Grant changed: application process, eligibility
Changed: application process, eligibility, scope and target audience.
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We detected changes to application process, eligibility, scope and target audience, funding terms.
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Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces
Supports Prairie businesses entering defence supply chains
Source change captured
- Funding available
- Up to 100% of project cost
- Deadline
- December 31, 2027
- Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces provides up to $379.2 million in contribution funding to help Prairie businesses, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous applicants integrate into defence supply chains and strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base. Eligible projects support military needs and defence priorities through activities such as technology adoption, capacity building, productivity improvement and technology commercialization.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum share of project costs
- 100%
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
- Increase operational productivity
- Conduct research and development activities
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Strengthen cybersecurity
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
- Renovate or expand facilities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- For-profit business, Non-profit
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Latest changes
Official source: canada.ca
July 9, 2026
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses in or entering the defence supply chain
- Not-for-profit organizations supporting businesses with military-related needs
- Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) majority owned or led organizations or governments
Eligible expenses
- Labour and materials for the project
- Machinery, equipment and infrastructure
- Consulting and technical services
- Pre-production and commercialization costs
- Testing, R&D and certification costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Amortization, land acquisition and goodwill
- Salary bonuses and dividend payments
- Entertainment and hospitality expenses
- Refinancing of existing debts
- Lobbying, donations, dues and membership fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Prairie provinces
Activities funded
- Technology adoption to improve productivity and competitiveness
- Capacity building to enter or grow in defence supply chains
- Productivity improvement through equipment and facility upgrades
- Technology commercialization for dual-use technologies
- Research centres and centres of expertise
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program materials and eligibility requirements
- Check the program guidelines and the help guide.
- Confirm your organization and project meet the program requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare the expression of interest
- Complete the online EOI form.
- Gather the required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the expression of interest
- Log in to the PrairiesCan portal.
- Upload the required documents and submit the EOI through the portal.
- Step 4: Complete the full application if invited
- Selected applicants are invited to submit a detailed application through the online portal.
Documents Needed
- Completed expression of interest form
- Supplemental RDII form
- Incorporation documents and signing authority proof
- Business plan or pitch deck
- Financial statements and funding confirmation
Selection criteria
- Projects are screened for the significance of outcomes and the likelihood of achieving them.
- PrairiesCan may give preference to activities that target sectors reflecting Canadian military needs or defence priority areas, notably as outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy.
- PrairiesCan may give preference to activities that enhance productivity and competitiveness.
- PrairiesCan may give preference to activities that demonstrate strong regional economic benefits.
- PrairiesCan may give preference to activities that advance Indigenous economic inclusion and strengthen Canadian supply chains.
Processing and Agreement
- Shortlisted EOIs are invited to submit a full application within 30 days.
- Funding decisions are usually made within about 90 business days after a complete application is received.
- Approved applicants must sign a contribution agreement within 30 days of notification.
- Funding is paid by periodic reimbursements based on submitted claims.
- Successful applicants must provide progress and financial reporting throughout the project.
Additional information
- Intake is open for a limited time and applications are accepted until December 31, 2027, or until all funding is used
- All projects must be completed by March 31, 2028
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces Program
What is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces?
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces provides up to $379.2 million in contribution funding to help Prairie businesses, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous applicants integrate into defence supply chains and strengthen Canada’s defence industrial base. Eligible projects support military needs and defence priorities through activities such as technology adoption, capacity building, productivity improvement and technology commercialization.
How much funding can be received?
Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces program?
To be eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces program, you must:
Businesses in or entering the defence supply chain
Not-for-profit organizations supporting businesses with military-related needs
Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) majority owned or led organizations or governments
What expenses are eligible under Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces?
Labour and materials for the project
Machinery, equipment and infrastructure
Consulting and technical services
Pre-production and commercialization costs
Testing, R&D and certification costs
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces?
You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.
Where is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces available?
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII) in the Prairie provinces program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.