Top 11 Small Business Grants for Canadians in 2024

The Canadian government, with multiple levels of government (local, provincial and federal), has a number of government funding programs, including grants, government loans, tax breaks and credits, to help individuals start a business, or existing businesses to grow.

This is done to boost the Canadian economy, create jobs and put money back into the system, allowing countless others to benefit from job creation and additional funding being created.

With that in mind, the Government of Canada, regularly creates new funding opportunities for small businesses to take advantage of. This comes in the form of government grants to support small businesses. You can review all government grants and funding options in the Funding Database.

Today however, we will be looking at the top 11 small business grants for Canadians to take advantage of in 2024.

Access the top 2024 small business grants in  Canada

These top 11 grant programs are provided to to small and medium sized businesses across Canada.  See if any of them appeal to your specific business needs and use the Funding Database to obtain access and expert help to these non-repayable grants.

Grant #1: SCAP

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a comprehensive 5-year program, initiated in April 2023, which represents a $3.5 billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The program aims to support and advance Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. It includes $1 billion dedicated to federal programs and activities, and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared between the federal (60%) and provincial/territorial (40%) governments for programs specifically designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

Key objectives of the Sustainable CAP include enhancing the competitiveness, innovation, and resilience of the agricultural sector. It emphasizes several priority areas such as building sector capacity and competitiveness, addressing climate change and environmental concerns, focusing on science, research and innovation, developing markets and trade, and enhancing resiliency and public trust in the sector.

The partnership also introduces new initiatives like the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, a $250-million cost-shared program, designed to support carbon sequestration and the protection of grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands. This program aims to assist producers in adopting practices that enhance the ecological sustainability of agricultural landscapes.

This agreement represents a continuation and evolution of previous agricultural policy frameworks in Canada, marking it as the fifth pan-Canadian agreement on agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products policy, following the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (2018-2023), Growing Forward 2 (2013-2018), Growing Forward (2008-2013), and the Agriculture Policy Framework (2003-2008).

The Sustainable CAP not only focuses on domestic growth and sustainability in agriculture but also aims to position Canada as a global leader in economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable agriculture. The program is designed to be adaptable, allowing for the development and delivery of region-specific programs aligned with local needs and priorities.

Want to access and apply for Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership? You can review the specifics of the program in the Funding Database.

Grant #2: CDAP

Canada Digital Adoption Program

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) is a significant initiative by the Government of Canada, designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) harness the power of digital technology. Launched as part of the Budget 2021, the CDAP represents a $4 billion investment, which includes $1.4 billion in grants and advisory services from the Government of Canada and up to $2.6 billion in loans from the Business Development Bank of Canada.

The program comprises two main streams:

1. Grow Your Business Online: This stream is targeted at smaller, consumer-facing businesses, including those in service industries. It offers up to $2,400 in micro-grants to help businesses adopt e-commerce technologies. The grants can be used for activities like website development, search engine optimization, e-commerce platform subscription fees, and social media advertising. This stream also aims to create job opportunities for students, providing them with experience in digital technologies as they assist businesses in their digital transformation.
2. Boost Your Business Technology: This stream is intended for SMEs seeking to improve their productivity and competitiveness in the digital marketplace. Eligible businesses can receive a grant covering 90% of the cost, up to $15,000, for developing a digital adoption plan with the assistance of expert digital advisors. Furthermore, SMEs can apply for an interest-free loan of up to $100,000 from the Business Development Bank of Canada to implement their digital adoption plan, which might include acquiring new technology or training staff.

Eligibility criteria for both streams include being a registered or incorporated for-profit business, having at least one employee, and committing to maintaining a digital adoption strategy for a specific period.

The CDAP is a response to the growing need for digital transformation among Canadian businesses, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By fostering digital adoption, the program aims to enhance the competitiveness and growth of Canadian SMEs in the digital economy.

Access the Digital Adoption Program via the Funding Database.

Grant #3:

CanExport SMEs

The CanExport SMEs program, launched by the Government of Canada, is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in expanding their businesses into new international markets. Here’s a summary of the program’s key aspects:

Funding and Eligibility:

CanExport SMEs offers funding of up to $50,000, covering up to 50% of the costs for eligible Canadian SMEs exploring and expanding their business globally. Eligible companies can apply for this funding to participate in international trade shows (outside of the Canada Pavilion Program events) and other business development activities. It’s important to note that the program does not cover projects related to recreational cannabis, tobacco, vaping, or similar industries.

Application Process and Timeframe:

The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds for a fiscal year are allocated. The application may include a maximum budget of $100,000, with the minimum budget set at $20,000. The applicant is responsible for the remaining 50% of costs, and in-kind contributions are not accepted.

Types of Support:

Financial assistance from CanExport SMEs can be in the form of a grant or a contribution, depending on a risk assessment of the applicant and the project. Grants are issued once the funding agreement is signed, while contributions work on a reimbursement basis and come with additional reporting requirements.

Adaptation for COVID-19:

With the challenges of COVID-19, especially affecting international travel, the program has pivoted to support SMEs in developing and expanding their e-commerce presence, attending virtual trade shows, and navigating new trade barriers related to the pandemic. This includes partial coverage of costs associated with online sales platforms, digital strategy consulting, advertising, search engine optimization, and meeting new international market certifications.

Additional Support for Agri-Food Businesses:

Since August 2019, CanExport SMEs has extended support specifically to companies in the agriculture and agri-food sector. This initiative aligns with Canada’s goal of reaching $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025 and includes assisting agri-food businesses in promoting their products internationally through digital means amid COVID-19.

Impact and Outreach:

Since its inception, CanExport SMEs has supported over 3,000 projects in more than 145 markets, contributing to significant new exports from Canada. The program is especially pivotal in supporting businesses owned or led by individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in international trade.

How to Apply:

Businesses interested in applying for the CanExport SMEs program can find more information and application guidelines on the Trade Commissioner Service website.

Grant #4: CJG

Canada Job Grant

The Canada Job Grant is a government-funded program designed to assist with the costs of providing third-party skills training to both new and existing employees. Launched in 2014, it aims to support the upskilling of employees so they can acquire new skills and become more valuable to their organizations. The program allocates a significant annual budget to facilitate this training.

Key aspects of the Canada Job Grant include:

Provincial Implementation: The program operates through individual provincial streams, each with its own specific funding amounts and eligibility criteria. Notable provinces participating include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Funding Support: Depending on the province, the program provides up to $10,000 in government support per person for training costs. In certain cases, such as for small employers with less than 100 employees, the required contribution from employers may be as low as one-sixth of the training costs.

Eligibility: The grant is generally available to private sector and non-profit employers. Eligibility criteria can vary by province, but typically, applicants must be incorporated and have a business number with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Application Process: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and employers or organizations interested in applying should review specific guidelines and criteria for their respective provincial stream.

Types of Training Covered: The training must be delivered by an eligible, third-party trainer, and can include various skill development areas relevant to the employer’s needs.

COVID-19 Adaptations: Due to the pandemic, some adjustments have been made to accommodate remote and virtual training methods.

Each province manages the Canada Job Grant program differently, so it’s important for interested parties to review the specific requirements and application processes for their region.

Grant #5: ISC

Innovative Solutions Canada

The Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program is a Canadian government initiative designed to support and promote innovation in the country, particularly among small businesses. Here are some key aspects of the program:

Objective: The program aims to assist Canadian innovators, especially small businesses, in developing and bringing their innovations to market. It focuses on providing funding for research and development and facilitates the testing of prototypes in operational settings.

Funding Opportunities: The program has two main streams for funding:

• • Challenge Stream: This stream involves setting specific challenges that innovators compete to solve. Winners receive funding to prove the feasibility of their solution and build a prototype.
  • Testing Stream: In this stream, innovators can apply for funding to test their innovation in real-life settings. It was formerly known as the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP).

Eligibility: The program is designed specifically for Canadian small businesses with 499 or fewer employees. These businesses can partner with other entities like universities, colleges, or research organizations for developing solutions. The small business must perform a significant portion of the research and development work (at least two-thirds in Phase 1 and at least half in Phase 2).

Intellectual Property Rights: Participants in the program retain the intellectual property rights of the innovations they develop.

Funding Amounts:

• • In Phase 1, successful applicants can receive up to $150,000 for a duration of up to 6 months to develop a proof of concept.
  • In Phase 2, up to $1 million for up to 2 years can be provided for businesses that successfully complete Phase 1. This funding is for developing a prototype.

Application Process: Interested businesses must apply through the program’s specific challenge streams, with each challenge having its own application deadline and requirements.

Participation of Federal Departments: Twenty federal departments and agencies, including the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), participate in the program. They identify challenges related to their mandates and assist Canadian entrepreneurs in finding solutions.

Benefits for Small Businesses: The program helps small businesses grow by providing them with the opportunity to make their first sale to the Government of Canada. It is particularly beneficial as it allows businesses to retain their equity and intellectual property rights.

Federal Commitment: The federal government’s commitment to the ISC program was over $100 million by the end of its third year (March 2020).

The Innovative Solutions Canada program represents a significant opportunity for Canadian small businesses to engage in novel research and development with the support of the federal government. It plays a vital role in fostering innovation and promoting the growth of small businesses in Canada.

Grant #6: CEC

Creative Export Canada

The Creative Export Canada program, part of the Canadian government’s Creative Export Strategy, is designed to help Canadian creative industries maximize their export potential and gain prominence in the global market. This program provides funding support and aims to boost the profitability of Canada’s creative industries in international markets. Here are some key details about the program:

Funding Streams: The program is divided into two streams:

• • Export-Ready Stream: This stream offers funding for projects that are ready to generate export revenues and help Canadian creative industries reach a wider international audience.
  • Export Development Stream: This newer stream focuses on supporting projects from companies and organizations with little to no export experience, helping them enter international markets and develop international business networks.

Funding Amounts and Duration:

• • • The Export-Ready Stream offers up to $2.5 million in funding per project, while the Export Development Stream provides up to $90,000 in funding per fiscal year.
    • Projects can span up to 24 months but must conclude by March 31, 2025.

Eligibility: To be eligible for funding, companies or organizations must be incorporated in Canada, either for-profit or not-for-profit, and have annual revenues of no more than $500 million. They also need to have a minimum of one full-time employee.

Creative Industries Supported: The program supports a wide range of creative industries, including artistic craft, performing arts, design, audiovisual, visual art, interactive digital media, music, and publishing.

Goals of the Program: The Creative Export Canada program aims to increase the international visibility and export profitability of Canadian creative works. It supports activities like the development or implementation of digital technologies for international discoverability and marketing and promotion in international markets.

Application Process: Interested parties should read the program guidelines thoroughly before applying and submit their applications via email. The application period for projects starting between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, has closed, with the next intake expected in winter 2024.

Additional Support: Apart from funding, the Creative Export Strategy provides opportunities for Canadian creative industries to participate in trade missions and industry events abroad, offering export-related guidance and information.

Grant #7: IRAP

Industrial Research Assistance Program

The National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is a key initiative designed to support innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada. This program plays a vital role in fostering business growth and advancing Canada’s innovation landscape.

Key aspects of NRC IRAP include:

1. Target Audience: NRC IRAP is focused on assisting innovative SMEs in Canada. The program is designed to help these businesses grow by enhancing their capacity for innovation and bringing their ideas to the market.
2. Services Provided: The program offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes financial support, advisory services, and connections to essential business and R&D expertise within Canada. This holistic approach has proven effective in driving business growth and contributing to the overall innovation system in Canada.
3. Mandate and Mission: NRC IRAP is mandated to stimulate wealth creation in Canada through innovation. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of SMEs by providing them with innovation services and funding. This mission is anchored in a vision to be the most impactful program of its kind globally.
4. Strategic Objectives: The program’s objectives are to assist SMEs in Canada in developing and commercializing technologies and to collaborate with regional and national organizations on initiatives supporting the development and commercialization of technologies.
5. Financial Assistance and Advisory Services: NRC IRAP offers both financial support and technical/business advisory services, engaging in cost-shared R&D projects with clients. This approach equips firms to perform basic R&D, commercialize new products and processes, and access new markets.
6. Field Staff and Advisors: The program is delivered by a diverse field staff, including over 240 industrial technology advisors located across Canada, ensuring widespread accessibility and relevance.
7. Impact and Outreach: In previous years, NRC IRAP has supported thousands of SMEs, with many benefiting from expert advisory services and financial assistance.
8. Future Integration into Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC): It’s important to note that NRC IRAP will eventually be integrated into the new Canada Innovation Corporation (CIC), which is expected to be fully implemented no later than 2026-27.

NRC IRAP stands out as a significant resource for Canadian SMEs seeking to innovate, expand, and compete in the global marketplace.

Grant #7: NGen

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) is an industry-led, non-profit organization at the forefront of Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing.

As part of Canada’s ambitious Global Innovation Clusters Initiative, NGen focuses on integrating advanced manufacturing and technology to drive digital transformation in the country.

The organization offers a variety of support, including project funding, collaboration opportunities, and workforce development initiatives.

NGen aims to enrich the lives of Canadians by fostering digital transformation in advanced manufacturing, leading to the creation of better products, jobs, and economic growth.

Grant #8: BSP

Business Scale-Up Productivity Program

The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program in Canada is a strategic initiative that aims to accelerate the growth of firms and assist with the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance scale-up, productivity, and market development. This program is targeted at high-growth businesses and focuses on activities such as productivity improvement, business scale-up, and technology commercialization.

Key aspects of the BSP program include:

1. Eligible Activities: The program supports a range of activities including the adoption of new technologies, process re-engineering, increasing manufacturing capacity, market development, building high-performance teams, and adopting best management practices.
2. Eligible Costs: BSP covers various project costs like labor, capital costs (such as machinery and equipment), operating costs directly related to the project, professional services, technological development, and marketing.
3. Funding Disbursement: Funding is generally provided based on reimbursement of incurred eligible project costs.
4. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, businesses must be high-growth, incorporated in Canada, have been in business for at least 2 years, and have operating facilities in the specific regions of the program’s operation (like the Prairie provinces). They must also have confirmed funding from all other sources, with non-government funding representing at least 50% of the proposed project costs.
5. Funding Amount: BSP generally offers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with minimum and maximum limits varying based on the specific regional agency administering the program.
6. Repayment Terms: The funding provided is usually repayable, with specific terms set on a case-by-case basis. There is typically a grace period after project completion before repayment begins.
7. Application Process: The BSP program uses a continuous intake approach with a two-stage application process, starting with an Expression of Interest followed by a full application if the project advances.

The BSP program plays a significant role in fostering innovation and business growth in Canada by supporting high-potential businesses in scaling up and adopting new technologies.

Grant #9: EDS

Export Development Stream

The Export Development Stream (EDS) is part of the Creative Export Canada program. It provides funding to help both new and early-stage exporters build capacity and expand into international markets. Seasoned exporters can also receive support to enter new international markets and build business networks.

To be eligible for this funding, applicants must meet certain criteria. They should be incorporated under Canadian laws, either as for-profit or not-for-profit organizations, be Canadian-owned and controlled, have annual revenues of no more than $10 million in the current or previous fiscal year, and have at least one full-time employee.

The program supports a variety of activities, such as export planning, international market readiness, and market development activities. For example, it covers expenses related to travel, marketing materials, advertising costs, venue rentals, export training, networking, matchmaking services, and mentoring. However, it does not cover operating expenditures, content creation and development, hospitality expenses, or capital expenses related to the applicant’s ongoing operating activities.

The total financial assistance from the EDS and other government levels can’t exceed 75% of the same eligible project-related costs. The program can fund up to $90,000 per fiscal year. Applications must be submitted electronically, and only one application per deadline is allowed, including entities or subsidiaries of a parent company.

Grant #10: SWODF / EODF

Southwestern/Eastern Ontario Development Fund

Grant #11: SBSG

Small Business Success Grant

The Small Business Success Grant, is a $1,500 grant to help Canadian business owners to start and grow the business. One of the only grant programs that is provided to businesses, no matter of their credit, history, or purpose of the funds.

Here’s a sneak peek into what this program offers:

1. A non-refundable grant of up to $1,500
2. No credit checks or minimum revenue requirements
3. No restrictions on how you can use the funds
4. No requirement for a matching contribution
5. No need to hire a professional grant writer

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the grant program, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Your business must be located in Canada.
2. Your business should be less than 1 year old.
3. Your business should have generated no more than $10,000 in revenue since its inception.
4. Your business registration process should be completed. This can be a federal or provincial incorporation, or a Canadian resident sole proprietorship.
5. You will need to provide a business plan and a pitch deck.

Similar options by SBSG are offered for existing businesses who are in business for 1 year +, with over $10,000 in total revenue. Use the Funding Database to access both options.

Program Benefits

Here’s how the grant money could benefit your business:

1. Purchasing Equipment: Equip your business with the necessary tools to operate efficiently.
2. Marketing & Advertising: Promote your products or services to reach a wider audience.
3. Cashflow & Operations: Manage the day-to-day expenses associated with running your business.
4. Payroll & Wages: Recruit and retain talent by providing competitive salaries.
5. Hiring & Training: Invest in developing your team’s skills.
6. Leasehold & Renovations: Secure a location for your business and make necessary improvements.
7. Inventory & Supplies: Stock up on the raw materials or products needed for your business.
8. Professional Fees/Services: Cover the cost of essential services like accounting, legal counsel, etc.

Ready to access the Small Business Grants and to Apply

The above list of the top 11 small business grants in Canada for 2024 is just the beginning of what is available and accessible in the Funding Database. Currently, the Funding Database consists of over 1,500 deferent funding options, including government grants, government loans, tax breaks and credits.

Get expert help to search and apply for all of thee grants today.