Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring
Canada
Money for commercialization in Atlantic Canada
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
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- LearnSphere
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grant_card_status|open
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Are you in the final stages of commercialization? Get up to $16,250 to cover 65% of the costs of engaging consultants or mentors to help you bring a new and innovative product, technology or process to market.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies that are registered and operating within specific regions in Atlantic Canada. The eligible areas are focused on supporting commercialization through regional economic growth.
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$13,000
Market launch of eco-friendly packaging solutions for small businesses
$15,000
Launch and promotional campaign for a new line of vegan skincare products
$16,000
Developing an advanced machine learning tool for financial market predictions
$16,250
Launch a new fitness app with advanced tracking features and wellness plans
$16,250
Trial sell and market launch plan for a new herbal health supplement
$16,250
Creating a digital marketing campaign platform for local businesses
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant’s business profile and proposed activities.
- The applicant must be registered and operating in one of the four Atlantic Provinces.
- The applicant must be a small or medium-sized business, a university or community college, or a research institution (excluding Federal labs).
- The applicant must not operate in sectors such as retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber.
- The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed activity supports the commercialization of a new and innovative product, technology, or process.
- Applicants should not have made any financial commitments prior to submission.
- The proposed product, technology, or process must be new, innovative, and unique, and situated at or above Technology Readiness Level 7.
- Applicants in the clean technology/green sector could be eligible for a different reimbursement rate.
- Total project costs must be more than $5,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring Program (CCM) is open to:- Small or medium-sized businesses registered and operating in one of the four Atlantic Provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick).- Universities or Community Colleges in one of the Atlantic Provinces.- Research institutions in the Atlantic Provinces, except Federal labs.The program does not accept applications from sectors such as retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber. Applicants must demonstrate that their project involves the commercialization of a new and innovative product, technology, or process at Technology Readiness Level 7 or above. Applicants involved in the clean technology/green sector may be eligible for additional benefits. The program emphasizes projects that establish partnerships, technology transfers, or licensing agreements and supports economic growth through commercialization efforts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions aim to ensure that funds are directed toward sectors that align with the program's strategic commercialization goals.
- Retail/Wholesale companies.
- Real Estate businesses.
- Government Services entities.
- Personal or Social Services organizations.
- Softwood Lumber industry participants.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant offers support for activities that aid the commercialization of new and innovative products, technologies, or processes, with a focus on market readiness and launch strategies. The eligible activities are centered around practical applications and validation in the marketplace.
- Field trials or focus groups to gather market feedback.
- Pilot production tests to refine the product before full-scale launch.
- Trial sells to gain initial market traction and adapt strategies as needed.
- Revised financial analysis or gap analysis to identify and address potential financial hurdles.
- Market launch plans to effectively introduce the product to the target audience.
- Development of targeted marketing and sales materials to support product launch.
- Creation of a product website to facilitate marketing and sales efforts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the CCM grant are those associated with the final commercialization stages and necessary consulting and development activities.
- Field trials or focus groups.
- Pilot production tests.
- Trial sells.
- Revised financial analysis or gap analysis.
- Market launch plan.
- Marketing/sales materials.
- Product website development.
- Professional fees for hiring consultants or mentors.
- Travel costs associated with hiring or bringing in consultants.
- Costs associated with holding a focus group session.
- Limited administrative costs directly related to the project.
- Applicant's travel costs related to the project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Overall strength of the application.
- Technical and financial viability of the project.
- Degree to which the project responds to CCM’s overall goals and criteria.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is registered and operating in one of the four Atlantic Provinces as a small or medium-sized business, university or community college, or research institution (excluding Federal labs).
- Verify that your project aligns with the program requirements for a new and innovative product, technology, or process.
- Confirm that your project is situated at or above Technology Readiness Level 7.
- Ensure compliance with the industry restrictions and other eligibility criteria specified by the CCM program.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
- Complete the online application form on the LearnSphere website for either business applicants or university applicants, depending on your organization type.
- Gather all necessary documentation including consultant proposals, project plans, and evidence of intellectual property rights if applicable.
- Prepare a detailed project budget outlining the total project costs and the anticipated CCM contribution.
- Draft a strong project proposal demonstrating the commercialization potential and alignment with CCM's objectives.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Log onto the LearnSphere application portal.
- Upload all required documents including the completed application form and supporting materials.
- Review all entries for accuracy and completeness before finalizing the submission.
- Submit the application before any financial commitments are made to ensure costs become eligible upon submission approval.
- Step 4: Await Evaluation
- Receive notification of the evaluation outcome, typically within four to five weeks.
- Prepare to provide any additional information requested during the evaluation process.
- Step 5: Agreement and Project Launch
- If approved, receive a contract from LearnSphere specifying the terms and conditions of the financial assistance.
- Select and engage consultants at arm’s length and at fair market value, as necessary for project execution.
- Adhere to reporting and audit requirements by providing baseline and follow-up information as per the contract's stipulations.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional points to consider for the CCM funding:
- The reimbursement will only occur after project costs have been fully paid and a comprehensive claim submitted by the applicant, highlighting the need for robust financial management throughout the project.
- A progress payment option is available mid-project to facilitate cash flow, provided proof of incurred costs and work completed is supplied.
- Consultants hired must not have existing ties with the applicant’s company, ensuring an unbiased perspective and guidance.
- Compliance with professional fee and travel cost guidelines set by the federal government is mandatory.
- Approved projects will require applicants to engage in follow-up program evaluations, ensuring long-term accountability and feedback on the commercialization outcomes.
- Applications are processed within four to five weeks, necessitating timely planning and documentation gathering by the applicant.
- The grant does not cover costs incurred prior to the submission date of the application, emphasizing the importance of strategic timing when applying for funding.
- The involvement of clean technology projects holds an advantage as they could qualify for a higher reimbursement rate, capped at $25,000.
- Organizations are encouraged to contact LearnSphere for specific guidance on activities related to testing and validation, ensuring all planned activities align with program objectives.
- Opportunities exist for applicants to receive tailored support in preparing for market entry, such as access to group learning activities.
Apply to this program
Unlock Your Commercial Potential with CCM Support
The Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring Program (CCM) offers crucial financial aid to Atlantic Canadian companies and institutions finalizing the commercialization of groundbreaking innovations. Eligible participants can receive up to $16,250 to engage expert consultants or to host learning sessions that enhance their market readiness.
Exploring the Benefits and Scope of the CCM Program
The CCM Program, managed by LearnSphere with backing from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, provides a powerful opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities, and research institutions in Atlantic Canada to scale their innovations effectively. With up to 65% of eligible project costs reimbursed, the program aids entities in leveraging consultant expertise or hosting strategic learning forums vital for commercial readiness. Notably, for those in the clean technology sector, the opportunity for full reimbursement—capped at $25,000—helps to drive environmentally conscious innovations forward more competitively.
The program is meticulously structured to support participants in commercializing truly innovative products, technologies, or processes. These must be demonstrably new and uniquely responsive to unfulfilled market needs, positioning them ahead of current offerings. The stipulation that eligible innovations should be Technology Readiness Level 7 ensures participants are prepared for substantial progress, with prototypes ready for real-world testing, thereby reducing market-entry risks.
Importantly, the program is not a catch-all for projects seeking to expand current market offerings, which reinforces its focus on disruptive innovations over incremental advancements of existing products. This approach ensures resources are allocated to initiatives with significant potential economic and technological impact, aligning with broader economic objectives.
In supporting commercialization, the CCM Program funds activities directly related to market entrance. These include field trials, marketing material creation, and sales plans, thus removing common barriers faced by innovators seeking to bridge the gap between development and market launch. Additionally, the program’s provision for expert consultation brings crucial insights into refining product strategies and optimizing go-to-market plans, further strengthening the applicant's market approach.
The reimbursement process, designed to encourage fiscal responsibility among applicants, involves initial full funding by the applicant, followed by reimbursement upon project completion. This structure encourages serious financial planning and ensures a clear commitment to project delivery. Additionally, the interim progress payment option relieves some cash flow pressures, showcasing the program’s flexibility in accommodating varying business financial cycles.
CCM's rigorous evaluation criteria gauge the project's innovation potential, financial prudence, and alignment with program goals. This ensures fund allocation to high-potential projects poised to make genuine impact while reinforcing the prudent management of public funds.
By focusing on fostering innovative commercial advancements, the CCM Program plays a vital role in stimulating local economies, enhancing competitive standings, and ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth of Atlantic Canada's industrial landscape. Eligible applicants not only gain financial assistance but also embark on a journey towards meaningful market integration, backed by expert guidance and structured strategic support. This creates a comprehensive support system that doesn't just fund, but also significantly empowers, Atlantic Canada's innovators in navigating the commercialization pathway effectively.
