Open
LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology
Support for AI, digital tools and advanced equipment
Last Update: May 8, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
LIFT helps Canadian businesses adopt AI, digital tools, cybersecurity, automation, and advanced equipment. It combines consulting and financing, with preferential terms and a maximum amount not specified in the source.
/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
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 1 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Adopting AI and digital solutions
- Strengthening cybersecurity
- Automating operations
- Upgrading equipment with advanced technology
Documents Needed
- Project and business information
- Technology or productivity plan
- BDC Advisory Services plan for the digital transformation and AI stream
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian businesses
- Businesses in any industry for the AI and digital transformation stream
- Businesses in manufacturing, transport and warehousing, wholesale, construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, architectural, engineering and related services, mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction for the productivity and equipment stream
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
- Installation, integration, and implementation costs directly tied to the project
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission.
- An advisor discusses the project and assesses needs.
- Funding depends on review and approval.
Additional information
- Preferential rates apply when technology solutions are sourced from Canadian suppliers.
- BDC Advisory Services can help assess readiness and build or refine a project plan.
- Some sector-specific exceptions apply for the productivity and equipment stream.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology. 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 LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology?
LIFT helps Canadian businesses adopt AI, digital tools, cybersecurity, automation, and advanced equipment. It combines consulting and financing, with preferential terms and a maximum amount not specified in the source.
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:
Canadian business
Minimum annual revenue
Project plan required
What expenses are eligible under LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology?
Adopting AI and digital solutions
Strengthening cybersecurity
Automating operations
Upgrading equipment with advanced technology
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
Who are the financial supporters of the LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology?
LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)