Innovation Growth Program

Who is eligible?

The Innovation Growth Program (IGP) is designed to support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Manitoba in the commercialization of innovative products and processes. Eligible applicants include specific types of businesses and must meet certain ownership and financial criteria.

• For-profit, taxable Canadian Controlled Private Corporations with a permanent establishment in Manitoba.
• Corporations that pay at least 50% of total salaries and wages to Manitoba resident employees.
• Companies with annual revenue of $15 million or less, or fewer than 100 full-time equivalent employees, including affiliates, on a consolidated basis.
• Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of $25,000 in cash equity invested in the business prior to application.
• Businesses should not primarily earn passive income and must not be Crown corporations, municipalities, towns, cities, or organizations owned or controlled by such entities.

Who is not eligible

This grant is not available to certain types of organizations and business operations based on their nature or the services they provide. The restrictions ensure that the funding is allocated to businesses that align with the program's goals of innovation and economic growth.

• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Professional practices regulated by a governing body under an Act of the Legislature.
• Business operations primarily earning passive income.
• Crown corporations, municipalities, towns and cities, or organizations owned or controlled by one of those groups.
• Companies that qualify for other forms of Government of Manitoba financial assistance are directed to those programs first.

Eligible expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant are those incurred in direct relation to the commercialization activities of the project.

• Legal fees associated with registration of intellectual property.
• Designing and building of commercial-scale prototypes.
• Tools and moulds required for prototyping.
• Testing costs and certifications.
• Third party advisory or technical services.
• Participation in business-to-business tradeshows or events intended to secure distributors.
• Salaries and wages for net new Manitoba hires directly working on the project, capped at 50% of total funding received under IGP.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is targeted at companies having a permanent establishment specifically within Manitoba. Only Manitoba-based businesses are eligible for this program.

• Permanent establishment in Manitoba.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The IGP provides a non-repayable grant, meaning the funds do not need to be paid back.
• A competitive process evaluates applications, and only the strongest that meet the program objectives are considered for funding.
• Reimbursement is contingent upon proof of payment for expenses related to the project.
• The government’s contribution will not surpass 50% of total project costs, including support from all government levels.
• Project activities must be completed within one year from the application intake closing date.
• The grant prohibits reimbursement of expenses incurred before the application intake closing date.
• Applicants must demonstrate matching funds from non-government sources equal to at least 50% of eligible project costs.
• Funding disbursement is determined by satisfactory documentation and compliance with the terms of the funding agreement.
• Annual follow-up performance data collection will occur for six years post-funding, including financial statement reviews and employment data collection.