Discover Loans and Capital Investments in Culture in Canada

Loans and capital investments fuel growth and innovation in Canada's cultural sector, supporting creative projects and cultural enterprises.

In Canada, loans and capital investments provide essential financial support for cultural organizations and creative projects, fostering innovation and sustainability within the arts sector. These funds help cultural enterprises grow, enhancing their contributions to the country's rich and diverse cultural landscape.

What is Cultural Financing?

Cultural financing refers to the allocation of funds to support various cultural projects, initiatives, and organizations. It encompasses investments, grants, loans, and other financial mechanisms aimed at nurturing and promoting cultural endeavors.

Importance of Cultural Financing

Cultural financing plays a crucial role in sustaining and advancing the arts, heritage preservation, and creative industries. It fosters innovation, facilitates economic growth, and enriches society by preserving cultural heritage, supporting artists, and promoting cultural diversity.

Overview of Capital Investments

Capital investments in the cultural sector involve allocating financial resources to projects or enterprises with the expectation of generating long-term returns. These investments can range from funding artistic productions to developing cultural infrastructure and facilities.

Understanding Investors in Cultural Sector

Investors in the cultural sector include individuals, institutions, and organizations seeking financial returns or social impact through cultural investments. They may support cultural projects through equity investments, grants, loans, or other financial instruments.

Role of Private Companies

Private companies contribute to cultural financing by sponsoring events, exhibitions, and cultural programs, as well as investing in cultural projects for branding, corporate social responsibility, or profit motives. Their involvement enhances cultural sustainability and promotes community engagement.

Social Impact Investors

Social impact investors prioritize both financial returns and positive social or environmental outcomes. They play a significant role in cultural financing by funding projects that generate cultural, social, or artistic benefits alongside financial returns, aligning with their mission to create positive change.

Equity Funding for Cultural Projects

Equity funding involves raising capital by selling shares of ownership in a cultural enterprise. It provides investors with a stake in the project's success and potential profits, while enabling cultural ventures to access the necessary funds for growth and development.

Equity vs. Debt Financing

Equity financing involves selling ownership stakes in a cultural enterprise, while debt financing entails borrowing funds with the obligation to repay them with interest. Equity financing offers investors potential returns tied to the venture's success, while debt financing provides immediate capital with fixed repayment terms.

Investment Opportunities for Cultural Enterprises

Cultural enterprises offer diverse investment opportunities, including arts organizations, museums, galleries, heritage sites, and creative startups. Investors can support these ventures through equity investments, loans, grants, or sponsorship arrangements, contributing to cultural innovation and sustainability.

Business Models for Cultural Financing

Business models for cultural financing encompass various revenue streams, including ticket sales, memberships, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and donations. Effective business models ensure financial viability and sustainability for cultural enterprises, enabling them to fulfill their missions and objectives.

Financial Support for Arts and Culture

Financial support for arts and culture encompasses grants, sponsorships, donations, and investments from public and private sources. It sustains artistic creativity, cultural expression, and heritage preservation, enriching communities and fostering social cohesion.

Funding from Cultural Equity Firms

Cultural equity firms specialize in investing in cultural projects, initiatives, and enterprises that promote diversity, inclusion, and social equity. They provide financial resources and strategic support to empower underrepresented cultural communities and amplify their voices.

Impact Investing in Cultural Sector

Impact investing in the cultural sector involves allocating capital to projects that generate positive social, cultural, and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. It aligns investors' values with their investment portfolios, driving meaningful change and cultural transformation.

Strategies for Securing Capital for Cultural Ventures

Securing capital for cultural ventures requires developing comprehensive financing plans, engaging diverse investors, and leveraging various funding sources. Strategies may include crowdfunding, partnerships, grant writing, investor pitches, and financial planning to meet the venture's capital needs.

Cultural Financing Plans and Strategies

Cultural financing plans outline strategies for acquiring and managing financial resources to support cultural projects and initiatives. They identify funding sources, assess financial feasibility, and establish goals and priorities to ensure sustainable cultural development and growth.

Accessing Capital Markets for Cultural Projects

Accessing capital markets involves raising funds through equity offerings, bonds, or other financial instruments to finance cultural projects or enterprises. It requires navigating regulatory requirements, market conditions, and investor preferences to secure capital for cultural initiatives.

Engaging Social Equity Investors

Engaging social equity investors involves building relationships with individuals or organizations committed to supporting cultural diversity, inclusion, and social impact. It entails aligning investment opportunities with their values and objectives to mobilize capital for cultural ventures.

Working Capital Management for Cultural Enterprises

Working capital management involves efficiently managing cash flow, receivables, and payables to ensure the financial stability and operational continuity of cultural enterprises. It requires balancing short-term liquidity needs with long-term investment goals to support ongoing cultural activities and initiatives.

Net Worth Analysis

Net worth analysis assesses an individual's or organization's financial position by calculating the difference between assets and liabilities. It helps cultural enterprises evaluate their financial health, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions about resource allocation and investment strategies.

Financial Ratios for Cultural Businesses

Financial ratios provide insight into the financial performance and health of cultural businesses by comparing key financial metrics such as profitability, liquidity, and solvency. They help stakeholders assess risk, monitor progress, and make data-driven decisions to support sustainable growth and development.

Future Trends in Cultural Funding

Future trends in cultural funding include the growth of social equity investments, increased involvement of the banking sector, innovative financing models, and capital flow optimization in cultural markets. These trends are driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and societal shifts towards cultural sustainability and inclusivity.

71 opportunities available

ESSOR – Component 2: Support for investment projects promoting productivity and business expansion

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

ESSOR – Component 2: Support for investment projects promoting productivity and business expansion

Supports business productivity and expansion through technological investment

Eligible Funding

Min. ${{count}}
Up to 30% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation and warehousing

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Production program — French market budgets under $3.5M

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

Canada

Production program — French market budgets under $3.5M

Financing for French-language feature films

Eligible Funding

From $250,000 to $500,000
Up to 33% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Canada

Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 1

Loans to develop Quebec tourist attractions

Eligible Funding

From $150,000 to $5,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Technology showcase - pre-commercialization of innovation

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Québec, Quebec

Technology showcase - pre-commercialization of innovation

Supports pre-commercial testing of innovative technologies and products

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Québec, Quebec

Québec city — Supporting the development of the Saint-Roch district

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Québec, Quebec

Québec city — Supporting the development of the Saint-Roch district

Financial support for business development projects in Saint-Roch

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Québec, Quebec

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!

Production program — French market budgets $3.5M+

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

Canada

Production program — French market budgets $3.5M+

Financing for high-budget French-language feature films

Eligible Funding

Max. $3,500,000
Up to 49% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Canada

BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan

Loan to buy an existing business

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

BUSINESS BUYOUT

Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Canada

Telefilm Canada — Marketing program

Financial support for marketing and distribution of feature films

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Canada

Production program — English market budgets of $3.5M+

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Canada

Production program — English market budgets of $3.5M+

Financing for high-budget English-language feature films

Eligible Funding

Max. $4,000,000
Up to 39% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Canada

PME MTL — Call for projects : Innovation

Grant and FundingExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Montréal, Quebec

PME MTL — Call for projects : Innovation

Supports innovative business projects accelerating technology adoption in Montréal

Eligible Funding

Max. $50,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Montréal, Quebec

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.

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

Duo grand V

Flexible funding and tech support for sustainable innovation projects

Eligible Funding

From $250,000 to $250,000

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

Impulsion SME

Access to investment capital

Eligible Funding

From $250,000 to $2,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

INNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Canada

BDC Financing — Tech Companies

Loans for businesses in the technology sector

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC Matawinie — Local investment fund

Investment support for business development in Matawinie

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 15% of project cost

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATECONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC La Haute-Côte-Nord — FLI/FLS

Economic support for sustainable business development in MRC

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEBUSINESS BUYOUTDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

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

Rouyn-Noranda — FLI-FLS – Entrepreneurial Succession

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec

Rouyn-Noranda — FLI-FLS – Entrepreneurial Succession

FLI-FLS funds projects and entrepreneurial succession in Rouyn-Noranda

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUTDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec

MRC d'Avignon — Local Investment Funds (FLI) and Local Solidarity Funds (FLS)

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC d'Avignon — Local Investment Funds (FLI) and Local Solidarity Funds (FLS)

Business financing for development and job creation in Avignon

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Quebec, Canada

MRC de Montcalm — FLI/FLS

Investment support for economic growth in the Montcalm region

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

Quebec, Canada

MRC Charlevoix — Local Investment Fund (FLI) “Succession” Stream

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC Charlevoix — Local Investment Fund (FLI) “Succession” Stream

Charlevoix economic grants supporting startups and business expansion

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

Quebec, Canada

MRC Montmagny — Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR)

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Montmagny, Quebec

MRC Montmagny — Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR)

Regional and rural development grant for Quebec municipalities

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Construction
Manufacturing
Retail trade

Types of eligible projects

BUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATION

Montmagny, Quebec

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.

MRC du Rocher-Percé — Investment Fund (FLI) and Local Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC du Rocher-Percé — Investment Fund (FLI) and Local Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Supports business development and growth in the MRC du Rocher-Percé

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

MRC Témiscamingue — Local Investment Fund Loan

Expert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Témiscamingue, Quebec

MRC Témiscamingue — Local Investment Fund Loan

Personalized business support and flexible financial assistance

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $150,000

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

BUSINESS BUYOUT

Témiscamingue, Quebec

PME MTL — Innovation Investment Fund — Loans

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Montréal, Quebec

PME MTL — Innovation Investment Fund — Loans

Loans for projects by Montreal-based businesses

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 80% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONINNOVATION

Montréal, Quebec

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Canada

Tourism Relief Fund (TRF)

Tourism Relief Fund offers financial support for tourism growth

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC Coaticook — Local Fund FLI/FLS

Supports economic development for enterprises in Coaticook region

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUTDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

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.

MRC Drummond — Business Succession Program

Other SupportExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Drummondville, Quebec

MRC Drummond — Business Succession Program

Business financing demystified for tailored entrepreneurial support

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000
Up to 51% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEBUSINESS BUYOUTDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Drummondville, Quebec

MRC La Côte-de-Beaupré — Regional Beautification Fund of La Côte-de-Beaupré

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Beaupré, Quebec

MRC La Côte-de-Beaupré — Regional Beautification Fund of La Côte-de-Beaupré

Business development and financing solutions for entrepreneurs

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

Beaupré, Quebec

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC de Thérèse de Blainville — FLI/FLS

Financial support for business development in Thérèse-De Blainville

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

MRC Beauce-Sartigan — Fund for tourism and cultural events (FÉTC)

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC Beauce-Sartigan — Fund for tourism and cultural events (FÉTC)

Tourism and cultural events fund for Beauce-Sartigan nonprofits

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Quebec, Canada

MRC La Matanie — Grant and Sponsorship Program

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Matanie, Quebec

MRC La Matanie — Grant and Sponsorship Program

DEM offers financial support for sustainable business development

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000

Eligible Industries

Retail trade
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONBUSINESS BUYOUTINNOVATION

Matanie, Quebec

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

SODEC — Support for television production – Production value bonus

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

SODEC — Support for television production – Production value bonus

Boosts international potential of Quebec French-language television productions

Eligible Funding

Max. $750,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATION

Quebec, Canada

MRC des Chenaux — Local Investment Fund (FLI) and Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Quebec, Canada

MRC des Chenaux — Local Investment Fund (FLI) and Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Investment policy for supporting Quebec's economic development

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUTDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Quebec, Canada

MRC L'Islet — Local investment fund (FLI / FLS)

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC L'Islet — Local investment fund (FLI / FLS)

Local funds support business startup, expansion, and consolidation

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000
Up to 20% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

Quebec, Canada

MRC Beauce-Sartigan — New Tourist Attractions Fund (FNAT)

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC Beauce-Sartigan — New Tourist Attractions Fund (FNAT)

Funding for new tourism projects in Beauce-Sartigan

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 20% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATION

Quebec, Canada

MRC La Côte-de-Beaupré — Local Investment Fund (FLI) – Local Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Beaupré, Quebec

MRC La Côte-de-Beaupré — Local Investment Fund (FLI) – Local Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Local funds support startups and expanding businesses with loans

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Construction
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Beaupré, Quebec

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.

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

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

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

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

Quebec, Canada

MRC Rimouski-Neigette — Local Investment Fund

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Rimouski, Quebec

MRC Rimouski-Neigette — Local Investment Fund

FLI/FLS funds support Quebec economic impact projects

Eligible Funding

From $10,000 to $150,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

Rimouski, Quebec

City of Lévis — Desjardins Business Fund (FDE)

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Lévis, Quebec

City of Lévis — Desjardins Business Fund (FDE)

Economic development support for Lévis businesses and entrepreneurs

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Lévis, Quebec

MRC La Côte-de-Beaupré — Microcredit Fund – Microcredit Côte-de-Beaupré / Charlevoix

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC La Côte-de-Beaupré — Microcredit Fund – Microcredit Côte-de-Beaupré / Charlevoix

Empowerment through microcredit for Côte-de-Beaupré entrepreneurs

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

Quebec, Canada

MRC Marguerite-D'Youville — Local investment and solidarity funds (FLI and FLS)

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

MRC Marguerite-D'Youville — Local investment and solidarity funds (FLI and FLS)

Investment support for sustainable economic growth in Quebec

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

Quebec, Canada

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

Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges — FSAET

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges — FSAET

Tourism project loan with potential to convert to funding

Eligible Funding

From $10,000 to $250,000
Up to 15% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

SADC Lac-St-Jean Ouest — Tourist Loan

Offer supporting tourism business growth and diversification

Eligible Funding

Max. $50,000

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

INNOVATION

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Canada

BDC Financing — Technology

Loan to purchase or upgrade technology

Eligible Funding

Max. $350,000
Up to 100% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Canada

MRC Les Basques — Local Investment Fund (FLI) / Local Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

Quebec, Canada

MRC Les Basques — Local Investment Fund (FLI) / Local Solidarity Fund (FLS)

Entrepreneurial support and financial aid for businesses

Eligible Funding

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

Eligible Industries

Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION BUSINESS BUYOUT

Quebec, Canada

MRC de Thérèse de Blainville — Entrepreneurial financial assistance program

Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

Blainville, Quebec

MRC de Thérèse de Blainville — Entrepreneurial financial assistance program

Supports entrepreneurs in Blainville through financial assistance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

Blainville, Quebec

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.

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Nunavut, Canada

Kakivak Association — Makigiaqvik Loans

Loans for Inuit business in Nunavut’s Qikiqtani Region

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 8% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Retail trade
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONBUSINESS BUYOUT

Nunavut, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Shawinigan, Quebec

SADC Shawinigan — Digital Strategy Fund

Digital Strategy Fund supports tech transition with loans

Eligible Funding

From $10,000 to $50,000

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Shawinigan, Quebec

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Ontario, Canada

Rise — Small Business Lending

Business loans for entrepreneurs

Eligible Funding

Max. $10,000

Eligible Industries

Retail trade
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

BUSINESS BUYOUT

Ontario, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Canada

BDC Capital — Venture Capital

Venture Capital financing for Canadian entrepreneurs

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Nunavut, Canada

Nunavut Business Credit Corporation

Financial and business support for businesses in Nunavut

Eligible Funding

From $150,000 to $2,000,000

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

Nunavut, Canada

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

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Quebec, Canada

Evol — Conventional start-up loan

Loans for diversified and inclusive ownership start-ups in Quebec

Eligible Funding

From $20,000 to $75,000
Up to 5% of project cost

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONBUSINESS BUYOUT

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

SODEC — Development Aid Program

SODEC supports Quebec film development and production projects

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

Quebec, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Nova Scotia, Canada

Invest Nova Scotia — Investment

Early stage investment for Nova Scotia innovators

Eligible Funding

Up to 25% of project cost

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Nova Scotia, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Canada

BDC Capital — Growth Equity Partner

Equity investments for Canadian entrepreneurs

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade

Types of eligible projects

INNOVATION

Canada

Business Investment Program — Equity Investment

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Business Investment Program — Equity Investment

Equity funding for business improvement in Newfoundland and Labrador

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATION

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

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

DEPS — Assistance and support program for local businesses

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Sorel-Tracy, Quebec

DEPS — Assistance and support program for local businesses

Financial support for businesses impacted by construction in Sorel-Tracy

Eligible Funding

Up to 20% of project cost

Eligible Industries

Retail trade
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Sorel-Tracy, Quebec

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Quebec, Canada

Investment Banking — Corporate Finance

Financing for cultural businesses in Quebec

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Quebec, Canada

Tax CreditsExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

British Columbia, Canada

Venture Capital Corporation

Equity investments for BC businesses

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

British Columbia, Canada

Culture and Communications Investment Fund

Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

Quebec, Canada

Culture and Communications Investment Fund

Support for cultural enterprises in Quebec

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Arts, entertainment and recreation

Types of eligible projects

Quebec, Canada

CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Nova Scotia, Canada

CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program

Financial help for small businesses in NB

Eligible Funding

Max. $100,000

Eligible Industries

Retail trade
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)

Types of eligible projects

Nova Scotia, Canada

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.

MRC Témiscamingue — Tourism Attraction Fund

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Ville-Marie, Quebec

MRC Témiscamingue — Tourism Attraction Fund

Financial assistance for launching new tourism businesses in Témiscamingue

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $20,000
Up to 15% of project cost

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Ville-Marie, Quebec

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Ontario, Canada

Invest Ontario Fund (IOF)

Ontario supports strategic investments and job creation in priority sectors

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

Ontario, Canada

Rouyn-Noranda — Structuring Projects Fund (FPS)

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec

Rouyn-Noranda — Structuring Projects Fund (FPS)

Rouyn-Noranda business financial support through FPS loans

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 5% of project cost

Eligible Industries

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

Types of eligible projects

BUSINESS BUYOUT

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

Ontario, Canada

ventureLAB — Capital Investment Program

Support for technology companies ready to scale

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance

Types of eligible projects

TECHNOLOGY

Ontario, Canada

Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

New Brunswick, Canada

NBIF Startup Investment Fund

Seed capital for new products, services and technologies in New Brunswick

Eligible Funding

Max. $200,000

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services

Types of eligible projects

COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

New Brunswick, Canada

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.