Canada offers dozens of small business grants at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels — many of which are non-repayable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding and applying for grants in 2026.
Federal Grants
| Program | Amount | Who Qualifies | Repayable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Futurpreneur | Up to $60,000 | Ages 18–39, new business | Loan (low-interest) |
| NRC IRAP | Up to $1M+ | Tech/innovation SMEs | No |
| CanExport | Up to $50,000 | Exporters | No |
| Canada Job Grant | Up to $10,000/employee | Any employer for training | No |
| SRED Tax Credits | 15–35% of R&D costs | R&D-performing companies | Tax credit |
| Women Entrepreneurship Strategy | Up to $100,000 | Women-owned businesses | Varies |
| Indigenous Business Fund | Up to $99,999 | Indigenous entrepreneurs | No |
| AgriInnovate | Up to $10M | Agri-food sector | Repayable |
Provincial Grants
| Province | Program | Amount | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Ontario Together Fund | Up to $500K | Manufacturing |
| BC | Innovate BC | Up to $300K | Tech startups |
| Alberta | Alberta Innovates | Up to $500K | Innovation |
| Quebec | PME MTL | Up to $50K | Montreal area businesses |
| Manitoba | Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit | 45% tax credit | Investors in Manitoba businesses |
| Saskatchewan | Innovation Saskatchewan | Varies | Tech, clean energy |
| Nova Scotia | Innovacorp | Up to $500K | Tech startups |
| New Brunswick | Opportunities NB | Up to $500K | Strategic industries |
How to Find Grants
- Innovation Canada (innovation.canada.ca) — federal grant search tool
- BDC — grant listings and advisory
- Your local Community Futures office — rural and small-town grants
- Provincial economic development agencies — province-specific programs
- Industry associations — sector-specific funding
Grant Application Tips
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Apply early | Many grants have limited funding envelopes |
| Match the criteria exactly | Don’t stretch — applied to the wrong program wastes time |
| Have a business plan | Required for almost all grants |
| Show matching funds | Many grants require you to match 25–50% |
| Track expenses meticulously | Most grants reimburse costs, not prepay |
| Hire a grant writer | For grants over $50K, professional help pays for itself |
Bottom Line
Canadian small business grants are abundant but competitive. Start with IRAP (tech), Futurpreneur (young entrepreneurs), or the Canada Job Grant (any employer) — these are the most accessible. Provincial programs vary widely, so check your province’s economic development agency. Most grants are reimbursement-based, so plan for upfront costs.
See our how to start a business in Canada or self-employed tax guide for related guides.
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