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Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring - Canada

Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring

Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Money for commercialization in Atlantic Canada

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Max. $16,250
  • Up to 65% of project cost
Timeline
  • Unspecified
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)
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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

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.

Selection 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.

How to apply

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring a grant, loan, or tax credit?

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

Who is eligible for the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring?

Where is the Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring available?

Apply to this program

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