As a small business owner in Canada, starting up or trying to expand your small business is tough work. It’s especially difficult if you’re lacking the funding to get you to the next level. Luckily, as a Canadian there are government grants for Canadian small business owners to take advantage of.

You know, government grants – the money the government gives you which you don’t have to pay back?

Well, there are hundred of government funding programs available for Canadians to take advantage of, just check out the Funding Database here to see them all!

While there are hundreds of potential funding programs available, here are the top 8 government grants for Canadian small business owners to take advantage of:

8 Government Grants for Canadian Small Business Owners

The below list of the top 8 government grant programs for Canadians small businesses to take advantage of come from various sources, are all non repayable government grant programs and are currently available.

Please note that while these programs are mainly geared toward the tech world and some may only apply to those in Ontario, keep in mind that hundreds of programs exist from various levels of the Canadian government and should be taken advantage of. Contact a CanadaStartups.org expert to get a better of understanding of available funding programs for your small business.

Grants for Building Innovative Technology

Smart Start Grant Program

The SmartStart Grant program is a program that supports Ontario based startups who are looking for funds for product development. While there are multiple funding program deadlines throughout the year, the sooner you start the better. The program allows up to $70,000 in funding.

IRAP Grant Program

The IRAP grant is the Industrial Research Assistance Program is a fit program for those looking between $50k to $500k in order to support development. In order to qualify for such a program you must have at least one full time employee.

SR&ED Grant Program

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development program is geared towards companies involved with research and development activities across Canada. This is a refundable tax credit program so you would get the money after you paid the expenses. Much like a tax refund. The application process is somewhat difficult but a very good source of funding if you’re eligible.

Grants for Hiring Staff

IRAP Grant Program

This is the same grant program as mentioned above as it does cover a portion of the salary for an employee within the age of 15 and 30 for a duration of 6 to 12 months.

The Co-operative tax credit

This program will provide you up to $3,000 in a refundable tax credit if you decide to hire a student that is currently enrolled in a co-operative education program at a Ontario university or college.

Talent Edge

The Talent Edge program is a great one as it provides a grant between $10,000 to $15,000 to those who are hiring recent graduates and are conducting research and development related activities.

Training Your Staff

The Canada-Ontario Job Grant

A wonderful program if you’ve decided to train your employees. This grant provides up to $10,000 per eligible persons short term training expenses which  you intend on training. Do keep in mind that self training is not acceptable and all training in order to be covered does have to be covered by an accredited institution.

Creating Digital Media

The Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit

This program provides a 35 to 40% refundable tax credit for those who are creating digital media or information products.

The above are the top 8 government grants for Canadian small business owners to take advantage of. If you are a small business owner looking to start up or grow your business, be sure to use the Funding Calculator Tool to see which programs offered by the Canadian government you may be eligible for.