Finance your R&D/innovation

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

Business creation
Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

ArcTern Ventures

If your business is a cleantech start-up that aims to create a positive environmental impact, you could get investments from this early-stage venture capital to develop innovative ideas.

Eligible sectors are:

Clean energy;
Energy use and storage;
Mobility;
Advanced manufacturing & materials;
Resource use & efficiency;
Food technologies (Foodtech).

Other conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Canada Media Fund

If you are involved in the Canadian television or digital media industries, you may be eligible for funding. You can browse through a variety of programs that can help you create and promote software applications and other creative media.

There are two streams:

Experimental – for digital media content and application software that is innovative and interactive
Convergent – for convergent television and rich, interactive digital media content; support is given to production in all regions of Canada, and to underrepresented genres

Conditions apply.

Fonds Innovexport

Le Fonds Innovexport

You could receive up to $3 million in funding for an innovative project that aims to export products or services that meet a market need.

You must:

Have a corporate structure that is conducive to investment
Have a realistic goal of profitability
Be supported by an incubator, accelerator, or expert panel

Businesses in the following industries are NOT eligible for the program:

Agriculture, forestry, and mining operations (except applied technologies)
Biotechnology, construction, property management, and retail

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

Advanced materials
AI and machine learning
Autonomous systems and robotics
Big data and analytics
Next-gen and cloud computing
Energy-efficient lighting
Industrial IT
Intelligent systems and buildings
Internet of things
Oil and gas
Smart grid and energy solutions
Water

Other conditions apply.

Montreal Social Value Fund

National Social Value Fund

The Montreal Social Value Fund is part of an international initiative by the National Social Value Fund. In Montréal, it is managed by academics in the McGill finance program.

The mission of the Fund is to invest in local social enterprises, NPOs, and cooperatives seeking solutions to enable the Montreal community to achieve the 2030 SDG.

The Fund offers investments from $10,000 to $70,000. The interest rate for each investment is based on the social impact of the project for the community.

Eligibility criteria:

The company is located on the Island of Montréal;
The project is profitable and generates a profit;
Entrepreneurs from ethnocultural communities or other minorities are given preference;
A startup business must present a concrete plan;
A growing business must use the financing for a new social service.

To submit an application, send an email to info.montreal@nsvf.ca

Some conditions apply.

National Bank SME Growth Fund

National Bank

National Bank offers an investment from $500,000 to $15 million to eligible Quebec SMEs for projects for growth (digital transformation, expansion, innovation, etc.), transfer or purchase (merger or acquisition).

Eligibility criteria:

Assets of under $200 million or net assets of under $100 million
Competent managers with a business plan and structured project
Growth prospects
Closely held company and suitable capital structure
Profitable for two of the last three years or sustained, significant sales growth during that period

Some conditions apply.

Programme BioMed Propulsion

Investissement Québec

Your life science business, specifically in the fields of human or animal health or medical biotechnology, could benefit from an equity loan of up to $10 million to help it commercialize the results of its research.

The business must:

Secure new capital from private investors in the form of shares representing three times the amount of financial assistance requested
Have its head office and the majority of positions in Quebec

Other conditions apply.

Solunov

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could access coaching services and financing — by way of a loan or equity investment — for an innovative project such as:

Improving a product or a business process
Adopting a marketing strategy
Implementing a new technology

Experts will assist you throughout your project, with:

Diagnostics and a business audit
Feasibility study and idea validation
Project integration and completion

You must demonstrate the market potential of your project.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Xpansion Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

If you are looking to expand into new domestic or foreign markets, this loan could provide you with funding to:

Invest in technology or develop new products
Launch a new marketing campaign
Purchase licenses, patents or trademarks
Hire and train additional employees
Obtain a certification

Conditions apply.

BDC business loans

Business Development Bank of Canada

Whether you are launching a business or looking to expand and grow an existing one, you could get a term loan to help you:

Start or buy a business
Buy, build or renovate your facilities
Buy equipment
Research and develop new products
Develop new markets for your products
Acquire information and communications technology
Sell your business

The loan comes with flexible terms.

You may need to provide credit references and to have invested money in your business. Other conditions apply.

Chantier de l'économie sociale Trust

Réseau d'investissement social du Québec (RISQ)

Your social economy business, non-profit organization or cooperative could get a loan with a 15-year capital repayment moratorium. Trust funding ranges from $50,000 to $1,500,000 and can cover up to 35% of eligible expenses.

You could fund:

working capital-related costs
launch of new products
equipment purchases
acquisition, construction or renovation of a building

Your business must have fewer than 200 employees.

Community Futures Program (Quebec)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

If you live in a rural area or in a region that doesn't have many job opportunities, you may be able to get a loan to start or grow a business. The amount of funding available and the eligibility criteria depend on the region where you live.

You will need to create a business plan and describe any financing you have received or expect to receive through any other government or municipal program. The funding is a loan that must be repaid.

Farm Credit Canada — loans and lending options

Farm Credit Canada

Do you need financing to start, run, grow, or transfer an agri-food or agribusiness operation? Farm Credit Canada offers a large range of loans with unique terms that can help you:

Purchase or improve land, buildings or equipment
Buy crop inputs or livestock
Make environmental improvements
Transfer your business to a new operator

Eligible producers or business owners are Canadian citizens of legal age.

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
Individual coaching services or mentoring
Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Local investment fund (LIF)

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

WARNING!

A SIX-MONTH MORATORY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THE REPAYMENT (CAPITAL AND INTEREST) OF THE LOANS ALREADY GRANTED BY THE INTERMEDIARY OF THE FLI. THIS MORATORY MAY BE EXTENDED BY SIX MONTHS FROM OCTOBRE 1ST, 2020.

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

Capital expenditures
Technology acquisition
Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

Purchase of machinery and equipment
Building modernization
Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
Increase in working capital
Trademarks acquisition
Export
Innovation
Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you could get up to $350,000 to start a business or to grow your existing business.

Operations can be on or off reserve.

You can use the loan to:

Acquire fixed assets
Finance franchise fees
Cover start-up costs
Start exporting
Replenish working capital to support your company's growth

Conditions apply.

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

Transforming your ideas into a business
Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

Venture capital
Growth and Transition Capital
Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

BDC Small Business Loan - for existing business

Business Development Bank of Canada

Keep your cash flow. Rather than using the money you need for day-to-day activities, consider applying for additional financing. With the BDC Small Business Loan, you could get up to $100,000 within 48 hours from the time of approval, no application fees or hassles. The entire process is completed online.

You need to have been operating your business for the past 24 months.

Other conditions apply.

Canada Media Fund

If you are involved in the Canadian television or digital media industries, you may be eligible for funding. You can browse through a variety of programs that can help you create and promote software applications and other creative media.

There are two streams:

Experimental – for digital media content and application software that is innovative and interactive
Convergent – for convergent television and rich, interactive digital media content; support is given to production in all regions of Canada, and to underrepresented genres

Conditions apply.

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

Business creation
Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Financing for sustainable agri-food businesses

Fondaction

You could benefit from financing and support for projects designed to grow and develop your agribusiness through innovation

To be eligible, you must:

Demonstrate the skills and experience of your management team
Ensure that the majority of jobs are created in Quebec
Establish the sustainability and profitability of the project
Illustrate the potential for social and environmental benefits

You could benefit from:

Progressive repayment schedules based on the implementation of your business plan
Diagnostics
Matchmaking-coaching meetings
Financial advice

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Innovative Manufacturer Financing

Investissement Québec

See how your Quebec manufacturing business can benefit from a term loan of up to $250,000 to cover up to 100% of project costs, such as:

Consultation fees to initiate an innovation process
Working capital expenditures to support the commercialization of a new innovative product or the hiring of experts

You must have:

Been in operation for at least 3 years
Sales figures of $2 million or more
At least 15 employees
A sound financial and operational structure

Other conditions apply.

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Solunov

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could access coaching services and financing — by way of a loan or equity investment — for an innovative project such as:

Improving a product or a business process
Adopting a marketing strategy
Implementing a new technology

Experts will assist you throughout your project, with:

Diagnostics and a business audit
Feasibility study and idea validation
Project integration and completion

You must demonstrate the market potential of your project.

Other conditions apply.

Reconnaissance des consortiums de recherche admissibles

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

The purpose of this tax measure is to encourage businesses from one or more related industries to become part of consortia or to create one, with a view to carrying out joint pre-competitive research.

The refundable tax credit for research conducted by a research consortium could cover 80% of the amount of a contract for R&D work.

Other conditions apply.

Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program (SR&ED)

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

If you conduct industrial R&D in Canada, you may be eligible for a tax refund or tax credit of up to 35% of what you spent on R&D.

You can apply for tax credits for expenses like wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead and contracts related to:

Experimental development
Applied research
Basic scientific research
Certain types of technical support work

You can apply for the tax credit as part of your tax return by completing the required forms. There are a variety of tools and services available to help you with your claim.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts Form(s) (in French only)

Tax Credit for Salaries and Wages (R&D)

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a tax credit rate of 14% to 30% of your payroll, if your business:

Performs or contracts out scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) work
Performs R&D work in Quebec
Is neither exempt from taxes, nor controlled by an incorporated business exempt from taxes
Is not an incorporated business controlled by a prescribed research entity

An eligible biopharmaceutical company that has a certificate issued by Investissement Québec before June 4, 2014 could benefit from a reduced rate.

Other conditions apply.

Tax credit for pre-competitive private partnership research

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Do you want to carry out Scientific Research and Experimental Development projects in Quebec? If so, your Canadian business could benefit from a 30% refundable tax credit for work performed in a partnership with an eligible private company.

The tax credit may cover SR&ED costs related to:

Salaries
Cost of materials and installation
Contracts entrusted to sub-contractors (up to 80%)
Overhead costs

To be eligible, you must obtain a certificate of eligibility issued by the Department.

Other conditions apply.

Tax credit for the development of e-business

Investissement Québec

You could receive a tax credit of 30% (24% refundable and 6% non-refundable) for information technology (IT) sector salaries up to a maximum of $25,000 per employee working on e-business activities.

To be eligible, you must obtain each year an eligiblilty certificate from Investissement Québec for both your corporation and your employees.

Other conditions apply.

Tax holiday for foreign experts

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If you recruit foreign experts to work on your innovation, scientific research, and experimental development project in Quebec, you could obtain a tax holiday of up to 60 consecutive months.

The assistance applies to the salaries paid to the foreign experts, as follows:

100% of taxable earnings for the first two years
75% the third year
50% the fourth year
25% the fifth year

You must hire a foreign researcher with an undergraduate diploma recognized by a Quebec university. The candidate must also have pertinent experience in the field.

Other conditions apply.

Tax holiday for foreign researchers

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

This tax measure facilitates the recruitment of researchers from abroad to work on your innovation project.

To qualify for this tax holiday, with a maximum duration of 60 consecutive months and applicable to the salary paid to the foreign researcher, you must:

Have a business operating in Quebec
Conduct scientific research and experimental development
Have signed an employment contract with a foreign researcher with a graduate degree recognized by a Quebec university

Other conditions apply.

Soft Landing program

Canadian Digital Media Network

Are you ready to introduce your ICT product or service to international markets? If you have existing revenues and are a client of the Canadian Digital Media Network's hub partners, you could be eligible for reimbursements of:

Up to $4,000 towards transportation and accommodation costs
Up to 3 months of desk space at a co-working location, accelerator or incubator

To be eligible, your ICT product or service must be market ready and there must be potential for growth in foreign markets.

Other conditions apply.

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

Start or buy a business
Develop a business plan
Grow your existing business
Market your product or service
Develop new products or processes
Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence

National Research Council Canada

If you create a network of skilled partners in industry and academia to address real-world challenges and stimulate innovation, you could receive funding for research costs.

Priority research areas include:

Environmental science
Natural resources and energy
Health and life sciences
ICT
Management, business or finance

Your network should be able to:

Market or generate business applications for the proposed research
Create, grow and retain companies in Canada
Capture new markets
Increase domestic collaborations

Your network must incorporate as a federal not-for-profit organization to receive funding for up to a maximum of five years.

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

Development Program
Production Program
Theatrical Documentary Program
Marketing Program
International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Canadian International Innovation Program

Global Affairs Canada

If you are a for-profit Canadian business looking to collaborate with a foreign partner in Brazil, China, India, Israel or South Korea, you could get up to 50% of the costs associated with the commercialization of your innovation, including development, adaptation and validation of technology.

To qualify, you must have a project that:

Could be a commercial success
Is technologically feasible
Is for non-military purposes

Other conditions apply.

Clean Tech Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

If you create technology that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality, you could get funding to cover up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing your product.

To qualify, you need to:

Have expertise in sustainable development technology
Be part of a project consortium

Your product or process must be used to:

Produce and distribute energy
Create electricity (for example, solar power)
Remove pollutants in certain industry sectors

Other conditions apply. You only need to repay the funds if you collect revenues related to the project or use project assets for business activities.

Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If you are undertaking a research project in natural sciences or engineering, you could have part of the project costs paid for you by partnering with a university. To be eligible, you should:

Contribute at least half the costs
Have a project that is scientifically and technically feasible
Have the expertise, with the help of your partner, to complete the project
Have a project that benefits Canada
Provide training to university students who work on the project

Other conditions apply. See the website for details.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, artist, or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

Recordings and production
Artistic development
Marketing and promotion
Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range, depending on the activity.

Matching Investment Fund (dairy)

Canadian Dairy Commission

You could get up to $150,000 to create new or improved products made from milk. Up to $25,000 of that amount can be used for consultation services, while remaining funds must be applied to product development.

To qualify, you need to:

Make foods, drinks or other products using milk
Contribute 50% of the costs
Create a product that increases the use of milk

Small businesses (fewer than 25 employees) are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 100% of eligible costs for the first $10,000 spent on a project.

Other conditions apply.

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

National Research Council Canada

Your small or medium-sized business could grow stronger, faster and bigger through innovation and technology. You could receive customized technical and business advice as well as non-repayable financial contributions to help you:

Research, develop and commercialize new technologies
Accelerate the adoption and adaptation of these technologies

To qualify, your business in Canada must:

Be incorporated and profit-oriented
Have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
Show the ability to grow and generate profits

Other conditions apply.

Networks of Centres of Excellence

Government of Canada

Explore various funds available for your R&D activities, especially in the areas of engineering, health, and natural, social and biomedical science.

If your work responds to current research and innovation needs, there is a range of multi-stage competitions that are scheduled as funding becomes available. The programs address the needs that are specific to the different stages of the innovation process.

Application deadlines vary.

Partnerships Options for Companies

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If you are a Canadian business with an R&D project in natural sciences or engineering, you could partner with Canadian colleges and universities to access their facilities and students.

With a financial or in-kind contribution, you could participate in programs that can help you:

Undertake short-term R&D projects
Develop new products or services, or improve processes
Increase your R&D capability
Gain research insights into a longer-term industry challenge

See website for more details.

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

Improve productivity
Innovate, adopt or transfer technologies
Market or export your goods or services

Space Technology Development Program

Canadian Space Agency

Your organization (industry or academia) could receive financial and technical support to perform R&D on space technologies. This support covers proposals solicitation (through regular Request for Proposals), evaluation and selection, as well as rigorous project management.

Technologies should help:

Reduce risk for future Canadian space activities
Improve industrial processes and infrastructure
Create knowledge through innovation

Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

If your Canadian corporation does R&D in the aerospace, defence, space or security industries, you could receive funding for up to 40% of the cost of your project.

You may be eligible if your project:

Creates opportunities to contribute to a highly skilled and knowledge-based workforce
Involves industrial research
Includes strategic R&D activities
Requires support essential to its location, scope and/or timing
Has R&D that takes place in Canada
Involves collaboration with academia in Canada

Funding is in the form of conditionally or unconditionally repayable contributions.

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

Start-up, expand or develop a business
Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
Develop the Aboriginal workforce
Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

AgriInnovate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Looking to fund your innovative agri-food or agri-based product or technology? You may be eligible for up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10 million.

Eligible activities include: commercialization, adoption or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes and services.

Examples of these activities may include:

Expansion or modernization of a facility or site
Purchase and installation of equipment
Training and development of staff
Marketing activities

Other conditions apply.

AgriRisk Initiatives (ARI): Research and Development Contribution Funding stream

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

AgriRisk Initiatives (ARI) make up a five-year program of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The goal of this program is to increase the capacity of producers to deal with risk by enabling the development and adoption of new risk management tools.

This stream prioritizes projects that include new financial tools that enable producers to manage a defined business risk. It is open to for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Eligible activities:

Data collection, analysis, and modelling;
Actuarial work on possible financial tools;
Testing or feasibility evaluation of implementing financial tools, including those available in other administrations.

The projects must:

include the applicant’s financial support
show the appropriate participation and support of parties;
focus on the risks identified;
focus on major risks other than those considered normal operational risks or risks at the farm.

For more details: Applicant guide

Some conditions apply.

Applied Research and Development Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

You could receive funding of up to $150,000 when you partner with an eligible Canadian college to develop clean technologies.

Your grant could total:

$150,000 when you cover 50% or more of the project cost
$75,000 when you cover 50% or less of the project cost

Your business or consortium must be Canadian-based and you must make use of the research. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada will determine your financial contribution to a project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)

Artificial Intelligence Innovation Program – Electric Energy

You could receive a grant of up to $600,000 to develop your artificial intelligence innovation projects in the electrical energy and smart transportation sectors.

The financial aid could cover up to 50% of eligible expenses per business partner operating in Quebec.

Eligibility criteria:

At least two (2) industry partners (including one SME);
At least one (1) public research centre;
A technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 completed by the end of the project.

Other conditions apply.

Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:

Increasing, modernizing or improving production
Getting certified for conforming to a standard
Technological innovation or design
Marketing products outside Québec

You must:

Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
Have less than $35 million in total assets
Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000

Other conditions apply.

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $1 million towards the costs of an industry-led project that helps the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The project must focus on national or sector-wide priorities that help industry address emerging issues and capitalize on opportunities.

In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate the issue that is facing the sector, how the project results will benefit it, and how it aligns with 1 or more of the 4 priority areas identified:

Adaptation to new technology
Environmental sustainability
Strategic planning and capacity building
Emerging issues

Eligible applicants are:

Not-for-profit organizations and associations, cooperatives, marketing boards
Indigenous groups

Canadian Agriculture Partnership — AgriScience Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you own a not-for-profit corporation you may be eligible for non-repayable funding of at least $5 million to support:

Pre-commercial science activities
Research in the agriculture and agri-food sectors

You must provide a minimum of 30% of eligible costs.

Other conditions apply.

Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN)

Centre of Excellence in Next Generation Networks

Are you looking to accelerate the commercialization of your innovative communications technology, products, applications or services? You may be eligible for commercialization support.

Qualifying fields include:

Software Defined Network, Network Function Virtualization, SD-WAN
Internet of Things/Smart City Applications
Data Centre/Cloud
Network transport, applications, or mobility
Security

Additional services can help commercialize, test, certify, and validate next-generation communications.

Other conditions apply.

Clean Growth Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You may be eligible for funding if you operate a natural resources or clean technology business and are working on cleantech projects in the areas of energy, mining and forestry.

Eligible activities in natural resource operations include:

Reducing greenhouse gas and air emissions
Minimizing landscape disturbances and improving waste management
The production and use of advanced materials and bioproducts
Efficient energy use and productivity
Reducing water use and impacts on aquatic ecosystems

All projects will be required to secure provincial/territorial support.

Other conditions apply.

Clean Transportation System — Research and Development Program

Transport Canada

You could get a grant of $100,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for a project that advances a new clean technology innovation, practice or research in the marine, rail and aviation sectors.

Priority will be given to projects that:

Contribute to the overall improvement of the transportation system
Contribute to reducing, measuring or reducing the intensity of GHG's and/or air pollutant emissions
Establish technology, knowledge or practices that others can use
Identify potential risks

Other conditions apply.

Community Interaction Program: St. Lawrence Action Plan

Environment and Climate Change Canada

If you are a non-profit, non-governmental organization, you could be eligible for funding of up to $200,000 to help improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Projects focus on specific environmental issues requiring action, and include:

Awareness raising and educational activities
Studies to identify specific action
Implementation of restoration actions such as shoreline cleanup, stabilization and revegetation; or
Measures to protect species at risk

Other conditions apply.

Community Investment Program

Canadian Internet Registration Authority

Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a grant of up to $100,000 to develop an innovative community project that will help build a safer and more accessible Internet for Canadians.

Types of projects which may be funded are:

Community access to the Internet
Online services for disadvantaged groups
Digital literacy
Infrastructure security
Research focused on technological aspect of the Internet
Activities that lead to more effective Internet governance
Increase public participation in policy making
Address social, economic or environmental needs.

Other conditions apply.

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

Business creation
Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Emerging Renewable Power Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could be eligible for funding for your business to expand the portfolio of commercially viable renewable energy sources available to provinces and territories as they work to reduce GHG emissions from their electricity sectors.

The program will establish new industries in Canada by supporting renewable power technologies that are:

Already established at the commercial level abroad, but not yet in Canada
Demonstrated in Canada, but not yet deployed at utility scale

Engage Grants

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If your business operates in Canada, you could receive a grant of up to $25,000 when you partner with a college or university to develop valuable technology.

To qualify, your company must have:

At least 2 full-time employees
Been in operation for at least 2 years

You must demonstrate how the collaborative research will lead to significant economic benefit.

The grant covers a project of 6 months or less, and you could get a maximum of 2 grants per year.

Other conditions apply.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Clean Technology Adoption Program

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Do you undertake activities such as wild capture harvesting, or have operations in aquaculture facilities or processing plants in the fish or seafood sectors? If so, you could be eligible for funding to reduce the environmental impacts of your activities by implementing clean technologies.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can submit a project proposal, which must include a minimum of 10% provincial or territorial funding (cash or in-kind). The program provides funding for up to 75% of eligible project costs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds de diversification économique de la MRC des Appalaches

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your business could be eligible for financial assistance if you are starting or growing a manufacturing, primary, tertiary (value-added services) or tourism business in the Des Appalaches MRC.

Support will mainly be provided in the form of a

Repayable contribution (loan with interest, interest-free loan, equity investment);
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss;
Non-repayable contribution.

The amount of financing can reach 25% of the total cost for investment projects, and 50% for other types of projects. A minimum investment of 10% of the total project cost is required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique du Centre-du-Québec et de la Mauricie

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance if you are located in the Centre-du-Québec and Mauricie regions, and are carrying out a business development project in the industries of manufacturing, primary, tertiary or tourism.

Support is primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de diversification économique — MRC des Sources

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could get financial assistance, if you are carrying out a start-up or business development project in the manufacturing, value added tertiary sector or tourism industry in the Regional County Municipality of Des Sources.

Support will be primarily in the form of a:

Repayable contribution (interest-bearing or interest-free loan, equity participation)
Loan guarantee of up to 70% of net loss
Non-refundable contribution

You may receive up to 25% of the total costs for investment projects and up to 50% for other projects. An investment of at least 10% of the total cost will be required.

Other conditions apply.

Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

The marketing of a product
Improvements to services and infrastructure
Conferences and cultural or sporting events
Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

Economic benefits
Extra-regional outreach
Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Going Global Innovation

Global Affairs Canada

Are you a Canadian researcher from a small or medium size enterprise, university, or a non-government research centre looking to solidify an international partnership needed to commercialize your technology? If so, you could receive up to 75% of the costs associated with partnership development activities.

You will need to demonstrate that your targeted partnership would enable you to develop or improve a product or service that is technologically feasible.

Other conditions apply.

Green Freight Assessment Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could receive funding of up to $10,000 to review the state of your fleets to help make informed decisions to reduce your fuel costs, and your greenhouse gas emissions.

The application form consists of 4 sections:

Company information
Business operation
Fleet portrait
Previous assessment experience and readiness

Other conditions apply.

Green infrastructure programs

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

If your business plans to carry out clean energy infrastructure projects, you could get help with deployment and market entry by participating in a variety of funding programs, including:

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations (EVID)
Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative
Smart Grids
Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
Emerging Renewable Power

Funding amounts vary, as do the application processes. Conditions apply.

Growth Investment Program

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

The Growth Investment Program includes four components:

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs

La Financière agricole

Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.

The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.

Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.

This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.

Some conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Industrial agreement programs

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could receive financial assistance and support for your industrial, technological or service agreement projects in Europe. The programs can help you plan short-term missions for your business' directors or senior technical staff.

You could obtain:

Local support in identifying and organizing meetings with potential partners
A fixed payment of $1,500 for assistance with logistics

Your business must have been established for at least one year and have the technical and financial capacity to carry out the planned project.

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

Department of National Defence

If you are an innovator with ideas about solving specific defence and security challenges, you could get a maximum of 100% of eligible costs.

To submit your idea, you must first understand the current challenges being faced, under one of 3 themes:

People and enhanced human performance
Anticipate threat
Adapt to a changing environment

Other conditions apply.

Innovative Solutions Canada

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Is your business looking to come up with a novel solution to solve a specific challenge from a Government of Canada department or agency? Your business could receive up to $150,000 for the proof of concept and then, if approved, get up to $1 million to develop a prototype.

To be eligible your small business must:

Be incorporated with a head office in Canada
Have 499 or fewer full time employees
Have 50% or more of employees working in Canada
Have at least 50% of salary expenditures be on employees working in Canada
Have 50% or more of senior executives with a principal residence in Canada

Other conditions apply.

Investments in Forest Industry Transformation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

Has your business developed highly innovative or first-in-kind technologies that could help Canada's forest industry become more competitive or sustainable? If so, you could get a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of the project's costs to demonstrate the technology at the pilot or commercial scale.

Eligible costs include:

Capital expenses, materials, and supplies
Salaries and professional fees
Travel and training

Costs associated with the production or export of softwood lumber are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Mitacs Accelerate International

Mathematics of Information Technology and Complex Systems (Mitacs)

If you are a for-profit business with offices or facilities in Canada, you may get a grant of up to $15,000 in matching funds for a research project if you partner with a international graduate student.

The project can help you strengthen your networks, create joint ventures, and stay on top of global trends in your sector.

To participate, you must:

Provide support, and hands-on training in the student's field of study
Contribute half of the funding

Other conditions apply.

National Trade Corridors Fund

Transport Canada

Your non-profit organization could get a financial contribution of up to 75% of eligible costs for a transportation infrastructure project in Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut. The project must improve transportation-related infrastructure or advance the efficient movement of goods or people.

Contributions to for-profit private sector organizations may also be considered, but only when the contribution will provide wider benefits, rather than to the recipient alone.

The proposed project must be completed by December 31, 2027.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only) Form(s)

Partenar.IA: Financing collaborative R&D projects in AI

Take advantage of a subsidy for collaborative R&D projects in AI of up to $350,000 per project.

The maximum rate of financial aid is 40% of eligible expenses.

Total government spending cannot exceed 60% of eligible expenses for the project.

Other conditions apply.

Deadline for submitting applications : April 15th, 2021

Programme Technoclimat

Transition énergétique Québec

Do you have innovative technology projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energies, bioenergies or GHG emissions reduction? If so, you could benefit from financial assistance.

The project must:

Focus on a pre-commercialized technological innovation (level of technological readiness 4 to 7) that is not available in the Quebec market
Be carried out in Quebec
Have strong market potential
Include measurement activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts Form(s) (in French only)

Programme innovation — volet 1 : soutien aux projets d'innovation

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Your business or business cluster could receive financing in the form of a non-refundable contribution for an innovation project for a product or a manufacturing process developed in Quebec. Contributions range from $50,000 to $350,000 and cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must:

Focus on the development of a new product or manufacturing process or on the improvement of an existing product or manufacturing process
Demonstrate the level of innovation required
Involve a technological or business uncertainty facing your company
Require R&D efforts
Demonstrate the business potential if it is intended for sale

Other conditions apply.

Quantum Leap

CQDM — Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery

If you have a business in the biopharmaceutical industry, you may be eligible for funding to advance the discovery of preventative or remedial drugs.

Projects must last between 1 and 3 years and generally have a budget between $500,000 and $1,200,000.

The funding may come in the form of a grant or an equity investment.

You may be required to meet with the appropriate officials during the application process.

Other conditions apply.

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

Relief measures for Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.

Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:

an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.

For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.

Some conditions apply.

Strategic Innovation Fund — Stream 4

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

If your organization operates in the health and biosciences sector, you could be eligible for a non-repayable financial contribution for a large-scale project that advances industrial research, development and technology demonstration.

To be eligible, you must:

Partner with at least one academic organization to form a consortium (for corporations) or a network (for non-profits supporting businesses in more than one region)
Clearly describe the anticipated innovation, economic or public benefits of your project/proposal

Other conditions apply.

Strategic Innovation Fund — Streams 1, 2 and 3

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Your for-profit organization could be eligible for a financial contribution to enhance productivity and support R&D, investment, and growth.

You may submit an application for funding in one of 3 project streams:

R&D to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services
Firm expansion and growth within Canada
Attraction of large-scale high-quality investments and reinvestments to Canada

Applications for streams 1 to 3 are accepted on a continuing basis. There are no submission deadlines.

Conditions apply.

Technology Demonstration Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

You could receive funding of up to 50% of the costs (up to $54 million) of one large-scale aerospace and defense R&D project per year.

Eligible applicants must:

Be a for-profit corporation (or university, college or research institute) operating in Canada
Be an Original Equipment Manufacturer or a Tier 1 supplier to one
Demonstrate the ability to lead a large-scale multi-member project
Have sufficient resources to fund the R&D
Partner with at least 1 SME corporation and 1 academic institute

Other conditions apply.