Top Government Funding Programs for Canadian Businesses

Growth rarely stalls because of a lack of ideas. It stalls because of the lack of capital to execute on them. 

Canadian businesses are navigating sustained inflation, ongoing tariff pressures, and shifting global trade conditions, all while managing rising operational costs. To continue to support Canada’s economic landscape, federal government funding programs play a critical role in driving innovation, productivity, growth, and workforce development. 

For mid-sized and large enterprises, government funding can be a strategic tool that accelerates expansion, de-risks innovation, and improves long-term competitiveness. 

Below is a curated list of the top federal government funding programs available to Canadian businesses today, organized by strategic objective to help your business identify where funding can align with your next initiative. 

Export and Market Expansion Funding 

Expanding into international markets requires upfront investment in strategy, partnerships, and market development. Federal export funding programs are designed to offset these costs and help Canadian companies scale globally. 

CanExport SMEs 

The CanExport SMEs program supports Canadian businesses looking to expand into new international markets through marketing, travel, and business development activities. 

• Objective: Support export market development and diversification  
• Funding Amount: Up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per project  
• Eligible Applicants: Incorporated Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 employees and $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenue  
• Eligible Projects: Trade shows, marketing campaigns, travel for market expansion, and export strategy development  
• Timeline: Multiple intake rounds annually 

CanExport Innovation 

CanExport Innovation focuses on international research and development (R&D) collaboration by helping businesses build partnerships with foreign organizations. 

• Objective: Foster global innovation partnerships and R&D collaboration  
• Funding Amount: Up to 75% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $75,000  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian SMEs focused on innovation, with fewer than 500 employees and under $50 million in revenue  
• Eligible Projects: Partner identification, travel for collaboration, and joint R&D discussions  
• Timeline: Periodic intake rounds 

Export Development Canada (EDC) Trade Impact Program 

The EDC programs help businesses prepare for international expansion through advisory services and export planning. 

• Objective: Strengthen export readiness and strategic planning  
• Funding Amount: Up to $15,000 in nonrepayable funding  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian SMEs with export potential or active export operations  
• Eligible Projects: Advisory services, market assessments, and export strategy development  
• Timeline: Rolling intake 

Hiring and Training Funding 

Talent acquisition and upskilling remain critical challenges for growing businesses. Federal hiring and training programs help reduce labour costs while strengthening workforce capabilities. 

Canada Job Grant (CJG) 

The CJG supports third-party training to upskill new and existing employees. 

• Objective: Enhance workforce skills through external training programs  
• Funding Amount: Covers 50 to 100% of training costs, typically $5,000 to $15,000 per employee  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian businesses meeting provincial stream requirements (e.g., Canada-Ontario Job Grant)  
• Eligible Projects: Technical training, leadership development, and skills upgrading  
• Timeline: Continuous intake through provincial streams 

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 

CSJ provides wage subsidies to employers hiring youth during peak seasonal periods. 

• Objective: Support youth employment and workforce entry  
• Funding Amount: Up to 50% of minimum wage for private-sector employers  
• Eligible Applicants: Private, public, and nonprofit employers offering structured summer roles  
• Eligible Projects: Entry-level and early-career job placements  
• Timeline: Annual intake, typically early in the year 

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) 

The SWPP connects employers with post-secondary students through wage subsidies, helping businesses access emerging talent while reducing hiring costs. 

• Objective: Support work-integrated learning and student employment  
• Funding Amount: Up to 50% of wages (up to $5,000), or 70% (up to $7,000) for underrepresented groups  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian businesses hiring post-secondary students through approved delivery partners  
• Eligible Projects: Co-op placements, internships, and work-integrated learning roles  
• Timeline: Rolling intake through partner organizations 

Student and Graduate Hiring Incentives 

A range of federally supported programs provide wage subsidies for hiring co-op students, interns, and recent graduates in key business functions. 

• Objective: Encourage talent development and workforce integration  
• Funding Amount: Typically $5,000 to $7,000 per intern; up to $15,000 for recent graduates  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian businesses across sectors  
• Eligible Projects: Roles in business development, technology, marketing, and operations  
• Timeline: Rolling or periodic intakes depending on program 

Research, Development, and Innovation Funding 

Innovation remains a core driver of competitiveness. Canada offers some of the most robust R&D funding programs globally, supporting everything from early-stage experimentation to large-scale commercialization. 

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) 

The SR&ED program is Canada’s largest R&D tax incentive, rewarding companies for conducting experimental development work. 

• Objective: Incentivize innovation and technological advancement  
• Funding Amount: Tax credits of up to 69% of eligible R&D expenditures  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian-controlled private corporations and other eligible entities conducting R&D in Canada  
• Eligible Projects: Prototyping, testing, process improvements, and scientific research  
• Timeline: Ongoing through annual tax filings 

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) 

IRAP provides financial support and advisory services to help businesses develop and commercialize innovative technologies. 

• Objective: Support technology development and commercialization  
• Funding Amount: Supports a significant portion of eligible project costs, with contributions ranging from $50,000 to $10 million; typically covers up to 80% of labour and 50% of subcontractor costs  
• Eligible Applicants: Incorporated Canadian SMEs with strong innovation capacity 
• Eligible Projects: Product development, prototyping, and commercialization activities  
• Timeline: Rolling intake through the National Research Council of Canada’s (NRC) industrial technology advisors 

Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) 

ISC connects businesses with federal departments to solve real-world challenges through innovation. 

• Objective: Drive innovation through government-led challenges  
• Funding Amount:  
  Phase 1: Up to $150,000  
  Phase 2: Up to $1 million  
• Phase 3: Potential procurement contracts (no cap)  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian for-profit businesses with fewer than 500 employees  
• Eligible Projects: Development of innovative solutions to federal challenges  
• Timeline: Challenge-based intake throughout the year 

Business Growth and Scale-Up Funding 

For companies pursuing large-scale expansion, productivity improvements, or advanced manufacturing initiatives, federal funding can significantly offset capital investment risks. 

Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) 

The BSP program supports high-growth companies looking to expand operations and improve productivity. 

• Objective: Accelerate business growth and competitiveness  
• Funding Amount: Typically 35 to 50% of eligible costs, ranging from $125,000 to $10 million  
• Eligible Applicants: Established Canadian SMEs with strong growth trajectories  
• Eligible Projects: Facility expansion, equipment investment, and process optimization  
• Timeline: Rolling intake through regional development agencies 

Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) 

As Canadian businesses continue to navigate evolving global trade conditions, including tariffs and supply chain disruptions, targeted government support is emerging to help companies remain competitive and resilient. 

Delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies as part of targeted federal response measures, the RTRI is designed to support businesses impacted by tariffs by enabling strategic adjustments, including market diversification, productivity improvements, and operational scaling. 

• Objective: Help businesses mitigate the impact of tariffs and strengthen competitiveness through strategic investments  
• Funding Amount: Typically supports a portion of eligible project costs; funding levels vary by region and delivery agency  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian businesses impacted by trade disruptions, particularly those engaged in manufacturing, export, or supply chain-intensive sectors  
• Eligible Projects: Market diversification, productivity enhancements, equipment upgrades, and supply chain optimization  
• Timeline: Delivered through regional development agencies with targeted and time-sensitive intake periods 

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) 

NGen funds collaborative advanced manufacturing projects that drive innovation and global competitiveness. 

• Objective: Advance next-generation manufacturing technologies  
• Funding Amount: Up to 44.4% of project costs  
• Eligible Applicants: Consortia of at least three partners, led by an NGen member 
• Eligible Projects: Large-scale manufacturing innovation initiatives  
• Timeline: Competitive project calls throughout the year 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Funding 

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector continues to receive targeted support through coordinated federal and provincial investments aimed at improving sustainability, productivity, and global competitiveness. 

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)/MAPAQ (Quebec) 

SCAP is a five-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative supporting innovation and resilience in the agri-food sector, with provincial delivery programs such as MAPAQ in Quebec. 

• Objective: Strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation in agriculture and agri-food  
• Funding Amount: Varies by stream; typically 25 to 75% of eligible project costs  
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian agri-food businesses, producers, and processors  
• Eligible Projects: Equipment upgrades, sustainability initiatives, productivity improvements, and innovation projects  
• Timeline: Stream-specific intakes through provincial bodies 

Unlocking the Full Value of Government Funding 

The challenge is rarely access to funding. It is knowing which programs align with your business objectives and how to position your projects competitively within a limited intake window. However, navigating program requirements, aligning projects with eligibility criteria, and managing application timelines require a structured and strategic approach. 

Many of these funding programs are competitive, with limited intake windows and detailed evaluation processes. Canadian businesses that plan early and align funding with broader operational goals are far more likely to secure support. 

Get Started with the Right Funding Strategy 

Government funding can play a central role in accelerating your business objectives, but identifying the right programs and building a strong application takes time and expertise. 

The Ryan Government Funding team works with mid-sized and large enterprises to: 

• Identify the most relevant federal and provincial funding opportunities  
• Develop funding strategies aligned with business goals  
• Prepare and submit competitive applications  
• Maximize claims through programs like SR&ED and IRAP  

If you are planning an expansion, hiring initiative, or innovation project, now is the time to explore how government funding can support your next move. Connect with our team to get started and subscribe to our Weekly Funding Newsletter to stay informed on the latest funding opportunities across Canada.