There are 80+ Canadian funding programs, but a startup does not need all of them — it needs the five or six that fit its stage and sector. This is the shortlist we point founders to first, grouped by what you are trying to fund.

All of these are non-dilutive: you do not give up equity, and (for grants and refundable credits) you do not repay. Run your specifics through the Grant Finder to see which you qualify for.

For R&D (the backbone)

  • SR&ED — the refundable R&D tax credit, up to 35% for CCPCs. Non-competitive; if you do eligible R&D, claim it every year.
  • NRC IRAP — cost-shares 60–80% of R&D salaries and subcontractors, plus ITA advisory. The most accessible federal R&D grant.

For AI and deep tech

  • Scale AI — Canada's AI cluster; ~33% project cost-share for AI commercialization, usually consortium-based.
  • AI Compute Access Fund — helps Canadian AI builders cover domestic GPU/cloud compute costs.

For hiring and talent

For export and IP

  • CanExport SMEs — up to $50K (50% cost-share) to enter new international markets.
  • IPON and ElevateIP — fund the patents and IP strategy most founders defer.

Do not forget provincial credits

Provincial programs stack on top of the federal ones. Ontario's OITC and ORDTC, BC's SR&ED credit, Quebec's new CRIC, and Alberta's IEG can add materially to your federal recovery — if you allocate the work strategically.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best government grant for a Canadian startup?

For most R&D-active startups, SR&ED (the refundable R&D tax credit) and NRC IRAP (a cost-shared R&D grant) are the foundation. The best fit beyond those depends on your sector and stage — AI (Scale AI), hiring (Mitacs, SWPP), export (CanExport), or IP (IPON/ElevateIP).

Are these grants non-dilutive?

Yes. Grants and refundable tax credits like SR&ED do not require you to give up equity, and you do not repay them (some programs use repayable contributions — those are noted in each program's guide).

Can I combine multiple programs?

Usually yes, and you should — but government assistance from one program can reduce what you claim under another (for example, IRAP reduces SR&ED-eligible costs). Stacking them cleanly is the core planning exercise.

How do I know which I qualify for?

Use the GovMoney Grant Finder to match your business size, sector, and province against 80+ programs, or book a call and we will map a funding plan for your stage.

Primary source: the GovMoney Grant Finder. Program details change — verify against the official page before you apply, or check your eligibility in the Grant Finder.

Want a funding plan built for your startup?

We map the right stack of SR&ED, IRAP, and grant programs to your stage and sector — and coordinate them so one does not reduce another.

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