Canadian Grants & Funding Guidance
Canadian grants & funding for your business.
There is real money available for Canadian businesses adopting AI and digital tools. We help you find programs that may fit, shape the scope of the work, and use the funding effectively.
- Range
- From $2,500
- Programs
- IRAP, SR&ED, BCETG, BDC, provincial
- Filing
- You or your accountant file; the program decides
Available Funding Programs
Canadian businesses have access to some of the most generous technology adoption funding in the world. Here are the key programs.
IRAP
Up to 80% of salaries, up to 50% of contractorsThe Industrial Research Assistance Program funds R&D and innovation projects. If your AI implementation involves custom development or technical experimentation, IRAP can fund up to 80% of eligible salary costs and up to 50% of contractor costs, with the actual rates set in each contribution agreement.
Eligibility: Incorporated Canadian SME, 500 or fewer employees
SR&ED Tax Credits
15-35% of eligible expendituresThe Scientific Research and Experimental Development program provides tax credits for businesses conducting R&D in Canada. Work that resolves a genuine technological uncertainty through systematic investigation may qualify; most off-the-shelf automation does not. CCPCs can claim a 35% refundable credit on up to $6M of qualified expenditures (tax years beginning on or after December 16, 2024; confirm with your accountant).
Eligibility: Any Canadian business conducting eligible R&D activities
BDC Financing
Small business loans up to $350,000The Business Development Bank of Canada offers online small business loans for general business needs, including technology. For AI and digital adoption specifically, BDC LIFT (launched April 2026) pairs financing with a required BDC Advisory plan for businesses with at least $1M in revenue. Both are financing, not grants.
Eligibility: Canadian-based business; small business loans need 24+ months in operation
CDAP (Currently Closed)
Was up to $15,000 grant + $100,000 loanThe Canada Digital Adoption Program closed to new applications on February 19, 2024. It previously provided grants for digital adoption plans and interest-free BDC loans for implementation. In April 2026 BDC launched LIFT, which pairs AI and digital-adoption advisory support with financing for businesses with at least $1M in annual revenue. It is financing, not a grant.
Eligibility: Program currently closed to new applicants
Provincial Programs
British Columbia: 10% provincial R&D tax credit
Plus various digital skills training grants
Ontario: 8% Ontario Innovation Tax Credit
ORIC for eligible R&D corporations
Quebec: CRIC: 30% on the first $1M, 20% above
Refundable R&D, innovation and precommercialization credit on expenses above a threshold; it replaced Quebec's earlier R&D credits
Alberta: Alberta Innovates grants
Funding for AI and tech innovation projects
How We Help
Eligibility Assessment
We identify which programs may fit your business and estimate the potential funding available. Eligibility is decided by each program.
Scope and Documentation Support
We help shape the project scope and document the work. You or your accountant or grant writer prepare and file the application.
Implementation Support
Once funding is secured, we help you implement the plan so the money is used effectively and you can demonstrate results to the funding body.
Pricing
Flat fees for defined scope. We do not write or file applications, take a percentage of funding, or make investor introductions, and no one can guarantee approval.
Funding Map
$2,500 flat
For founders who want to know which programs may fit before spending time on applications.
- Screen against IRAP, SR&ED, BCETG, BDC and provincial programs
- Fit notes and open questions for each program
- Scope-shaping memo for your accountant or grant writer
- 60-minute walkthrough call
Funding Strategy + Pitch Deck
$5,500 flat
Funding map plus the story you take to programs, lenders, and early investors.
- Everything in Funding Map
- Pitch deck narrative and design in your brand
- Use-of-funds story
- Project documentation support (you or your accountant file)
Fundraising Preparation
From $12,000
For teams preparing to raise a round alongside non-dilutive funding.
- Everything in Funding Strategy + Pitch Deck
- Financial narrative built on your accountant's numbers
- Data room checklist and investor FAQ
- Pitch rehearsal sessions
Scale-Up Advisory
Custom
Ongoing funding and fundraising advisory for Series A-ready teams.
- Everything in Fundraising Preparation
- Quarterly funding review
- Board and investor update support
- Scoped on a discovery call
Frequently Asked Questions
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) closed to new applications on February 19, 2024. It previously provided up to $15,000 in grants plus $100,000 in interest-free BDC loans. In April 2026 BDC launched LIFT, which pairs AI and digital-adoption advisory support with financing for businesses with at least $1M in annual revenue; it is financing, not a grant. IRAP, SR&ED tax credits, BDC financing, and provincial programs remain available for businesses investing in AI and digital tools.
No one can guarantee government funding approval. What we do is identify programs that may fit and help shape the project scope and documentation of the work. You or your accountant or grant writer prepare and file the application, and eligibility is decided by each program.
Timelines depend on the program. IRAP applications usually take 4-8 weeks to prepare and review. SR&ED claims are filed with your annual tax return. BDC small business loans are applied for online and usually move faster than grant programs. We help shape the project scope and documentation; you or your accountant or grant writer prepare and file the application.
Yes, if the work involves real R&D. IRAP can fund up to 80% of eligible salary costs and up to 50% of contractor costs on R&D projects, as set in each agreement. SR&ED tax credits can offset 15-35% of qualifying R&D expenditures; routine automation usually does not qualify. BDC also offers financing, including LIFT for AI and digital adoption. We help you identify which programs apply to your specific project.
With CDAP closed, Canadian businesses can access IRAP (up to 80% of eligible R&D salary costs and up to 50% of contractor costs), SR&ED tax credits (15% federal, or 35% enhanced for CCPCs, plus provincial credits), BDC financing including LIFT for AI and digital adoption, provincial digital adoption programs, and various industry-specific grants. We help you identify which programs you qualify for.
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Find out what funding you qualify for.
Book a free call and we will assess your eligibility for IRAP, SR&ED, BDC financing, and other Canadian funding programs.