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Source verified July 6, 2026
LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology
Consulting and financing for advanced technology
Latest source updateLast Update: May 17, 2026Latest change: Changed: eligibility, scope and target audience, application process.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 17, 2026
Latest change: Changed: eligibility, scope and target audience, application process.
Grant changed: eligibility, scope and target audience
We detected changes to eligibility, scope and target audience, application process, contact or portal details.
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 5,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Businesses interested in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
See full eligibility
Overview
LIFT supports Canadian businesses investing in advanced technology through consulting and financing. It offers two paths: digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and productivity and advanced equipment for eligible sectors and annual sales thresholds.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 25,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 1,000,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
- Productivity and advanced equipment.
Documents Needed
- A productivity plan
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses interested in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
- Businesses interested in productivity and advanced equipment.
- Businesses with annual sales of at least $1 million for the digital transformation and artificial intelligence path.
- Businesses with annual sales of at least $5 million for the productivity and advanced equipment path.
- Businesses in manufacturing, transport and warehousing, wholesale, construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, architectural, engineering and related services, or mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction for the productivity and advanced equipment path.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses outside the eligible sectors for the productivity and equipment stream
- Businesses that do not meet the minimum revenue requirement
Eligible expenses
- Equipment purchases and related implementation costs.
- Installation and integration costs directly tied to the technology investment.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Alignment with the program’s goal of improving efficiency or competitiveness.
- Financial health of the business.
- Industry eligibility for the selected stream.
- Nature of the project and its fit with the program.
How to apply
- Tell BDC about your project and business online.
Processing and Agreement
- Start by telling BDC about your project and business.
- BDC will help assess your eligibility and determine next steps.
Additional information
- Preferential financing rates and terms apply when technology solutions are sourced from Canadian suppliers.
- A productivity plan is required to apply for financing.
- Some exceptions apply, including supplier of premises, hotels and trucking companies with less than 10 vehicles.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology Program
What is the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology?
LIFT supports Canadian businesses investing in advanced technology through consulting and financing. It offers two paths: digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and productivity and advanced equipment for eligible sectors and annual sales thresholds.
How much funding can be received?
LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology Funds up to $5,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology program?
To be eligible for the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology program, you must:
A productivity plan is required to apply for financing
Annual sales thresholds apply by LIFT path
For one path, the business must operate in a listed sector
What expenses are eligible under LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology?
Digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Productivity and advanced equipment.
Who can I contact for more information about the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology?
You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) or by phone at 1-877-232-2269.
Where is the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology available?
The LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology program is available across Canada.
Is the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology a grant, loan, or tax credit?
LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology is a Expert Advice