SDTC - Start-up Funding

• SDTC funds, on average, 33% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of 40%.
• Maximum contribution typically ranges from $2,000,000 to $4,000,000 in non-repayable funding.
• Funds are dispersed over a period of five years or less.
• At least 25% of eligible project costs must be funded through private sector contributions, which can include in-kind contributions.
• At least 50% of eligible project costs must be incurred within Canada, with allowance for some out-of-country demonstration expenses.

• The applicant must be a Canadian company with a defined project.
• The project must deliver significant and quantifiable environmental benefits in the short to medium term.
• The company must possess a novel technology supported by intellectual property owned by the company and a clear strategy for future growth.
• The project should be supported by a business plan aimed at accelerating growth and achieving profitability.
• The project should demonstrate a strong end-user value proposition and the potential to attract a customer or partner to validate market need.

Who is eligible?

• Canadian companies developing clean technologies
• High-growth firms seeking to scale cleantech solutions
• Companies with technologies aimed at improving air, water, or soil quality
• Entrepreneurs focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovation

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies based on their nationality and project nature. The restrictions ensure that funds prioritize innovative Canadian-based sustainable technologies.

• Non-Canadian companies.
• Companies seeking funding for technologies that provide economic benefits without significant environmental benefits.
• Projects focused on research rather than development or commercialization.
• Projects aimed at the deployment of commercialized technologies, like solar or wind farm development.
• Proposals for purchasing existing foreign technology for Canadian use.
• Requests for incremental improvements to existing technologies.
• Projects designed to address emissions at a singular site only.
• Majority-owned Canadian subsidiaries of foreign multinational enterprises.

Eligible expenses

• Capital items required for project implementation.
• Goods and services necessary for the project's execution.
• Labour costs directly associated with the project.
• Depreciation expenses related to project assets.

Eligible geographic areas

• Companies based in Canada.

• Strength and novelty of technology innovation, including comparison to existing and emerging solutions.
• Magnitude and clarity of anticipated environmental and economic benefits.
• Capability and experience of the management team, including support from a board of directors or strategic advisors.
• Technology readiness and ability of the proposed project to accelerate business growth and market adoption.
• Quality and viability of the business plan, including value proposition, market understanding, and path to profitability.

• SDTC operates a continuous intake process, with funding approvals every two months.
• Applicants are assigned an Investment Lead for guidance throughout the funding process.
• Companies benefit from SDTC’s national network and peer forums for knowledge sharing.
• SDTC collaborates with federal and provincial funding partners to facilitate access to additional resources.