Business Funding in Canada: All Levels from Federal to Municipal

Did you know Canadian businesses leave millions in grant funding unclaimed every year? If you're a small business owner looking for ways to fuel growth, innovate, or create jobs, you're in the right place. 

Canada’s grant system offers a range of funding opportunities tailored to support business ambitions across various levels. Whether you’re a startup seeking your first boost or an established company planning to scale, each grant category has unique objectives and eligibility requirements. Understanding where your project fits is key. Funding opportunities can be tailored to specific sectors, regional priorities, and community needs, enabling businesses of all types to find support that matches their mission.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Canadian grant system, covering everything from large-scale federal grants to community-focused municipal funding:

1. Federal Grants

The federal government offers some of the largest and most competitive grants available, primarily supporting projects that align with national priorities such as innovation, sustainability, and job creation. These grants are ideal for businesses and organizations aiming to tackle large-scale challenges or generate broad economic and social impact. Examples include funding programs from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the National Research Council (NRC), and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). These funds typically involve rigorous application processes, as they are designed to support high-impact initiatives that contribute meaningfully to Canada’s economic strength and global competitiveness.

2. Provincial Grants

Provincial grants are distributed by individual provinces, each with its own funding priorities and strategic focus. These grants often target sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and green energy, supporting local economic development and innovation. For example, in Ontario, the Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC) and the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) provide funding for innovative businesses and regional expansion projects. In British Columbia, the Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) supports tech companies hiring underrepresented talent. Meanwhile, Quebec’s Programme d'appui à la recherche industrielle (P.A.R.I.) provides support for industrial research and development. Since each province tailors its programs to its own economic priorities, it’s worthwhile to explore funding options specific to your location and industry.

3. Regional Grants

Regional grants, typically administered by Regional Development Agencies, aim to address local economic challenges, promote innovation, and foster business growth within specific geographic areas. These grants are especially valuable for businesses in smaller towns or rural communities seeking to stimulate local economies and create jobs. For example, FedDev Ontario offers the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) initiative, which supports high-growth firms in Southern Ontario as they adopt new technologies, scale operations, and enter new markets. In Atlantic Canada, ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program helps businesses and nonprofits innovate, commercialize, and grow across various sectors. Meanwhile, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) supports economic development in Canada’s three territories, backing projects in areas such as mining, tourism, renewable energy, arts & culture, and community development. 

4. Municipal & Community grants

Local and provincially administered grant programs also support community-level projects that improve local quality of life. In Ontario, for example, the federal Canada Community-Building Fund allocates infrastructure funding to municipalities across the province. Meanwhile, organizations can access the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Community Building Fund for arts, heritage, recreation, tourism, and cultural programming. In British Columbia, Community Gaming Grants distributes about $140 million annually to non-profit organizations for ongoing services and capital projects benefiting communities. In Alberta, the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) helps non-profits and community groups upgrade, expand, or build public-use facilities, with small and large funding streams. These grants are especially accessible to non-profits, charities, and community organizations aiming to support local events, social programs, cultural facilities, recreation spaces, and other community assets. Often, these grants require matching contributions and are structured to ensure accountability and public benefit.

Canada’s grant system is a powerful yet often underused resource that can help businesses innovate, expand, and create meaningful impact. Success depends on understanding how your goals align with national priorities and presenting a well-tailored application. By approaching funding strategically, your businesses can unlock vital support to drive sustainable, long-term growth.

📩 Contact us today at info@salesgrowth.ca to find the right grant opportunities for your business!