Innovation Canada — Innovation Advisors in PEI

Eligibility for connecting with an Innovation Advisor involves certain conditions related to the business's structure and objectives.

• The applicant must be an incorporated business.
• The business should be ready to grow or scale.
• There should be an intention to create a new product, service, or process, or seek business advice.

Who is eligible?

This service is aimed at Canadian businesses that are incorporated and are looking to grow or scale by creating new products, services, or processes. The program offers the opportunity to connect with Innovation Advisors who have extensive business experience.

• Businesses must be incorporated in Canada.
• Must be ready to grow or scale their operations.
• Seeking to create new products, services, or processes.
• Open to receiving advice on leveraging government programs and services for business growth.

Eligible expenses

The grant connects businesses with Innovation Advisors who assist in leveraging government programs and services to support growth and innovation. Eligible activities focus on connecting businesses to expertise and resources necessary for development and scaling.

• Accessing financing and technical advice.
• Receiving guidance on business development and market strategy.
• Connecting with foreign market expertise and support for international expansion.
• Utilizing government programs for financial and strategic growth.
• Getting advice on product development and commercialization.
• Receiving mentorship and support from experienced entrepreneurs.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to businesses in specific regions as designated by different Innovation Advisors across various Canadian provinces and territories. Assistance is offered to align with local economic development initiatives and to support innovation-driven growth.

• Pacific and Yukon: Victoria, BC and Vancouver, BC
• Prairies and Northwest Territories: Edmonton, AB, Winnipeg, MB, and Calgary, AB
• Ontario: Toronto, ON and Ottawa, ON
• Quebec and Nunavut: Quebec City, QC and Montreal, QC
• Atlantic: Charlottetown, P.E.I., St. John's, NL, and Moncton, NB

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The grant is evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Business viability and potential for growth
• Innovation and uniqueness of the product/service/process
• Alignment with program objectives and government priorities
• Demonstrated need for funding and ability to leverage government support
• Creative and scalable business model

Other than eligibility, a grant applicant may also consider the following when dealing with Innovation Advisors in Canada:

• Innovation Advisors are experienced entrepreneurs and private-sector professionals, providing a personalized approach to support businesses.
• The service aims to leverage government programs and services for business growth and innovation, tailored to specific industries and regions in Canada.
• Advisors come from diverse backgrounds, offering expertise in areas like digital marketing, financial modeling, business development strategy, international marketing, product competitiveness, and innovation management.
• They can provide strategic advice, facilitate introductions, and assist in navigating complex government processes.
• Access to the service can broaden business networks, develop strategic partnerships, and enhance the ability to participate in government programs effectively.