Small Business Grants in Canada for 2026
Discover the grants available for your business
The Canadian government offers subsidies to support small businesses, fostering growth and innovation in the local economy. These subsidies provide financial assistance for various aspects such as research and development, expansion, and employee training.

PSCE – Component 2

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 2

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)

Efficient Solutions Program — Medium and Large Businesses Component

ESSOR – Component 1C: Support for investment projects (implementing a digital plan)

NGen — AI For Manufacturing Challenge (AI4M)

Manitoba — Export Development Program (EDP)

Financing to respond to the offensive of new tariffs and for initiatives for resilient and exporting companies (FRONTIERE)

Panorama Program

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)

Workforce Training Measure (MFOR)

Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export-Ready Stream


ESSOR – Component 1B: Support for investment projects (digital diagnostics)

Innovative Solutions Canada Program

NRC IRAP – Support for clean technology

Investment and innovation tax credit (IITC)

Creative Export Canada (CEC) — Export Development Stream (EDS)

PSCE – Component 1

NovaScience Program — Support for the position of innovation and commercialization manager



Protein Industries Canada — Technology Leadership

Employment Consultation - Human Resources Management Support
Applying for a grant may seem complex, but with the right information and preparation, the chances of success are greatly increased. This segment details the application process, the necessary documents, and tips for a convincing application. To apply and register for programs, it is strongly recommended to have a specific project. Here are a few examples of eligible projects:

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

AgriInnovate Program

Economic development program to help revitalize territories (DEPART)

Arts Across Canada — Representation and Promotion

Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR)

CFIN — Innovation Scouting Fund

Support program for the development of reserved designations and promotional terms — Component 1

FAQDD — Returnable Container Recycling Equipment Modernization Program

ESSOR – Component 1A: Support for investment projects (feasibility studies)

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) — Business project loans

SIF — Collaborations and Networks projects

PACE — Business Mentorship Program


Starter Company Plus

Regional Development Program — Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC)

CED — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative

LTI³ Project

Call for collaborative and structuring innovation projects in Quebec's strategic sectors


Futurpreneur

NovaScience Program — Support for employment in research and innovation

Novoclimat — Construction professionals — Small Multiple-Unit Buildings

MAPAQ — Ministerial initiative Proximity — Component 1

Canada Small Business Financing Loan (CSBFL)
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Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) — Project Stream

ISDE — Advanced technologies for open-source intelligence due diligence

Qualifying training in the workplace

Additional deduction for transportation costs for manufacturing SMEs

Support for music and variety companies — Component 2: Support for management activities and Component 3: Para-industrial sector - Project support


MAPAQ — Food Processing Program Component 3 — Food quality and safety management

Regional defence investment initiative (RDII) – Quebec

CELTIC-NEXT – Next Generation Communications Autumn 2025 call for proposals

Capitale-Commerce

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Quebec

FedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit

Fabrication Process Development Challenge

Digital Skills for Youth Program (DS4Y)

Ambition-Compétences — Training for resilience and competitiveness in employment

Innovative Solutions Canada — Challenge Stream for innovators

Tourism Growth Program in Northern Ontario

Regional partnership and digital transformation agreement for tourism 2022-2025 – Digital development of a company

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Subcomponent 4.1 - Competitiveness of slaughterhouses and cheese dairies

iVisit


On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects

MAPAQ — Food Processing Program — Component 1

Musicaction - Global Funding Envelope – Support Program

MT Lab — Project Financing Program — Component 2
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Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII) for Northern Ontario

PME MTL — Industrial and sustainable development investment fund

DEL — Expertise Financing Grant

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario

Doing business in French

Innovation Program — Stream 1 – Support for innovation projects

Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (OMMITC)

Support for innovation projects

Canada Book Fund Publishers Business Development — Business Planning

OCI — Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan program (DMAP)

Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grant Program

Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) in the Prairie provinces

Green Strategy Funding

Social economy enterprises — Digital transformation

AI Compute Access Fund

Évolution-Compétences -Partnership for training and innovation

Southwestern Ontario Development Fund — Community economic development projects

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — British Columbia

Innovation Program — Stream 1 – Support for mobilising projects

EcoAction - Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation across Canada Stream

Tax credit for retaining experienced workers (Code 107)

Cyber Security Innovation Network

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Northern Ontario

OTF — Community Building Fund - Operating Stream

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) — Prairie Provinces
Any questions about grants for small businesses in Canada?
How do I apply for a small business grant in Canada?
Step 1: Research and Identify Suitable Grants
- Government Websites:Visit federal, provincial, and municipal government websites to find information on grants specifically for small businesses.
- Business Associations:Consult business associations and chambers of commerce for potential grant opportunities and advice.
- helloDarwin’s Grant Directory:Utilize helloDarwin’s grant directory, a comprehensive resource that lists available grants. This directory can help you find grants tailored to your business needs and sector.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
- Business Plan:Ensure you have a detailed and updated business plan that outlines your business goals, strategies, and financial projections.
- Eligibility Check:Verify that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the grant you are applying for.
- Documentation:Gather all necessary documents such as financial statements, tax returns, and proof of business registration. Tailor your application to highlight how your business aligns with the grant objectives.
Step 3: Submit and Follow Up
- Submission:Submit your application according to the specific instructions provided by the grant program. This could be online or via mail.
- Follow Up:After submission, follow up with the grant provider to confirm receipt of your application and to inquire about the review process timeline. Stay engaged and be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested.
Who are the top five grant administrators for SMBs in Canada?
1. Canada Business Network
2. Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
3. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
4. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
5. FedDev Ontario
How to get grant money for small business in Canada?
How to obtain a small business grant in Canada?
What are small business grants?
How do I find available grants for my small business in Canada?
What are the eligibility criteria for small business grants?
What are some common challenges in obtaining small business grants?
Can I apply for multiple grants simultaneously?
What is the difference between grants and loans for small businesses?
What else should I know about Grants and Funding for SMB's?
Government Funding for Small Businesses
Eligible Businesses for Grants
Capital grants for Small Business Development
Types of Business Grants
- Innovation Grants: These grants are geared towards supporting businesses engaged in research and development activities, encouraging innovation and technological advancement within industries.
- Expansion Grants: Designed to assist businesses in expanding their operations, these grants provide financial support for initiatives such as opening new locations, entering new markets, or scaling up production capacity.
- Training Grants: Aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of employees, training grants cover the costs associated with workforce development, including specialized training programs and certifications.
- Technology Adoption Grants: These grants help businesses integrate new technologies into their operations, improving efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in the market.
- Start-up Grants: Tailored for new businesses and entrepreneurs, start-up grants provide seed funding to help cover initial costs such as equipment purchases, marketing expenses, and hiring.
- Northern Development Grants: Specifically targeted at businesses located in Northern Canada, these grants aim to stimulate economic growth and development in remote and northern regions.
- Digital Transformation Grants: With the increasing importance of digital technologies, these grants assist businesses in digitizing their operations, enhancing online presence, and embracing e-commerce platforms.
- Industry-Specific Grants: Some grants are designed to support businesses operating in specific industries such as agriculture, tourism, or manufacturing, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within these sectors.
- Export Development Grants: Geared towards businesses looking to expand their markets internationally, these grants provide support for activities related to export planning, market research, and trade missions.
- Green Business Grants: In line with environmental sustainability goals, these grants support businesses in implementing eco-friendly practices, reducing carbon footprint, and developing green products or services.