grant_single_labels|summary

grant_single|eligibleFinancing
  • grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
  • grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
  • Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
  • Innovation Canada
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
  • Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open

grant_single_labels|preview

Get a contribution of up to $5 million to cover the costs of a shovel-ready broadband infrastructure project that will bring high-speed Internet at 50/10 Megabits per second to households in rural and remote communities.

grant_single_labels|projects

There are eligible projects for the Rapid Response Stream grant:
  • Projects that can improve household access to high-speed Internet quickly
  • Projects in rural and remote areas without 50/10 Mbps Internet service
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$1,640,000

Expanding wireless broadband infrastructure to remote communities around Kelowna

$1,830,000

Deploying satellite Internet services to isolated areas around Prince George

$1,375,000

Upgrading existing broadband infrastructure in farms around Fredericton

$2,050,000

Installing fiber-optic cables to enhance high-speed Internet access in rural areas around Barrie

$2,450,000

Laying underground cables to provide high-speed Internet in rural outskirts of Victoria

$1,020,000

Setting up community Wi-Fi networks in small villages near Windsor

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant was determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's legal status and project capabilities.
  • The applicant had to be one of the following entities:
    • A not-for-profit organization
    • A for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada
    • A Canadian provincial, territorial or municipal entity
    • A Band Council
    • An Indigenous government authority
    • A non-federal public sector body
    • A partnership of any of the entities listed above
  • Partners had to demonstrate their ability to develop broadband networks within the required timelines.
  • Projects had to target areas where service speeds did not already meet 50/10 Mbps as per the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map.
  • Projects underway were eligible if they planned to expand or upgrade and not cover activities already in progress.
  • Applicants had to demonstrate a need for public funding to initiate or scale up projects quickly.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the Rapid Response Stream were organizations looking to improve household access to high-speed Internet, specifically targeting rural and remote areas in Canada. The eligible entities included:- A not-for-profit organization.- A for-profit corporation incorporated in Canada.- A Canadian provincial, territorial, or municipal entity.- A Band Council.- An Indigenous government authority.- A non-federal public sector body.- A partnership of any of the entities listed above.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. The following entities are not eligible:
  • Individuals
  • Foreign entities

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports projects that aim to rapidly enhance Internet connectivity for underserved areas. Eligible activities focus on deploying infrastructure and connecting households to high-speed services efficiently.
  • Deployment of physical broadband infrastructure.
  • Connecting households to high-speed Internet services.
  • Expansion or upgrade of existing Internet service projects, if not yet underway.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses necessary to improve household connectivity as part of broadband projects.
  • Salaries and benefits of personnel directly engaged in the project.
  • Costs of materials and equipment required for the development of broadband infrastructure.
  • Payment for contractors and consultants necessary for project deployment.
  • Expenses related to securing permits and licenses required for the project.
  • Installation and construction costs for physical infrastructure.
  • Customer premise equipment, such as satellite terminals, needed to make internet access available.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Rapid Response Stream were based on several factors to ensure that the projects met the urgent connectivity needs in rural and remote communities.
  • Priority was given to complete applications submitted earlier in the process.
  • Projects covering areas or households not currently serviced with 50/10Mbps speeds were prioritized.
  • Applications were assessed based on the completeness and strength of the documentation provided.
  • Organizations had to demonstrate strong managerial, financial, and technical expertise or experience.
  • Applicants needed to have a track record of meeting deadlines and effectively managing previous projects.
  • Projects needed to show secured or nearly secured necessary funding from other sources.
  • Priority was given to projects proposing connections with speeds of at least 50/10Mbps.
  • Readiness in terms of securing access to third-party passive infrastructure was considered.
  • Projects already having secured municipal permits, or evidence of imminent approval, were prioritized.
  • Efforts to ensure regional diversity and inclusion of Indigenous communities were considered.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Rapid Response Stream grant:
  • Step 1: Prepare Documentation
    • Complete the Rapid Response Stream Application form.
    • Fill out the Rapid Response Stream Eligibility and Impacts Template.
    • Compile the Rapid Response Stream Detailed Budget Template.
    • Prepare the Rapid Response Stream Last-mile Internet Service Offerings document.
    • Create project maps with the Eligibility Mapping Tool.
    • Gather all supporting documents, including incorporation documents and financial statements for the last 3 years.
    • Develop a project schedule, such as a Gantt chart.
    • If applicable, secure an acknowledgment from any Indigenous community affected by the project.
  • Step 2: Submit Application
    • Access the ISED Broadband Connection to upload your application and all supporting documents.
    • Ensure all documentation is complete and accurately filled out.
    • Submit the application package before the deadline.
  • Step 3: Confirmation
    • Check for confirmation of submission from the application portal.
    • Keep a record of any submission confirmation for future reference.

grant_single_labels|documents

Universal Broadband Fund — Rapid Response Stream

Apply to this program