Closed
Backing Canadian Small Businesses
Support for Canadian small businesses to grow and strengthen operations
Last Update: June 14, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Closing date : May 19, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Backing Canadian Small Businesses offers $10,000 CAD to selected Canadian small businesses to support growth, resilience, and community impact. The program also includes mentoring support focused on sales, marketing, operations, leadership, and other business improvements.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 10,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : May 19, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 1,500,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business growth and sustainability initiatives.
- Operational improvements for small businesses.
- Community-focused business activities with local impact.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian small businesses.
- Independent businesses incorporated in Canada.
- Businesses operating physically or online in the Canadian market.
Who is not eligible
- Government agencies and Crown corporations.
- Public administration bodies.
- Non-profit and charitable organizations.
- Political organizations.
- Franchises not founded in Canada or not founded or run by the applicant.
Eligible expenses
- Digital capability improvements.
- New product development.
- New equipment purchases.
- Physical improvements to support ongoing operations.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after the closing date by DMZ’s selection committee.
- Successful applicants are contacted by DMZ staff.
- Applicants who are not selected do not receive separate correspondence.
- Grant payments are made after the grant form is received.
Additional information
- There is no participation fee to apply or take part in the program.
- Selected businesses receive mentoring support from DMZ in addition to the grant.
- The program is administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Applicants who are not selected will not receive separate correspondence.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Backing Canadian Small Businesses Program
What is the Backing Canadian Small Businesses?
Backing Canadian Small Businesses offers $10,000 CAD to selected Canadian small businesses to support growth, resilience, and community impact. The program also includes mentoring support focused on sales, marketing, operations, leadership, and other business improvements.
How much funding can be received?
Backing Canadian Small Businesses Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Backing Canadian Small Businesses program?
To be eligible for the Backing Canadian Small Businesses program, you must:
Canadian-owned or authorized applicant
Independent business incorporated in Canada
Active business with under $1.5M CAD revenue
What expenses are eligible under Backing Canadian Small Businesses?
Business growth and sustainability initiatives.
Operational improvements for small businesses.
Community-focused business activities with local impact.
Who can I contact for more information about the Backing Canadian Small Businesses?
You can contact American Express Canada by email at amexbackingsmall@torontomu.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Backing Canadian Small Businesses available?
The Backing Canadian Small Businesses program is available across Canada.
Is the Backing Canadian Small Businesses a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Backing Canadian Small Businesses is a Grant and Funding