeply embedded in the business services ecosystem, its advisors also help connect users with certified service providers—consultants, developers, training firms—who can execute the funded work.

Built for Real Business Use Cases

One of the most compelling aspects of the helloDarwin platform is its adaptability to real-life business scenarios. Here are just a few examples of how companies use the platform:

1. The AI Startup Expanding to Europe

A Montreal-based AI startup wants to open a sales office in Germany. With helloDarwin, they discover a combination of export development grants, translation subsidies, and hiring incentives that reduce their international expansion costs by 60%. With grant experts supporting their application, they secure the funds within two months and focus on entering the new market with confidence.

2. The Manufacturing Company Going Green

A mid-sized manufacturer in Ontario needs to modernize its equipment to reduce its carbon footprint. Using helloDarwin’s platform, they match with four green innovation programs that together cover 70% of the investment. The platform connects them with a sustainability consultant and a grant writer—both familiar with the funders' expectations.

3. The Agency Hiring Young Talent

A Toronto-based creative agency wants to hire two recent graduates but fears they can’t afford the full salaries. With helloDarwin’s help, they discover wage subsidy programs for youth employment. The grants cover 80% of the salary for the first six months, allowing them to hire sooner and accelerate delivery.

A Platform That Grows With You

helloDarwin’s platform isn’t just for one-time projects—it’s designed to become a strategic companion as businesses evolve. As companies grow, pivot, or explore new markets, the platform adapts, updating its recommendations and surfacing new opportunities.

Users can track application statuses, upload documents, and collaborate with consultants directly through the platform. They can also explore industry trends, funding cycles, and newly launched programs relevant to their sector.

It’s more than a transactional tool—it’s a business intelligence asset that supports growth over the long term.

Why It Works: Trust, Transparency, and Efficiency

Three values underpin the success of helloDarwin’s grant platform:

Trust Businesses know they are getting objective, vetted information—not biased promotions or limited program listings. The platform operates independently of government agencies and focuses on delivering value to its users first.
Transparency All fees (where applicable) and engagement terms are clear. Grant estimates are realistic, based on program rules, and users are guided toward opportunities that genuinely match their profiles.
Efficiency In a world where time is money, the platform reduces the time spent searching, guessing, and redoing failed submissions. From onboarding to approval, every step is optimized for speed and simplicity.

Making Grants a Growth Habit

Perhaps the greatest long-term value of helloDarwin’s platform is cultural. It helps businesses shift from viewing grants as a bonus—or a last resort—to seeing them as a routine part of their funding strategy.

This change in mindset has ripple effects. Companies that consistently use grants can:

Experiment with innovative ideas without bearing all the risk
Hire sooner, train better, and retain more talent
Invest in technology and sustainability with confidence
Build resilience against market shocks or supply chain disruptions
Gain recognition and trust from investors, clients, and government partners

Grants become not just about reducing costs, but about unlocking potential.

Who Is It For?

The helloDarwin grant platform is purpose-built for:

Startups exploring early-stage growth and hiring
SMEs seeking to modernize or expand internationally
Manufacturers aiming to automate or go green
Professional service firms investing in tools, marketing, or skills
Nonprofits and social enterprises scaling their impact

It’s ideal for companies with lean teams, limited admin bandwidth, and high-impact ideas that need a push to launch.

A New Standard for Funding Access

helloDarwin’s platform doesn’t just make it easier to access grants—it raises the bar for what businesses should expect from the process. No more fragmented research, unreadable PDF guides, or rushed last-minute applications. Instead, it offers a guided, intelligent, and empowering experience that brings grants into the heart of business planning.

In doing so, it supports a more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking Canadian economy—one company at a time.

Grant and FundingOpen

innovÉÉ — SI2TEC

innovÉÉ

Supports innovative industrial projects for circular economy transition

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

Enbridge Gas Quebec — Cash incentives – Innovation

Enbridge Gas Quebec

Supports innovative projects for natural gas efficiency and GHG reduction

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

MTRIC — SI2TEC – Feasibility Studies

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Supporting feasibility studies for circular metal transformation

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

MTRIC — PSO Large companies

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Funding for industrial research projects

Eligible Funding

From $200,000 to $1,500,000
Up to 40% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

MRC des Chenaux — Young Promoters Fund

MRC des Chenaux

Support for young entrepreneurs in MRC des Chenaux

Eligible Funding

Max. $11,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

BUSINESS BUYOUT

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.

In today’s fast-paced economic environment, where innovation, digital transformation, and competitiveness require ongoing investment, grants and public funding are crucial tools for business success. However, despite the abundance of available programs, many businesses underuse them—often due to their complexity, lack of awareness, or the administrative burden required to apply.

That’s where helloDarwin’s grant platform comes in: a centralized, intelligent, and guided solution designed to help companies gain faster, easier access to the financial support they’re entitled to.

A Platform Designed for Modern Business Needs

helloDarwin’s grant platform was designed to match the realities of today’s businesses. It caters to all types of organizations—from startups and SMEs to nonprofits and scaling enterprises—with a clear mission: to offer a centralized, tech-driven, and human-supported entry point to the world of grants and government funding.

Thanks to its user-friendly interface and smart search engine, businesses can instantly identify the most relevant grants for their needs. Whether the goal is to hire talent, develop new technologies, expand internationally, or embrace sustainable practices, the platform offers comprehensive support—from identifying relevant programs to finalizing the funding application.

A Vast and Continuously Updated Grant Database

One of the platform’s key strengths lies in its extensive database of over 3,000 grant and funding programs, covering local, provincial, and federal opportunities across Canada. This ensures that businesses can discover the full spectrum of available funding—whether it’s for digitalization, workforce development, marketing, sustainability, or infrastructure.

The database is constantly updated to reflect new funding programs, changes in eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines. Businesses using the platform benefit from up-to-date, relevant information that allows them to act at the right time, with the right tools.

Personalized and Smart Grant Matching

helloDarwin offers more than just a directory. With just a few details—such as your business sector, location, size, and project type—the platform provides a personalized eligibility analysis. The built-in estimator also allows users to forecast the amounts they might receive, helping them make better-informed strategic decisions.

This initial simulation is completely free and offers businesses a quick understanding of their grant potential. Instead of postponing important projects due to budget constraints, companies can explore viable financial support options that make those projects feasible sooner than expected.

Full-Service Expert Support

Applying for grants can be overwhelming: deciphering eligibility, preparing required documents, writing persuasive proposals, and tracking deadlines. helloDarwin solves this by providing end-to-end support through its network of experts and funding consultants.

These professionals assist with every stage of the process—from eligibility assessment and document preparation to submission and follow-up. Businesses benefit from a turnkey service that maximizes success rates while minimizing internal workload.

This also helps avoid common mistakes—missing a submission date, providing incomplete information, or misunderstanding program rules—that could jeopardize a funding application. With helloDarwin’s experts at their side, companies can approach the grant process with confidence and focus on their core operations.

Diverse Project Categories and Funding Options

helloDarwin’s platform accommodates a wide variety of business projects, making it a valuable tool regardless of the company’s size or industry. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to automate your production line, a service provider rolling out a new CRM, or a food producer aiming to expand internationally, there’s likely a grant program that fits your goals.

Popular funding categories include:

Digital Transformation: software, cybersecurity, automation, AI
Human Resources: hiring graduates, professional training, retention
Export & Market Development: trade missions, translation, digital campaigns
Sustainability: energy efficiency, waste management, eco-certification
R&D & Innovation: product development, process improvement, prototyping
Infrastructure & Capital Assets: renovations, equipment purchases, workspace upgrades

Many programs offer reimbursement rates ranging from 25% to over 90% of eligible costs, and some can be combined for even greater impact.

Direct Impact on Business Performance

By simplifying access to funding, helloDarwin empowers businesses to lower their investment risk, accelerate project timelines, and enhance their competitiveness. The effect is tangible: a delayed project can be launched; a strategic hire can be made; an international expansion can be undertaken under more favorable conditions.

Long-term, businesses that take advantage of grants become more productive, attract better talent, increase market visibility, and strengthen their credibility with stakeholders. In this way, grants become more than just financial support—they are a strategic management tool that fosters long-term resilience and innovation.

A Perfect Balance of Technology and Human Support

helloDarwin’s hybrid approach—combining smart digital tools with real human expertise—is what sets it apart. Users benefit from a sleek, efficient platform that helps them search, filter, and evaluate funding opportunities, as well as direct access to professionals who help them turn those opportunities into concrete results.

This makes the platform suitable for all types of users. Independent business owners can self-navigate and explore grants at their own pace, while those looking for complete support can rely on dedicated experts for a hands-free experience. The result is a flexible, scalable, and personalized solution that adapts to every business profile.

Strengthening the Canadian Business Ecosystem

Beyond individual companies, helloDarwin’s grant platform plays a key role in strengthening Canada’s broader business ecosystem. By making grants more accessible, it helps stimulate innovation, encourage sustainable growth, support post-pandemic recovery, and accelerate digital and green transitions across sectors.

It also fosters collaboration among businesses, consultants, and service providers. helloDarwin’s marketplace allows grant recipients to easily connect with vetted professionals—marketing agencies, IT consultants, sustainability experts—who can help execute their funded projects.

This dynamic ecosystem not only improves outcomes for funded initiatives but also contributes to a more connected and supportive business community.

A Simple and Accessible Process

Signing up is easy and quick. Users create a business profile, answer a short questionnaire, and within minutes receive a tailored overview of their funding options. The estimator tool is free to use, and the initial consultation with a funding advisor is offered at no charge.

This makes the platform accessible even to small companies without in-house financial or grant expertise. It effectively democratizes access to public funding, ensuring that all businesses—not just large corporations—can take full advantage of government programs.

From Idea to Execution: Enabling Growth

helloDarwin’s platform guides businesses from the first spark of an idea to successful grant application and project execution. It encourages strategic thinking: What goals can we reach if we access the right support? How can we grow faster, smarter, and more sustainably with public funds?

Rather than viewing grants as optional or secondary, companies that use helloDarwin’s platform begin to see them as a key component of their business strategy. Whether investing in digital tools, hiring for the future, reducing environmental impact, or entering new markets, grants can be the enabler that turns vision into reality.

Grant and FundingOpen

MTRIC — INNOV-R SME

Metal Transformation Research and Innovation Consortium (MTRIC)

Supports innovative projects for reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Eligible Funding

Max. $450,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingArchived

Business Growth — Growth support vouchers

Quebec City

Grant program supports strategic consultancy for business growth

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

MRC des Chenaux — Economic Diversification Fund (FDÉ)

MRC des Chenaux

Economic diversification fund for SMEs in MRC des Chenaux

Eligible Funding

Max. $15,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

Rio Tinto Aluminium Valley Fund

Société de la Vallée de l’Aluminium (SVA)

Support for aluminum project development in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

MRC La Nouvelle-Beauce — Local investment and solidarity funds (FLI and FLS)

MRC de La Nouvelle-Beauce

Support for job creation and business growth in Nouvelle-Beauce

Eligible Funding

From $10,000 to $250,000

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

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.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Rouyn-Noranda — FLI Succession

City of Rouyn-Noranda

Funding tools for enterprise growth in Rouyn-Noranda

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000
Up to 5% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUTDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Expert AdviceOpen

SADC-CAE — Virage Vert Program

Réseau des SADC et CAE

Support for sustainable development projects in Quebec regions

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Grant and FundingOpen

Business Rebate Program

NB Power

Supports business energy efficiency upgrades in New Brunswick

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Researchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen

Synchronex

CCTT Network - Synchronex

Research centres and technical experts across Quebec

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGY

Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsArchived

Regional Initiatives Fund (FAIR)

Ministère de l'économie, de l'innovation et de l'énergie du Québec (MEIE)

Supports economic development and innovation in Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 90% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESINNOVATION

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.

That’s the problem helloDarwin set out to solve with its grant platform—a tool designed not only to uncover hidden opportunities but to turn them into engines for business growth.

The Reality: Entrepreneurs Don’t Have Time to Chase 28 Government Websites

No guesswork. No 100-page PDFs. No copy-pasting into spreadsheets at 10 p.m. Just a straight line from idea to opportunity—and from opportunity to execution.

Not a Promise. A Proven Process.

Explore — Use a dynamic tool to identify relevant programs based on your business profile, project goals, and sector.
Estimate — Get a personalized forecast of potential funding amounts.
Act — Access expert support to write, file, and manage your grant application all the way through approval.

On the Ground: “We Thought It Wasn’t for Us”

Within 15 minutes, she found she was eligible for:

80% funding for upskilling her team
Up to $50,000 for a digital process transformation
Export assistance for her eco-certified furniture line

With expert help from the platform’s network, two applications were submitted within six weeks. Three months later, the funds were flowing.

Her team kept working. She didn’t miss a single client meeting. The paperwork? Someone else handled it.

The Secret Weapon: Human Expertise + Automated Insight

Once a relevant program is identified, users can activate support from:

Grant application specialists
Financial and tax consultants
Industry-specific advisors (tech, manufacturing, sustainability…)

These professionals know how to speak the language of funding agencies, avoid technical pitfalls, and build credible, compelling submissions that align with government priorities.

Grants as Strategy, Not Serendipity

One of the key cultural shifts that helloDarwin enables is this: stop seeing grants as a bonus. Start using them as a core business strategy.

By integrating public funding into your business roadmap, you can plan projects more effectively, make smarter investments, and time your initiatives with upcoming funding windows.

Take, for instance, a company that plans to hire three engineers in Q2 of next year. With helloDarwin, they can:

See which programs will be active
Prepare their documentation in advance
Maximize their reimbursement rate (often 50%–75%)
Accelerate hiring without overextending cash flow

This is not opportunism. It’s strategic resource allocation—backed by public funding that already exists.

A Platform That Evolves With You

Grants are seasonal. Programs change. Budgets close. That’s why a truly valuable tool must be living, adaptive, and proactive.

helloDarwin’s grant platform updates in real time. Its users receive alerts when:

A new program launches in their region or sector
Their business becomes eligible for something previously unavailable
A deadline is approaching for a high-value grant

It becomes a funding radar, embedded in your growth planning—not a tool you only use in times of desperation.

Who Is It For?

The answer is simple: any business with a project to fund. That includes:

Startups in early or late stages
SMEs looking to modernize
Manufacturers planning to automate
Creative firms digitizing their services
Exporters preparing to go global
Green innovators solving environmental challenges

Whether you're running a two-person creative agency or a 50-person industrial operation, there are grants for you. The only thing missing is a way to find them—and a partner to help unlock them.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Platform

helloDarwin doesn’t work in isolation. It collaborates with:

Local economic development organizations
Industry associations and chambers of commerce
Banks and financial institutions
Professional service firms and consultants

This ecosystem allows the platform to not only recommend funding, but also connect users with vetted experts and service providers who can execute the projects being funded.

Need help building your e-commerce site, launching your ESG strategy, or hiring an export advisor? helloDarwin connects the dots—from funding to fulfillment.

Three Common Mistakes That helloDarwin Helps You Avoid

Waiting Too Long Many businesses defer their plans because they believe it’s “not the right time.” In reality, most grants have narrow windows. Wait too long, and the funding is gone.
Assuming You’re Not Eligible Public funding isn’t just for deep-tech startups or cleantech firms. It supports marketing, recruitment, training, IT upgrades, and much more.
DIY Grant Applications Too many companies go it alone. But one wrong number, one missed document, or one misinterpreted eligibility clause can ruin your chances.

helloDarwin addresses all three by offering structure, automation, and expert support from the start.

A Cultural Shift in How Businesses See Funding

The deeper mission of helloDarwin isn’t just technological—it’s cultural.

A company that integrates grants into its financial strategy can:

Innovate without draining its runway
Recruit more confidently
Accelerate product launches
De-risk export strategies
Improve retention through training and benefits

Grants don’t just lower costs. They unlock momentum.

Researchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen

NRC — Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Aerospace manufacturing technologies facilities in Montreal, Mirabel and Ottawa

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Other SupportGrant and FundingExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF)

Government of Ontario

Supports Ontario SMEs to strengthen supply chains and expand markets

Eligible Funding

From $200,000 to $5,000,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYHUMAN RESOURCESINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

Energy efficiency for industry – Industrial Facility Track

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Supports energy efficiency upgrades for Canadian industrial facilities

Eligible Funding

From $40,000 to $5,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCES

Other SupportClosed

Circular Initiatives Awards

Circular Québec

Recognizes innovative circular economy initiatives across Quebec organizations

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Educational services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Researchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen

NRC — Manufacturing and Automotive Innovation Hub

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Automotive manufacturing innovation space in London

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

INNOVATION

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.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Grant and FundingClosed

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

Government of the Northwest Territories

Money for capital purchases in the Northwest Territories

Eligible Funding

Max. $30,000
Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATION

Grant and FundingOpen

Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI)

Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)

Improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
Construction

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATECONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

OCI — Critical Industrial Technologies initiative (CIR)

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)

Supports Ontario SMEs in adopting critical industrial technologies

Eligible Funding

From $50 to $1,000,000

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGY

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

OVIN — TalentEdge Fellowship

Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)

Fellowship for automotive and smart mobility technology

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGY

Grant and FundingClosed

PRIMA — INNOV-R

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Funding for GHG-reduction projects in Quebec

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

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.

This is exactly the problem helloDarwin set out to solve.

helloDarwin’s grant platform is flipping the script by turning complexity into clarity and making funding a strategic advantage for Canadian businesses of all sizes.

The Vision: A Smarter Way to Fund Business Growth

At its core, helloDarwin’s grant platform is built on a simple but powerful idea: funding should empower businesses, not overwhelm them.

Step 1: Discovery Made Easy

That’s where helloDarwin’s discovery engine comes in.

Step 2: Clear Guidance and Next Steps

Step 3: Human Expertise When It Matters Most

For businesses that want to maximize their chances of approval, these experts step in to:

Review and validate eligibility
Write or revise grant applications
Build strong business cases aligned with funding priorities
Ensure deadlines are met
Coordinate post-funding reporting

Built for Real Business Use Cases

One of the most compelling aspects of the helloDarwin platform is its adaptability to real-life business scenarios. Here are just a few examples of how companies use the platform:

1. The AI Startup Expanding to Europe

2. The Manufacturing Company Going Green

3. The Agency Hiring Young Talent

A Platform That Grows With You

It’s more than a transactional tool—it’s a business intelligence asset that supports growth over the long term.

Why It Works: Trust, Transparency, and Efficiency

Three values underpin the success of helloDarwin’s grant platform:

Trust Businesses know they are getting objective, vetted information—not biased promotions or limited program listings. The platform operates independently of government agencies and focuses on delivering value to its users first.
Transparency All fees (where applicable) and engagement terms are clear. Grant estimates are realistic, based on program rules, and users are guided toward opportunities that genuinely match their profiles.
Efficiency In a world where time is money, the platform reduces the time spent searching, guessing, and redoing failed submissions. From onboarding to approval, every step is optimized for speed and simplicity.

Making Grants a Growth Habit

This change in mindset has ripple effects. Companies that consistently use grants can:

Experiment with innovative ideas without bearing all the risk
Hire sooner, train better, and retain more talent
Invest in technology and sustainability with confidence
Build resilience against market shocks or supply chain disruptions
Gain recognition and trust from investors, clients, and government partners

Grants become not just about reducing costs, but about unlocking potential.

Who Is It For?

The helloDarwin grant platform is purpose-built for:

Startups exploring early-stage growth and hiring
SMEs seeking to modernize or expand internationally
Manufacturers aiming to automate or go green
Professional service firms investing in tools, marketing, or skills
Nonprofits and social enterprises scaling their impact

It’s ideal for companies with lean teams, limited admin bandwidth, and high-impact ideas that need a push to launch.

A New Standard for Funding Access

In doing so, it supports a more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking Canadian economy—one company at a time.

Wage Subsidies And InternsClosed

ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Support for SMEs to take part in apprenticeship

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $10,000

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

HUMAN RESOURCES

Grant and FundingOpen

ID Gatineau — Business Support Fund

ID Gatineau

Non-repayable financial support for business growth in Gatineau

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATECONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION HUMAN RESOURCESINNOVATION

Tax CreditsOpen

Gasoline used in unlicensed business equipment

Ontario Ministry of Finance

Refund for Ontario gasoline tax paid for unlicensed equipment

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

Bringing Circularity to Life in the Bioeconomy: From Envisioning to Planning

Consortium de recherche et d'innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ)

Supports feasibility studies for innovative circular economy projects

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

Career-Ready with CTMA — Expanding Opportunities

Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA)

Funding for experiential learning opportunities in Ontario

Eligible Funding

Max. $15,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

HUMAN RESOURCES

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.

A Platform Designed for Modern Business Needs

A Vast and Continuously Updated Grant Database

Personalized and Smart Grant Matching

Full-Service Expert Support

Diverse Project Categories and Funding Options

Popular funding categories include:

Digital Transformation: software, cybersecurity, automation, AI
Human Resources: hiring graduates, professional training, retention
Export & Market Development: trade missions, translation, digital campaigns
Sustainability: energy efficiency, waste management, eco-certification
R&D & Innovation: product development, process improvement, prototyping
Infrastructure & Capital Assets: renovations, equipment purchases, workspace upgrades

Many programs offer reimbursement rates ranging from 25% to over 90% of eligible costs, and some can be combined for even greater impact.

Direct Impact on Business Performance

A Perfect Balance of Technology and Human Support

Strengthening the Canadian Business Ecosystem

This dynamic ecosystem not only improves outcomes for funded initiatives but also contributes to a more connected and supportive business community.

A Simple and Accessible Process

From Idea to Execution: Enabling Growth

Grant and FundingOpen

Trade Mission Support Program

Ontario's North Economic Development Corporation

Export assistance for not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario

Eligible Funding

Max. $10,000

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

Tax CreditsOpen

Yukon Research and Development Tax Credit

Government of Yukon

Tax credit for R&D in Yukon

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

PRIMA — SI2TEC – Feasibility Studies

Advanced Materials Research and Innovation Hub (PRIMA)

Supports feasibility studies for circular economy projects in Québec

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingOpen

Export Marketing Assistance Program

Ontario's North Economic Development Corporation

Funding for export-focused activities

Eligible Funding

Max. $90,000

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Researchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen

NRC — Automotive and Surface Transportation

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Collaborate on automotive and surface transportation R&D

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

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.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Tax CreditsOpen

Capital Investment Tax Credit (CITC)

Government of Alberta

Tax credit supporting Alberta manufacturing and tourism infrastructure investments

Eligible Funding

From $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
Up to 10% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

Women in Skilled Trades Initiative

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Funds projects supporting women apprentices in Red Seal trades

Eligible Funding

Max. $3,000,000
Up to 10% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

Grant and FundingClosed

Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF)

Government of Saskatchewan

Funding for R&D projects in Saskatchewan

Eligible Funding

Max. $450,000
Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Researchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen

NRC — Laser processing and surface modification facility

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Laser processing and surface modification facility in London

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Researchers And FacilitiesGrant and FundingOpen

NBIF Innovation Voucher

New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF)

Funding for R&D at a New Brunswick research institution

Eligible Funding

From $10,000 to $80,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

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.

That’s the problem helloDarwin set out to solve with its grant platform—a tool designed not only to uncover hidden opportunities but to turn them into engines for business growth.

The Reality: Entrepreneurs Don’t Have Time to Chase 28 Government Websites

No guesswork. No 100-page PDFs. No copy-pasting into spreadsheets at 10 p.m. Just a straight line from idea to opportunity—and from opportunity to execution.

Not a Promise. A Proven Process.

Explore — Use a dynamic tool to identify relevant programs based on your business profile, project goals, and sector.
Estimate — Get a personalized forecast of potential funding amounts.
Act — Access expert support to write, file, and manage your grant application all the way through approval.

On the Ground: “We Thought It Wasn’t for Us”

Within 15 minutes, she found she was eligible for:

80% funding for upskilling her team
Up to $50,000 for a digital process transformation
Export assistance for her eco-certified furniture line

With expert help from the platform’s network, two applications were submitted within six weeks. Three months later, the funds were flowing.

Her team kept working. She didn’t miss a single client meeting. The paperwork? Someone else handled it.

The Secret Weapon: Human Expertise + Automated Insight

Once a relevant program is identified, users can activate support from:

Grant application specialists
Financial and tax consultants
Industry-specific advisors (tech, manufacturing, sustainability…)

These professionals know how to speak the language of funding agencies, avoid technical pitfalls, and build credible, compelling submissions that align with government priorities.

Grants as Strategy, Not Serendipity

One of the key cultural shifts that helloDarwin enables is this: stop seeing grants as a bonus. Start using them as a core business strategy.

By integrating public funding into your business roadmap, you can plan projects more effectively, make smarter investments, and time your initiatives with upcoming funding windows.

Take, for instance, a company that plans to hire three engineers in Q2 of next year. With helloDarwin, they can:

See which programs will be active
Prepare their documentation in advance
Maximize their reimbursement rate (often 50%–75%)
Accelerate hiring without overextending cash flow

This is not opportunism. It’s strategic resource allocation—backed by public funding that already exists.

A Platform That Evolves With You

Grants are seasonal. Programs change. Budgets close. That’s why a truly valuable tool must be living, adaptive, and proactive.

helloDarwin’s grant platform updates in real time. Its users receive alerts when:

A new program launches in their region or sector
Their business becomes eligible for something previously unavailable
A deadline is approaching for a high-value grant

It becomes a funding radar, embedded in your growth planning—not a tool you only use in times of desperation.

Who Is It For?

The answer is simple: any business with a project to fund. That includes:

Startups in early or late stages
SMEs looking to modernize
Manufacturers planning to automate
Creative firms digitizing their services
Exporters preparing to go global
Green innovators solving environmental challenges

Whether you're running a two-person creative agency or a 50-person industrial operation, there are grants for you. The only thing missing is a way to find them—and a partner to help unlock them.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Platform

helloDarwin doesn’t work in isolation. It collaborates with:

Local economic development organizations
Industry associations and chambers of commerce
Banks and financial institutions
Professional service firms and consultants

This ecosystem allows the platform to not only recommend funding, but also connect users with vetted experts and service providers who can execute the projects being funded.

Need help building your e-commerce site, launching your ESG strategy, or hiring an export advisor? helloDarwin connects the dots—from funding to fulfillment.

Three Common Mistakes That helloDarwin Helps You Avoid

Waiting Too Long Many businesses defer their plans because they believe it’s “not the right time.” In reality, most grants have narrow windows. Wait too long, and the funding is gone.
Assuming You’re Not Eligible Public funding isn’t just for deep-tech startups or cleantech firms. It supports marketing, recruitment, training, IT upgrades, and much more.
DIY Grant Applications Too many companies go it alone. But one wrong number, one missed document, or one misinterpreted eligibility clause can ruin your chances.

helloDarwin addresses all three by offering structure, automation, and expert support from the start.

A Cultural Shift in How Businesses See Funding

The deeper mission of helloDarwin isn’t just technological—it’s cultural.

A company that integrates grants into its financial strategy can:

Innovate without draining its runway
Recruit more confidently
Accelerate product launches
De-risk export strategies
Improve retention through training and benefits

Grants don’t just lower costs. They unlock momentum.

Other SupportOpen

Technology Access Centres (TAC)

Tech-Access Canada (TAC)

Access specialized technology, equipment and expertise

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Researchers And FacilitiesExpert AdviceOpen

NRC — Aluminium Technology Centre

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Aluminium transformation testing facility in Saguenay, Quebec

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Grant and FundingOpen

Toronto — Capacity Buyback Program

City of Toronto

Rewards businesses for implementing permanent water-saving measures

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Grant and FundingClosed

CME’s Technology Investment Program

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)

Assists Ontario manufacturers with technology investment grants

Eligible Funding

Max. $50,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGY

Tax CreditsOpen

Gaspésie and Maritime Provinces

Investissement Québec (IQ)

Refundable tax credit supporting job creation in Quebec maritime regions

Eligible Funding

Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Manufacturing
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESINNOVATION

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.

Unlock Your Business’s Full Potential with Government Grants and Financial Aid

Discover How Much Grant Funding Your Business Can Access

Innovation and R&D grants for companies developing new products, services, or technologies.
Export and international expansion subsidies to help businesses enter new markets.
Workforce development funding for training, hiring, and upskilling employees.
Green energy and sustainability grants for eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient projects.
Startup and entrepreneur support programs for new businesses seeking capital and resources.

Maximize Your Business Growth with Non-Repayable Financial Assistance

Take Advantage of Government Funding Opportunities Today

Expert AdviceOpen

BDC Advisory Services — Operational Efficiency

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Advice to optimize your operations for growth

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

Types of eligible projects

INNOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

NGen — Cluster Accelerator Program

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)

Strengthen Canada's advanced manufacturing ecosystem

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 150% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESINNOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

Energy Innovation Program — Clean Fuels and Industrial Fuel Switching

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Supports industrial decarbonization through clean fuel and fuel switching

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Tax CreditsOpen

Nova Scotia Capital Investment Tax Credit

Government of Nova Scotia

Refundable corporate tax credit for qualifying Nova Scotia investments

Eligible Funding

From $5,000,000 to $100,000,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Grant and FundingClosed

Native Women’s Association of Canada — National Apprenticeships Program

Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)

Get funding to train new workers

Eligible Funding

From $10,000 to $20,000

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

HUMAN RESOURCES

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.

This is exactly the problem helloDarwin set out to solve.

helloDarwin’s grant platform is flipping the script by turning complexity into clarity and making funding a strategic advantage for Canadian businesses of all sizes.

The Vision: A Smarter Way to Fund Business Growth

At its core, helloDarwin’s grant platform is built on a simple but powerful idea: funding should empower businesses, not overwhelm them.

Step 1: Discovery Made Easy

That’s where helloDarwin’s discovery engine comes in.

Step 2: Clear Guidance and Next Steps

Step 3: Human Expertise When It Matters Most

For businesses that want to maximize their chances of approval, these experts step in to:

Review and validate eligibility
Write or revise grant applications
Build strong business cases aligned with funding priorities
Ensure deadlines are met
Coordinate post-funding reporting

Built for Real Business Use Cases

One of the most compelling aspects of the helloDarwin platform is its adaptability to real-life business scenarios. Here are just a few examples of how companies use the platform:

1. The AI Startup Expanding to Europe

2. The Manufacturing Company Going Green

3. The Agency Hiring Young Talent

A Platform That Grows With You

It’s more than a transactional tool—it’s a business intelligence asset that supports growth over the long term.

Why It Works: Trust, Transparency, and Efficiency

Three values underpin the success of helloDarwin’s grant platform:

Trust Businesses know they are getting objective, vetted information—not biased promotions or limited program listings. The platform operates independently of government agencies and focuses on delivering value to its users first.
Transparency All fees (where applicable) and engagement terms are clear. Grant estimates are realistic, based on program rules, and users are guided toward opportunities that genuinely match their profiles.
Efficiency In a world where time is money, the platform reduces the time spent searching, guessing, and redoing failed submissions. From onboarding to approval, every step is optimized for speed and simplicity.