How much funding can be received?

Your not-for-profit organization could get a financial contribution to assist businesses at all stages of development in scaling up and becoming more globally competitive. Investments focus on enhancing business support networks for under-represented grou

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant targets the Prairie provinces to build a stronger regional economy through innovation. It aims to support organizations in key geographic locations within Canada's Prairies.

Eligible organizations must be located within the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$150,000

Improving productivity of a local organic farm through advanced irrigation systems

$500,000

Scaling up a renewable energy startup focusing on solar panel installation and maintenance

$250,000

Launching a business acceleration program for indigenous entrepreneurs in the tech sector

$350,000

Creation of a business incubator to support women-led startups in the tech industry

$300,000

Development of AI-based agricultural drone technology for real-time crop health monitoring

$200,000

Establishing an eco-friendly packaging solution for local small businesses

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Eligibility for the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) grant is limited to specific types of organizations that support businesses and innovation within the Prairie region.

The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization.
Organizations involved must support businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs in areas such as start-up, growth, productivity, technology commercialization, technology adoption, export, and investment attraction.
Eligible organizations include post-secondary educational institutions, business accelerators and incubators, angel networks, Indigenous organizations (such as Indigenous-led not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous-owned businesses), social enterprises, a group of eligible recipients like industry associations or consortia, and municipalities or other levels of government.
All applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program targets not-for-profit organizations in the Prairie provinces that support business innovation, growth, productivity, and competitiveness in priority sectors.

Not-for-profit organizations involved in supporting businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Post-secondary educational institutions focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Business accelerators and incubators aiding start-ups and scale-ups.
Angel networks providing capital and mentorship to innovative businesses.
Indigenous organizations, including Indigenous-led not-for-profit organizations and businesses.
Social enterprises driving social innovation and impact.
A group of eligible recipients such as industry associations or consortiums.
Municipalities and other levels of government involved in economic development.
Applicants must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is specifically designed for not-for-profit organizations, which inherently excludes certain types of entities. The restrictions ensure focus on fostering innovation ecosystems beneficial to strategic sectors.

For-profit businesses that do not have a not-for-profit partner involved.
Organizations that are not legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.

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This grant supports activities that aim to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems in the Prairies by addressing challenges and opportunities related to business scale-up, productivity, and technology commercialization. Eligible projects focus on fostering innovation, enhancing business environments, and supporting under-represented groups in the innovation economy.

Technology commercialization, including enhancing business innovation efforts and setting up specialized services for businesses.
Facilitating late-stage product development through technology showcasing and demonstrations.
Business scale-up initiatives, such as developing entrepreneurship and helping businesses penetrate markets and attract investment.
Productivity improvement through technology transfer, needs validation, and adoption of technologies for new applications.
Ecosystem capacity building, including strategic business alliances and research to break down barriers to scaling and productivity.
Business acceleration and incubation services, offering mentorship, office space, and specialized equipment to startups.

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The grant funds specific incremental costs essential to the projects within the organization's normal operations.

Capital costs such as equipment and machinery.
Labour costs including wages and benefits.
Operating costs directly related to the project, like management fees or working capital.
Consultancy fees, covering professional, advisory, and technical services.
Costs related to intellectual property.
Preproduction expenses such as technological development and commercial demonstrations.
Subcontracting costs.
Costs for production and distribution of promotional material and management tools.
Expenditures related to specialized services such as testing, research and development, technical or innovation services, and sector development strategies in all markets and business networking.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects under the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) grant in the Prairie provinces are based on specific criteria aimed at ensuring alignment with the program’s objectives to strengthen the regional economy.

Alignment to program objectives.
Strong market or industry demand, indicating the project addresses a significant gap in the market or there is a demonstrated industry demand for the project.
Measurable economic benefits for the Prairie provinces.
Effective governance measures and management team in place to carry out the project.
Strong rationale for the project.
Financial statements demonstrating the organization is financially self-sustaining.
Leveraged funding from provincial governments, the private sector, and other non-government sources, typically 50% or more.
Non-PrairiesCan funding is confirmed with written proof.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Consult the RIE Guides
- Review the RIE Expression of Interest (EOI) help guide.
- Refer to the RIE applicant guide for detailed instructions on the application process.
Step 2: Contact PrairiesCan for Assistance
- Reach out to PrairiesCan with any inquiries regarding the application process.
- Contact information is available via email, telephone, fax, or mail.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Complete the abbreviated online EOI form with project purpose, rationale, eligibility, activities, and budget details.
- Submit the EOI at any time, as there is no submission deadline.
Step 4: Await EOI Response
- PrairiesCan will review the EOI and notify selected organizations within 30 days.
Step 5: Complete Full Application if Invited
- If selected, use the online portal to provide detailed project information.
- Include necessary documentation such as financial statements, and confirmation of non-PrairiesCan funding sources.
Step 6: Application Review
- Submitted applications undergo a due diligence process assessing alignment with program objectives and other criteria.
Step 7: Funding Decision
- PrairiesCan aims to provide a funding decision within 90 business days of receiving a complete funding proposal.
- The decision process includes considerations of project merit and fit with RIE objectives.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

PraiiesCan offers assistance in connecting applicants with other key players and funding sources to bolster project success.
Applicants are encouraged to contact PrairiesCan for guidance throughout the application process.
PraiiesCan coordinates with applicants to promote an inclusive innovation ecosystem by supporting underrepresented groups.
A standard Contribution Agreement outlines recipient obligations for successful applicants.
PrairiesCan provides an orientation to the reimbursement process for successful applicants.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-888-338-9378

Apply to this program

Supporting Regional Innovation in the Prairie Provinces

The Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) program is a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the innovation landscape in the Prairie provinces of Canada. It focuses on building strong, inclusive economic environments by financing projects that promote innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness.

Enhancing the Regional Innovation Ecosystem: An In-depth Exploration of the RIE Grant

The RIE grant program is a pivotal part of Canada's strategy to boost economic growth through innovation in the Prairie provinces. By concentrating efforts on developing robust regional innovation ecosystems, the program supports not-for-profit organizations that assist innovative businesses in their scaling, productivity enhancement, and global market competitiveness. This initiative aligns with national priorities under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, with projects carefully selected to foster inclusive and sustainable economic expansion across key sectors such as clean technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital technology, and value-added agriculture.

Eligible activities funded under the RIE program must address critical regional challenges, market opportunities, or specific business demands that facilitate business scale-up and productivity. The program's focus areas include late-stage technology commercialization, business scale-up efforts, productivity improvements through technology adoption, and ecosystem capacity building. This meticulous approach ensures that each project not only meets immediate regional economic needs but also contributes to the long-term strategic aims of enhancing the Prairie provinces' competitiveness on the global stage.

The RIE program also holds a significant emphasis on inclusivity, particularly supporting initiatives that empower underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, and young entrepreneurs, ensuring diverse participation in the innovation economy. Successful applicants can expect non-repayable financial assistance, fostering the development of strategic business alliances and supporting ecosystem leaders in their pursuit of creating an environment conducive to innovation and economic prosperity.

Funding allocations are determined through a comprehensive two-stage application process, beginning with an assessed Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify projects with the highest potential and alignment with RIE objectives. Projects advancing past the EOI stage undergo a detailed evaluation involving due diligence criteria such as program alignment, market demand, and measurable economic impact. This rigorous assessment guarantees that only the most promising and high-impact projects receive funding.

Ultimately, the RIE program aims to cultivate an enhanced and resilient Prairie economy by creating opportunities for highly skilled job creation, increased SME assistance, revenue growth, and technology market introductions. With strategic funding decisions facilitated through partnership networks and extensive support structures, the RIE initiative is instrumental in driving economic growth and innovation within the region.