Closed
Source verified April 9, 2026
FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses
AI adoption support for businesses
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Deadline
December 20, 2024
Opened October 22, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program supports businesses adopting AI or AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Businesses can request up to $5 million for eligible AI adoption projects, including integration, process re-engineering, training, cybersecurity, and related IP work.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 5-500 employees
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Other Health Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Adoption or integration of AI or AI-driven solutions into business operations
- Strategic AI integration and process re-engineering
- Upgrading digital infrastructure and equipment for AI adoption
- Training and capacity building for AI use
- Cybersecurity and responsible AI implementation
Documents Needed
- Application for Funding
- Supplemental Form
- Mandatory attachments
- Company incorporation documents
- Financial statements
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses incorporated and registered in Canada or Ontario
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Not-for-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Purchase and installation of AI-related software, equipment, and infrastructure
- Incremental labour, expertise, and project management costs
- Training, talent development, and materials for project delivery
- Cybersecurity measures and IP-related project costs
- Marketing and outreach related to project activities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land and building acquisition
- Motor vehicle costs
- Refinancing of existing debts
- Non-incremental costs and costs not directly tied to the project
- Operating costs and inventory costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Southern Ontario
Selection criteria
- Degree of transformative AI adoption
- Incremental nature of the project
- Quality of project plan, budget, and capacity to deliver
- Alignment with pillar priorities
- Expected results and risk mitigation, especially for responsible AI
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program details
- Confirm the project fits the AI adoption pillar.
- Check eligibility and required documents.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the Application for Funding and the Supplemental Form.
- Gather mandatory attachments and supporting information.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit all required materials by December 20, 2024.
- Indigenous applicants may apply directly by email.
- Step 4: Await review
- FedDev Ontario reviews the application and may request clarification.
- If approved, confirm matching funding and proceed to agreement.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and must be complete
- Eligible projects are assessed against program criteria and priorities
- FedDev Ontario may contact applicants with questions
- Funding decisions depend on available funding and final approval
- If approved, the applicant must confirm matching funds and sign an agreement
Additional information
- Applications are accepted until December 20, 2024 at 4:59 pm EST.
- Indigenous applicants may apply directly by email.
- An application is not a commitment of funding.
- Approved recipients may have reporting and visibility obligations.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses Program
What is the FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses?
This program supports businesses adopting AI or AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Businesses can request up to $5 million for eligible AI adoption projects, including integration, process re-engineering, training, cybersecurity, and related IP work.
How much funding can be received?
FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was December 20, 2024.
Who is eligible for the FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses program?
To be eligible for the FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses program, you must:
Incorporated business in Canada or Ontario
5 to 500 FTEs
At least 3 years of operations
What expenses are eligible under FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses?
Adoption or integration of AI or AI-driven solutions into business operations
Strategic AI integration and process re-engineering
Upgrading digital infrastructure and equipment for AI adoption
Training and capacity building for AI use
Cybersecurity and responsible AI implementation
Who can I contact for more information about the FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses?
You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) by email at info@feddevontario.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-593-5505.
Where is the FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses available?
The FedDev — Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative – Adoption Pillar 2 – Businesses program is available the province of Ontario.