PrairiesCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)

• Completed Expression of Interest or application form
• Constitutional documents and proof of signing authority
• Business plan or presentation describing the organization and proposed project
• Financial statements for the two most recent years, or interim financial statements for the past six months if needed
• Detailed budget and proof of confirmed funding, such as bank statements, unused lines of credit, official letters of intent, signed financing agreements, or signed term sheets

Who is eligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations.
• Post-secondary educational institutions, business accelerators and incubators, and angel investor networks.
• Indigenous organizations, including not-for-profit organizations administered by Indigenous people, and Indigenous-owned businesses.
• Social enterprises.
• A group of eligible organizations such as an industry association or consortium, municipalities, other municipal-type organizations, other levels of government, and state or provincial corporations or organizations, provided the assistance does not fund capital or operating costs.

Eligible expenses

• Labour costs, including salaries and benefits
• Capital costs, including machinery and equipment
• Operating costs directly related to the project, such as management fees or working capital
• Consulting fees, intellectual property costs, preproduction, subcontracting, and the production and distribution of promotional materials and management tools
• Specialized services such as testing, research and development, technical or innovation services, sector development strategies in all markets, and business networking

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Refinancing existing debt, buying assets above fair market value, depreciation costs, land acquisition, and goodwill
• Marketing plans and business plans
• Hospitality and related costs
• Single-source consulting market fees and awareness activities
• Costs incurred before the project funding start date

• Alignment with program objectives and the relevant regional, ministerial, and government priorities
• Strong market or industry demand
• Clear and measurable economic benefits for the Prairies
• Strong project viability, including commercial potential, management capacity, financial capacity, governance, and a sound project rationale
• Compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and permit requirements

• Review the program guidance and the EOI help guide before starting.
• Sign in to PrairiesCan’s online portal.
• Complete the online Expression of Interest form.
• Attach the required supporting documents, including constitutional documents, proof of signing authority, a business plan or presentation, financial statements, and confirmed funding documents.
• Submit the Expression of Interest through the portal; if invited, complete the detailed application through the online portal.

• Only the strongest EOI submissions that best fit the program’s objectives, priority areas, and economic benefits are invited to submit a full application within 30 days.
• Complete applications are usually assessed within 90 business days of receipt, provided they are complete and include satisfactory supporting documentation.
• PrairiesCan may request additional details during the review, including a project plan, projected income statement and cash flow, detailed project cost breakdown, support letters, regulatory approvals and resolutions, board minutes, board member list, and other detailed information.
• If approved, applicants are invited to sign a contribution agreement, which cannot be signed until all funding sources are confirmed.
• Successful applicants must provide progress reports at least twice per year, annual financial statements where applicable, and a final report.

• The program is part of the national program Croissance économique régionale par l’innovation.