How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 65% of admissible expenses, capped at $16250 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring?

Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring is funded by LearnSphere

What are Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring's eligibility criterias?

The applicant must be a registered and operating business in one of the four Atlantic Provinces. Eligible entities include small or medium-sized businesses, universities, community colleges, and research institutions, excluding federal labs. All industry sectors are eligible except retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, personal or social services, and softwood lumber.

Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Money for commercialization in Atlantic Canada

Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $16,250
Up to 65% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

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)

Grant Providers

LearnSphere

Status

Open

Overview of the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial assistance through a reimbursement system to support commercialization projects in Atlantic Canada. The modalities are specifically designed to ensure financial responsibility and effective project delivery.

Reimbursement of up to 65% of eligible project costs, with a maximum contribution of $16,250.
Applicant must cover 100% of costs upfront and will be reimbursed after the completion of the project and the submission of a claim.
Total project costs must exceed $5,000 to qualify for funding.
A minimum of 35% of total project costs must be provided by the applicant.
A progress payment can be made during the project if proof of payment and proof of work completed is provided.
Eligible clean technology/green sector applicants may receive up to 100% reimbursement of project costs, up to $25,000.
All sources of funding must be clearly identified in the application.
Reimbursement is contingent on the successful completion of the project and validation of expenses against agreed criteria.

Eligible projects & activities

The CCM grant supports activities that enhance the commercialization prospects of new and innovative products, technologies, or processes. Eligible projects include those that involve thorough market validation and precise preparation for market entry.

Field trials or focus groups to gather consumer feedback and validation.
Pilot production tests to refine the manufacturing process and improve product readiness.
Trial sells to test market response and optimize sales strategies.
Revised financial or gap analysis to better understand market opportunities and risks.
Development of a comprehensive market launch plan.
Creation of marketing and sales materials to support product launch.
Development of a product-specific website for enhanced digital presence.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 15,000

Launch and promotional campaign for a new line of vegan skincare products

$ 13,000

Market launch of eco-friendly packaging solutions for small businesses

$ 16,250

Trial sell and market launch plan for a new herbal health supplement

$ 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

Creating a digital marketing campaign platform for local businesses

Eligibility criteria of the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is targeted towards entities located within the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. Eligible geographical areas are specified to align with regional commercialization objectives.

Businesses and institutions operating in New Brunswick.
Organizations based in Nova Scotia.
Entities registered in Prince Edward Island.
Applicants located in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eligibility criteria of the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring program

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.

How to apply to the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional information

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.