Business Expansion Grants in Canada: Current Grants + Tips for Applying
Expanding a business is a significant milestone, but it often comes with substantial costs and financial challenges. For Canadian businesses looking to scale operations, business expansion grants can provide essential funding without the burden of repayment. This guide explores the grants available for business expansion, how to qualify, and other financial tools to help businesses achieve their growth objectives.
Key Takeaways
- Business expansion grants provide non-repayable funds to help businesses grow their operations, such as entering new markets or scaling production.
- Funding is offered by federal and provincial governments, as well as non-profit organizations.
- Eligibility typically requires being a registered business in Canada, presenting a clear expansion plan, and meeting specific industry or activity criteria.
- Grants can be used for activities like infrastructure upgrades, market entry initiatives, or hiring additional staff.
- Complementary funding options include loans, equity investments, and tax incentives.
What is a Business Grant?
A business grant is financial assistance provided by government agencies, non-profits, or private organizations to support specific business activities. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid, making them a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and established businesses.
For businesses focused on expansion, grants are designed to offset the costs of scaling operations. These funds can support activities such as entering new markets, upgrading facilities, or increasing production capacity. By leveraging grants, businesses can achieve growth objectives while preserving cash flow.
Grants vs Loans for Business Expansion
When financing a business expansion, both grants and loans can be viable options. However, they differ in significant ways:
| Aspect | Business Grants | Business Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment | Do not require repayment | Require repayment, often with interest |
| Competitiveness | Often competitive and require detailed proposals | Easier to secure if creditworthiness is strong |
| Flexibility | Have specific eligibility criteria and usage restrictions | Offer greater flexibility in terms of usage |
| Speed of Access | It can be secured more quickly | Can be secured more quickly |
| Best For | Businesses meeting grant criteria and seeking cost-effective funding | Businesses needing immediate funds or more freedom |
Grants are ideal for businesses that meet eligibility requirements and have time to prepare a strong application. Loans are better suited for businesses needing immediate access to funds or that do not qualify for grants.
Types of Business Expansion Grants
Federal Government Grants for Business Expansion
Federal grants aim to support nationwide economic growth and innovation by helping businesses expand. These grants typically fund activities such as scaling production, entering international markets, or upgrading facilities. The federal government’s goal is to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian businesses and create jobs across the country.
Provincial Government Grants for Business Expansion
Provincial grants focus on addressing regional economic priorities and supporting local businesses. They often fund expansion projects that create jobs, stimulate regional economies, or support key industries. Typical funding areas include infrastructure development, workforce expansion, and market diversification.
Non-Profit Grants for Business Expansion
Non-profit organizations often provide grants to support the expansion of small businesses, startups, or those owned by underrepresented groups. These grants aim to promote economic inclusivity and community development. Common funding areas include market entry initiatives, capacity building, and sustainability projects.
Eligibility Criteria for Business Expansion Grants
Eligibility criteria for business expansion grants can vary widely but generally include the following comprehensive elements:
Being a Registered Business in Canada:
Presenting a Clear and Detailed Expansion Plan:
Meeting Industry-Specific Criteria:
Demonstrating Economic Impact:
Prioritization for Specific Groups or Regions:
Applying for Business Expansion Grants: Top 5 Tips
1. Research Thoroughly:
2. Develop a Strong and Compelling Proposal:
3. Highlight Eligibility and Alignment:
4. Emphasize Economic and Community Benefits:
Clearly outline how your expansion will benefit the economy. Highlight job creation, increased productivity, or contributions to local communities to showcase your project’s broader impact.
5. Prepare for Deadlines and Revisions:
Alternatives to Business Expansion Grants
If grants are not an option, businesses can explore a variety of financial tools and strategies to fund their expansion plans:
Business Loans & Credit for Expansion
Equity Investments
High-growth businesses may seek capital through venture capitalists or angel investors. This option involves exchanging equity for funding, which can provide substantial financial resources for expansion projects. It’s especially beneficial for startups or innovative businesses with significant growth potential.
Tax Incentives
Tax incentives such as investment tax credits, accelerated depreciation allowances, or regional development incentives can significantly reduce the financial burden of expansion. These programs encourage businesses to invest in new facilities, technologies, or markets by offering valuable tax benefits.
Crowdfunding and Strategic Partnerships
Business Expansion Grants – Current Available
Federal Government Business Expansion Grants
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
CED supports economic development in all Quebec regions by paying particular attention to those grappling with economic difficulties.
That’s why CED has launched a new initiative to offer flexible conditions and targeted support to Quebec’s RCMs with the greatest economic vulnerability.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) helps Indigenous communities participate in complex economic opportunities.
SPI promotes partnerships between federal and non-federal groups in key economic areas. This allows SPI to support opportunities that are not eligible for other federal funding. SPI initiatives can span multiple years, have regional economic impacts and serve multiple communities.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 3 provides funding to attract and retain large scale investments to Canada. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 2 facilitates the growth and expansion of firms in Canada. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
CSA’s smartEarth: Accelerator track provides grants to businesses to speed up the development of innovative satellite data solutions at different levels of readiness (up to the demonstration stage), that will respond to challenges of importance to Canada (through an application, a product, or a service). smartEarth aims to:
1. develop innovative satellite data solutions to help meet various needs on Earth and in people’s everyday lives;
2. increase collaboration among Canadian stakeholders;
3. enhance expertise, growth and competitiveness in Canada’s space sector; and
4. advance scientific knowledge.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
We produce and distribute all our projects regardless of format within documentary & animation, or of production model (100% funded by the NFB, co-production, or partnership).
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Poultry and Egg On-Farm Investment Program (PEFIP) aims to help supply-managed poultry and egg producers adapt to market changes resulting from the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The program supports on-farm investments in:
1. increasing efficiency or productivity,
2. improving on-farm food safety and biosecurity,
3. improving environmental sustainability,
4. responding to consumer preferences (improving animal welfare, adopting alternative housing systems, transitioning to organic production, etc.).
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
BizAP invests in organizations that can help high-growth potential busineses achieve their scale-up ambitions
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund supports current and new food initiatives that strengthen and diversify economic activity in the North. In Quebec, the targeted territory is Nunavik.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
DFO’s Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative (IMSI) is designed to increase Indigenous participation in the marine industry supply chain, which supports Indigenous communities and commercial fishing enterprises (CFEs) that want to expand and diversify into Indigenous marine-related service industries.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) provides financial support to projects that encourage economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises in official language minority communities (OLMCs).
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
Digital Greenhouse is a digital innovation initiative for Canadian individuals, groups and organizations. It supports short-term projects that leverage digital technology to address sectoral and digital challenges, including:
1. the development of new digital tools and solutions that increase the resilience, sustainability, and discoverability of the arts sector,
2. the development of sector-wide and cross-sector collaborations, partnerships, and networks to support innovative digital business models, revenue models and monetization strategies,
3. sectoral approaches aimed at strategically increasing the digital/data literacy and ongoing digital transformation of the arts sector,
4. addressing challenges and exploring digital solutions related to accessibility, equity, diversity, decolonization, social justice, and climate responsibility created by, or relevant to, the digital world,
5. addressing challenges and exploring solutions related to the lack of access to digital infrastructure for remote regions and Northern and under-represented communities.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Co-production proposals are weighed and evaluated under the same NFB programming considerations listed above. As a rule, the NFB does not fund more than 49% of the production budget for Canadian or international co-productions.
$150,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
Funding the build-out of new production capacity will:
grow the domestic production capacity for clean fuels including clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, renewable natural gas, and sustainable aviation fuel, across Canada
offer new opportunities for Canada’s energy sector in the transition to producing cleaner sources of energy
support Canada’s efforts to reach net-zero by 2050
position Canada globally to reap economic, environmental, and social benefits of the energy transition
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The Fund, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), provides $700 million nationally over three years, which includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet eligibility criteria.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Funding offered under this program stream helps businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms, to accelerate growth and adopt innovative technologies that support scale-up, commercialization, productivity and market expansion to become more competitive globally.
$1,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
The program Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program will help the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector (‘agricultural sector’) take advantage of a situation or circumstance to develop a new idea, product, niche, or market opportunity
respond to new and emerging issues (address sector issues that were unknown or not a concern before)
find and test solutions to new and ongoing issues to adapt and remain competitive
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream aims to accelerate the growth of firms and assist with the adoption and adaptation of new, innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity, development of and entry into new markets to help companies become competitive in both domestic and global markets.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
PacifiCan makes strategic investments in growing companies through its Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, in both established sectors creating value now and emerging sectors growing quickly. We are working to strengthen British Columbia’s position as a domestic and international leader in these sectors.
$5,000.00
Grant
Description:
Aspiring or emerging publishers and other creative entrepreneurs can apply for up to $5,000 in start-up funding to plan, launch or further develop a company that publishes a digital periodical.
$5,000,000.00
Grant
Description:
The AgriScience Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aims to accelerate innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
The AgriAssurance Program is a $64.05-million program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The program will contribute to the overarching objectives of Resiliency and Public Trust Strategic Initiatives of Sustainable CAP by enabling the development and adoption of industry-led sector-specific assurance systems to manage risks, enhance resiliency and address market considerations and challenges to public trust at the national level
help small and medium-sized enterprises export products by supporting the adoption of assurance systems and tools to make verifiable claims in order to meet market requirements
The program aims to increase and diversify exports to markets where Canada has Free Trade Agreements are in place
support industry to develop, verify and integrate assurance systems to address market and regulatory requirements (for example, food safety, plant and animal health surveillance, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, traceability, market attributes and quality standards) enable industry to make credible, meaningful and verifiable claims about the health, safety, and quality of Canadian agriculture products
$99,999.00
Grant
Description:
This program promotes entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities and seeks to increase the number of viable Indigenous-owned businesses. The program has 2 components: access to capital and business opportunities.
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital provides Indigenous businesses with access to non-repayable contributions of up to $99,999 for: supporting eligible business proposals and leveraging additional funds.
$500,000.00
Grant
Description:
This program promotes entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities and seeks to increase the number of viable Indigenous-owned businesses. The program has 2 components: access to capital and business opportunities.
The Access to Business Opportunities stream provides national level funding to promote a culture of entrepreneurship through national Indigenous organizations to improve access to business opportunities and to enhance the capacity of Indigenous businesses. Support will vary depending upon the needs of the recipient, the availability and sources of funding, the eligibility of costs, the economic benefits, and the project viability.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Dairy Innovation and Investment Fund (DIIF) aims to help dairy processors in making investments to increase competitiveness over the long term and adapt to the new market realities.
The Fund provides non-repayable contributions to Canadian dairy processors to invest in innovative solutions to better manage the structural surplus of solids non-fat in Canada. The Fund will help the sector modernize, replace and increase solids non-fat processing capacity and minimize non-marketed skim milk.
The overall budget from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2033, is up to $333 million, including $5 million in program administration and up to $33 million in unclaimed Dairy Direct Payment Program funds.
Provincial Government Business Expansion Grants
$50,000
Grant
Description:
The Wine and Grape Industry Development Program supports the environmental, economic and social sustainability of Nova Scotia’s wine industry.
$5,000
Grant
Description:
The Starter Company Plus (SCP) Program is for business owners operating less than 5 years (market ready and ready to sell), ready to expand (hiring employees, contractors, or getting a location), or buying a business in Waterloo Region.
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Quebec’s leader in venture capital, Investissement Québec invests in innovative, visionary, and forward-looking projects. This contribution of funds, vital for businesses, can be made directly or indirectly through specialized funds.
$100,000
Grant
Description:
The Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency Program is designed to strengthen the resilience and preparedness of B.C.’s tree fruit sector against extreme weather events.
$5,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Improving the condition of the hotel park infrastructure and adding tourist accommodation units;
More specifically, this component aims to:
The renovation and upgrading of accommodation units, meeting or conference rooms, public areas (entrance hall, reception, rest areas, public toilets, bar and other interior fittings) or the exterior structure of the building (cladding, roof, doors and windows, etc.);
The addition of hotel infrastructure.
$5,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Stimulate private investment to renew the tourism offering in Quebec;
Promote the takeover of tourism businesses;
To ensure the growth, development and sustainability of tourism businesses;
Stimulate the regional economy by increasing the number of visitors and increasing tourism revenue;
Increase the economic and social vitality of communities and regions through the development of a sustainable, original and diversified tourist offering.
$90,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
Innovative companies chosen by a selection committee will benefit from support and a lump sum to stimulate their growth. Funding may also be provided to them so that they can adapt their solution to the targeted tourism companies.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
At the same time, the MT Lab will carry out various networking and consulting activities to support organizations in their initiatives to promote the emergence of a culture of innovation in the tourism sector and facilitate the adoption of innovative solutions.
$150,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
As part of this component, calls for proposals will be made to innovative companies to promote the development of solutions to meet needs and challenges previously identified by tourism stakeholders or partners of the Ministry of Tourism.
$500,000
Grant
Description:
The general objective of the program is to support the development and consolidation of an innovative, scalable and sustainable tourism offer to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the Quebec tourism industry.
Its specific objectives are as follows:
To increase the adaptation of the offer of Quebec tourism businesses in the context of the global pandemic related to the COVID-19.
Strengthen the development and consolidation of tourist attractions that have a structuring effect on their region, that encourage the retention of Quebecers or that motivate travel.
Increase the economic and social vitality of communities and regions through the development of a sustainable, original and diversified tourism offer.
Promote the adoption of good practices in terms of social responsibility by tourism businesses.
$5,000,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The general objective of the program is to support the development and consolidation of an innovative, scalable and sustainable tourism offering to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the Quebec tourism industry.
$300,000.00
Grant
Description:
Applicants for PAET’s third stream can come together to propose a collective project by designating a responsible organization acting as file holder (examples: grouping of festivals and events acquiring an accessible platform, which is reused by all members, grouping of businesses tourists by purchasing an adapted dock and a hoist).
$60,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Touring Projects program supports Ontario-based professional artists/curators, ad hoc groups/collectives and arts organizations to tour performances, exhibitions, screenings and readings for public audiences within Ontario, nationally and internationally. The work(s) being toured must be created and performed by professional artists.
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Prioritize high-impact sectors and technologies
Solving societal challenges with innovative solutions
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Adapting R&D incentives and innovation support programs
Supporting innovative technological entrepreneurship
Stimulating investment and commercialization of innovations
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Transfer and promote research results
Facilitate access to and promote ecosystem resources
Establish a regulatory environment favorable to innovation
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide publication.
Grant, Investment, Subsidy
Description:
Supporting the initiatives of the Quebec Research Funds
Promoting synergies in the research ecosystem
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Investment
Description:
Created in 2018, The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund works to grow and diversify our economy, create jobs and training opportunities, and spurs a wide range of private, non-profit and public sector investments in the city.
$500,000
Grant
Description:
Contribute to the development of the biofood sector by carrying out projects of collective interest arising from the priorities identified in the planning of a given territory or sector.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
This program aims to improve the production value of French-language fiction, documentary or animated television series in order to increase their commercial potential in markets outside Quebec by relying on technical and artistic aspects (visual and sound), the adaptation of Quebec literary works and the acquisition of rights for a minimum of three existing musical works.
$20,000
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
As TechAlliance takes bold steps towards equitable growth, we continue to unlock opportunities for some of Canada’s most promising startups and fastest-growing innovation companies with the i.d.e.a. Fund™ to foster a vibrant, inclusive and green ecosystem.
In Cohort 3, we will distribute up to a maximum of $20,000 in matching seed funding and up to 30 hours of expertise from our Venture Growth team to select innovative businesses in various sectors.
$50,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Program aims to encourage companies in the mining sector to improve their business practices in terms of sustainable development and more specifically to:
facilitate the achievement of ECOLOGO® UL sustainability certification within the mineral exploration industry, both for exploration companies and their service providers;
foster the emergence of leaders in sustainable development practices within the mining sector;
facilitate the obtaining and maintenance of Veriflora® certification in responsible peatland management for horticultural peat exploitation companies;
develop traceability initiatives within the MCS mining sector.
$20,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Program aims to encourage companies in the mining sector to improve their business practices in terms of sustainable development and more specifically to:
facilitate the achievement of ECOLOGO® UL sustainability certification within the mineral exploration industry, both for exploration companies and their service providers;
foster the emergence of leaders in sustainable development practices within the mining sector;
facilitate the obtaining and maintenance of Veriflora® certification in responsible peatland management for horticultural peat exploitation companies;
develop traceability initiatives within the MCS mining sector.
$50,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Program aims to encourage companies in the mining sector to improve their business practices in terms of sustainable development and more specifically to:
facilitate the achievement of ECOLOGO® UL sustainability certification within the mineral exploration industry, both for exploration companies and their service providers;
foster the emergence of leaders in sustainable development practices within the mining sector;
facilitate the obtaining and maintenance of Veriflora® certification in responsible peatland management for horticultural peat exploitation companies;
develop traceability initiatives within the MCS mining sector.
$20,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Program aims to encourage companies in the mining sector to improve their business practices in terms of sustainable development and more specifically to:
facilitate the achievement of ECOLOGO® UL sustainability certification within the mineral exploration industry, both for exploration companies and their service providers;
foster the emergence of leaders in sustainable development practices within the mining sector;
facilitate the obtaining and maintenance of Veriflora® certification in responsible peatland management for horticultural peat exploitation companies;
develop traceability initiatives within the MCS mining sector.
$37,500
Grant
Description:
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) funds the Yukon’s agriculture and agri-food sector. This is a 5-year cost-shared program funded by the governments of Canada and Yukon.
$25,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Building Envelope, Lighting and Ventilation Upgrades funding stream supports the assessment and upgrades applicable to new and existing agri-food and agri-product production and office areas and equipment that create energy savings and/or GHG reductions.
This funding stream supports assessment and upgrades that are unique to any programs offered by other provincial or federal agencies or programs.
$200,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Quebec Alcohol Positioning Support Program – Support to promote membership in a program of reserved designations or valued terms in Quebec (PAPAQ, section 2) aims to help producers of alcoholic beverages increase the number of certified Quebec products.
$75,000
Grant
Description:
This component aims to increase the number of collective actions necessary for the management and promotion of reserved designations and promotional terms.
$10,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The Support Program dedicated to the scaling up of mineral processing or primary transformation processes for critical and strategic minerals (MCS) is aimed at companies in the mineral processing or primary transformation sector.
$5,000,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Tourist Attractions Development Support Program (PADAT, part 1) supports private investment by granting loans and loan guarantees and by supplementing the financial structure of tourism business investment projects.
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The Economic Development Project Support Program – Structuring projects of organizations in support of the development of strategic sectors and regions (PAPDE, component 2) aims to support the implementation of activities and projects that promote the economic development of strategic sectors, niches and centers of excellence, innovation centers and zones as well as regions.
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Subsidy
Description:
The Economic Development Project Support Program – Structuring projects of organizations in support of entrepreneurship development (PAPDE, component 1) aims to promote and support structuring projects of organizations that offer direct services to entrepreneurs.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
This program supports the adaptation of agri-food companies in a context of market opening and access to them. It also aims to mobilize local development actors around concerted and collective projects that highlight the economic potential of the bio-food sector.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
This program is aimed at commercial galleries that specialize in the contemporary art market. It aims to support these businesses in their activities of dissemination and promotion of the works of professional artists in Quebec.
$750,000.00
Grant
Description:
This program supports one-time strategic projects or initiatives that make companies operating mainly in SODEC’s fields of activity more competitive in order to promote Quebec’s cultural industries and increase spinoffs.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Through this program, SODEC supports producers of digital experiences, as part of a business strategy over a two-year period, for the creation and promotion of a catalogue of works, content, experiences or technocreative cultural products of Quebec intellectual property.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Quebec Alcohol Positioning Support Program – Support for Maintaining the Development of Sales of Artisan Wine Producers (PAPAQ, section 4) aims to support the development of Quebec artisan wine producers.
$250,000
Grant
Description:
The Aboriginal Cultural Development Assistance program aims to support the development of the 11 Aboriginal nations in Quebec, recognized by the National Assembly. The nations recognized by the National Assembly are as follows: (Abenaki, Algonquin, Attikamek, Cree, Huron-Wendat, Micmac, Maliseet, Naskapi, Mohawk, Inuit and Innu).
It promotes consultation between the Ministry of Culture and Communications and its First Nations and Inuit partners with the aim of contributing to the cultural vitality of the communities concerned.
No specific amount was identified. Consult the program Framework/guide for detailed one.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
The Quebec Alcohol Positioning Support Program – Support for increasing sales and the supply of Quebec alcohol in the Société des alcools du Québec network (PAPAQ, section 1) aims to increase sales and the supply of value-added products from Quebec alcoholic beverage producers.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Research and Innovation Organizations Support Program – Support for financing infrastructure in support of private innovation (PSO, component 4b) enables the modernization of infrastructure in support of private innovation.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The emerging creation support program:
is aimed at all Quebec audiovisual production companies that develop projects with emerging creators;
supports short and feature-length fiction film projects as well as short, medium and feature-length documentary projects.
They are generally submitted at the development stage, to benefit from the professional support, mentoring, networking and advice measures put in place for emerging creators.
However, some documentary or fiction feature films developed outside the program may be submitted directly to the production stage if they meet the specific eligibility conditions.
$200,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The Quebec Alcohol Positioning Support Program – Support for associations within the framework of business support activities (PAPAQ, section 3) helps support producers of alcoholic beverages in the marketing of their products.
$1,000
Grant
Description:
The Supplier Diversity Certification Pilot Program (SDCPP) offers diverse-owned businesses* financial support to obtain supplier diversity certification through one of the five following certifying bodies in Canada:
CAMSC (Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council)
IWSCC (Inclusive Workplace & Supply Council of Canada)
CGLCC (Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce)
WEConnect International Canada
WBE Canada (Women Business Enterprises Canada)
$50,000
Grant, Loan
Description:
Support the implementation of a marketing plan in order to develop or consolidate local marketing and agritourism initiatives.
$25,000
Grant
Description:
The Ministerial Initiative ” Agricultural Succession and Entrepreneurship ” aims to help the next generation of farmers in Quebec start a new business or acquire or take over an existing business by supporting, from a sustainable development perspective, the making of necessary investments:
at the start of its agricultural activities;
to the sustainability of its business by improving profitability or reducing risks.
$50,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
Plan, develop or consolidate collective initiatives for local marketing and agritourism.
$250,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Nunavut Business Investment Schedule (NBIS) provides contributions to Nunavut business ventures with anticipated economic development outcomes. These contributions are structured to complement and attract Debt Financing and/or Equity Investments.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Strategic Initiatives Fund – Strategic Growth & Development Component aims to assist arts and culture organizations and cultural industries with initiatives that enhance growth, professionalism, and sustainable contributions to the cultural sector.
$10,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Strategic Initiatives Fund – Arts Wellness Component provides eligible New Brunswick arts organizations and groups with funding for partnership projects that positively impacts wellness through arts.
$20,000.00
Grant
Description:
Strategic Improvement Assistance supports Prince Edward Island businesses undertaking strategic activities to become more productive, profitable and competitive.
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The PARESAU – Forest Fire Measure 2023 provides support to companies that find themselves in a precarious situation and in temporary difficulty due to forest fires and demonstrate a cause and effect link between their financial and/or operational problems and the situation in question.
$5,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Maintain business operations by temporarily supporting the working capital needs of strategic companies experiencing significant financial difficulties so that they can continue their activities and maintain their jobs, particularly during the period necessary to implement solutions.
$100,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Maintain the activities of strategic companies in financial difficulty by supporting the development of solutions.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Strategic assistance to help tariff impacted businesses improve productivity, become more competitive, increase exports, and grow on a national and international scale. Businesses can receive support for costs associated with:
– Professional services for businesses entering new export markets (i.e. market research, regulatory guidance, trade compliance consulting).
– Market adaptation strategies, diversification support, and assistance in developing new supply chain solutions.
– Contingency planning related to trade and supply chain disruptions.
$20,000
Grant
Description:
This is a matching reimbursement grant for small exterior renovations
$50,000
Grant
Description:
This is a matching reimbursement grant for large, significant exterior renovations, up to 50% of project costs.
$10,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Step Forward Entrepreneurs Program (SFEP) enhances innovation and commercialization for entrepreneurs and established businesses who demonstrate the potential to create jobs and grow the economy. Emphasis will be placed on companies who identify business growth opportunities and are looking to reach new markets and expand sales.
$3,000,000
Grant, Investment
Description:
The Support Program for Research and Innovation Organizations – Support for research projects in collaboration with the community (PSO, component 2) aims to:
strengthen the technological innovation capacity of companies and recipient environments through the development and transfer of technology resulting from public research projects;
strengthen the capacity of innovative companies with high growth potential (startups) to commercialize their innovations;
to establish partnerships between university, college, institutional and industrial circles, whether in Quebec, outside Quebec or internationally;
highlight research results and innovations that have commercial potential.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Promote awareness among college students of French-language songs by supporting dissemination activities (professional shows and activities designed specifically for this clientele).
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Impulsion PME (the “Program”) aims to help young innovative companies with high growth potential to gain access to investment capital at the seed stage.
The Program relies on the commitment and collaboration of two types of recognized entities: the reference entities and the recognized investors .
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Small Business Opportunities Fund supports new and expanding small businesses managed by capable entrepreneurs who have identified promising business opportunities. The fund provides accountable contributions to offset costs associated with a wide range of planning, start-up, expansion, and marketing activities. The fund also provides assistance for small businesses facing viability or wind-down challenges.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Entrepreneur Development Fund supports the acquisition of foundational entrepreneurship and business skills by Nunavut residents and businesses by improving the availability of on-going assistance to small business operators. The fund will also help to build the capacity of Nunavut organizations and business service providers to deliver services and training in the areas of entrepreneurship capacity, business aftercare, or tourism safety and risk management.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The program intended to provide financial incentive to stimulate new investment in small businesses in the targeted sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying the local economy. Consists of a grant program, whereby new or existing businesses that are expanding will be eligible to receive a grant for a percentage of the tax increment generated from the investments made in the development or redevelopment of the building or property in conformity with this Community Improvement Plan (CIP).
$5,000
Grant
Description:
To encourage the creation and viability of small businesses in Prince Edward Island, Small Business Assistance supports activities that increase productivity and competitiveness. The program supports eligible costs related to internal planning and processes. A new business is eligible for support for marketing and promotion activities.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
When transferring a business, the seller-lender formula from La Financière agricole can prove to be very advantageous, both for the seller-lender and for the buyer.
$675,000
Grant
Description:
Increase awareness of the agri-food sector among the population and promote the quality of livestock by supporting agricultural exhibitions and sector exhibitions in Quebec.
$7,500
Grant
Description:
The goal of the program is to incentivize tourism operators to create and develop inspired ideas and new product offerings that will support tourism across PEI and grow Prince Edward Island as a multi-season tourism destination.
$15,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Market Access Food Safety Program assists companies to overcome a specific food safety requirement or obstacle that is preventing them from entering a new market, or in keeping markets open when requirements change.
Specifically, this program will support a limited number of companies with: obtaining Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) certification which will in turn open more export markets, and meeting the food safety requirements of new markets to support market entry or market expansion.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
The Revitalization Extensive Project Fund offers organizations the opportunity to apply for funding for larger-scale projects in Revitalization Areas.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
Small retail businesses are the heart of Toronto’s main streets, employ thousands of residents, and are a key driver of the city’s prosperity.
This program provides access to retail training, advisory services and mentoring opportunities. In addition, it offers a micro grant valued at $10,000 to help retail businesses develop and expand.
$500,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Through financial support for research and development projects, the program aims to promote innovation and the acquisition of knowledge on critical and strategic minerals according to the application of circular economy principles in their development.
No specific amount was identified. Consult the guide for detailed one.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
This program aims to support the implementation of collective projects led by a tourism association (regional or sectoral) or a representative recognized by the Ministry of Tourism. These projects must demonstrate repercussions for businesses in several regions or sectors.
$150,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
This program aims to:
develop a four-season, accessible and safe recreational tourism offering in Quebec’s regional parks;
ensure the development and modernization of infrastructure for tourism activities;
support the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in order to position Quebec as a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism.
no fixed amount
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Regional Development Program – Business Projects provides support for projects and investments to businesses and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in eastern and southwestern Ontario.
$5,000,000.00
Grant, Loan
Description:
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream will provide financial support to advanced manufacturing companies with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises across Ontario. It will provide investments in:
1. Capital equipment
2. Technology adoption
3. Skills development
The fund supports projects that:
1. Create jobs and build talent
2. Attract and encourage private sector investment
3. Help companies to adopt technologies that improve their competitiveness
4. Lead to business growth and broad positive economic impacts
5. Encourage innovation, collaboration, and cluster development
$250,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The refundable tax credit for Quebec film and television production covers labour expenses incurred by a company that produces a Quebec film (or program).
$150,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
These funds aim to stimulate entrepreneurship at the local level.
$1 million
Grant
Description:
The Quebec Fisheries Fund stimulates innovation in the fish and seafood sector in Quebec and supports its development and adaptation.
The Fund is a contribution program jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Quebec. Funding for the program comes 70 % from the Government of Canada and 30 % from the Government of Quebec.
$20,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program supports current farmers and new entrants to the province’s agriculture and agrifoods sectors. The program has two streams, focusing on land development and agriculture infrastructure. Projects must support food self-sufficiency and increase agricultural growth and secondary processing.
$5,000.00
Grant
Description:
Starter Company Plus provides a grant of up to $5,000 to start a new company, expand an existing company or buy a business in Ontario. Applicants can also apply for training and mentoring.
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The Economic Development Project Support Program – Projects of organizations for the promotion of foreign trade or prospecting for foreign investments (PAPDE, section 3) aims to support projects of economic development organizations by raising awareness among companies regarding exports and diversification in foreign markets.
$800,000
Grant
Description:
Increase the achievement of exceptional and innovative large-scale activities
Intensify the influence of Quebec culture in all regions of Quebec
Increase the exposure of the general Quebec public to new content, products, works or events that enrich Quebec’s cultural offering
$800,000
Grant
Description:
The Call for Projects for the Promotion of Quebec Culture program aims to support large-scale collective promotional initiatives, major projects contributing to the development and promotion of Quebec culture and its offerings, as well as the implementation of digital creativity projects in public spaces and various cultural dissemination venues in Quebec.
$400,000
Grant
Description:
Stream B encourages companies to carry out a project in line with the digital context.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
The Call for Projects for Indigenous Peoples program aims to increase the supply of activities, services and goods that can contribute significantly to achieving the Department’s objectives regarding the consolidation and development of Indigenous cultures and communications. It also aims to achieve the objectives of the Government Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Well-being of First Nations and Inuit 2022-2027.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
Indigenous media operating in Quebec face significant challenges in terms of financing their activities, their organizational structure and the development of content, programming and advertising strategies. They also have needs in terms of improving their infrastructure, as well as recruiting and professionalizing their human resources.
$300,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
This program aims to support the implementation of innovative projects that will encourage the population and visitors to use more active and collective modes of transport during festivals and tourist events.
$1,000,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
You are an exporter needing to finance your working capital to support your market diversification strategies in Canada and internationally (outside the United States).
Panorama combines financing and support services to support and solidify your efforts in markets outside Quebec.
$500,000
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
The credit facility allows you to meet the financing needs for your operating expenses.
$200,000
Grant
Description:
The OMIF Music Creation stream provides funding to support the development of competitive, sustainable music companies in Ontario that take risks discovering and developing talent – particularly emerging artists – and bringing it to market.
$30,000
Grant
Description:
The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program helps improve the environmental resiliency of agricultural landscapes by accelerating the adoption of on-farm land use and management practices that maximize benefits for the environment and society.
Eligibility
$600,000
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
Financial assistance is offered to tourism businesses that are currently implementing projects that have several aspects that are difficult to finance. The businesses concerned must have been accepted into one of the support pathways in section 1 to access section 2. The characteristics of the financial assistance are:
$10,000
Grant
Description:
The Next Level program provides funding for Northwestern Ontario businesses with an innovative product or service and looking to expand. The support may be applicable to contracted expertise, services or direct costs in any of the following areas: equipment purchase, expansion to new markets, conference & tradeshows costs ($1,000 max), training & certification costs.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Atlantic Fisheries Fund supports innovative projects in the fish and seafood sector that help meet the growing global demands for seafood globally. The objective of the program is to drive new ideas and solutions to help the seafood sector meet market demand for sustainability sourced, high quality fish and seafood products.
$15,000
Grant
Description:
The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator (NEFBA) Program supports the growth of new entrants by providing financial support for the development and implementation of farm business plans and growth strategies. For the purposes of this program, New Entrant is defined as an agricultural producer who has not reported farm income for more than 5 years. The Program supports business planning and cost-shared purchasing of commercial farm infrastructure and equipment needed to accelerate the revenue growth of farm businesses.
Through the NEFBA Program, a new farm business can receive support to develop a growth strategy and to make investments necessary to achieve farm income growth goals, ensure commercial viability and strengthen financial sustainability.
$60,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Music Industry Initiatives program supports initiatives that grow and develop British Columbia’s music ecosystem.
Successful projects will build the capacity of B.C.’s music industry through training, knowledge transfer, and the creation of new business opportunities. Canadian companies, not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and collectives are able to apply.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Promoting the competitiveness of Quebec music publishing companies on national markets
Promote the development and marketing of Quebec musical works
Contribute to the development and support of Quebec songwriters, including emerging ones
Boost revenue from catalogs of Quebec musical works.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Implement new land developments to promote the conservation or improvement of biodiversity by carrying out one of the following developments:
Widened shrubby or wooded riparian strip
Hedge or wooded island
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Loan, Investment
Description:
Reduce the proportion of eligible crop areas occupied by corn (grain or forage) or soybeans, compared to the average proportion of the five years preceding the first year of participation, until this proportion reaches 60%, by replacing it with the following crops in a minimum proportion of 5% per year during the first or second year of participation:
About the author
Maurice
