Securing grant funding can provide Canadian small businesses with non-repayable financial support to help with expansion, innovation, and sustainability. However, many entrepreneurs miss out on business grants simply because they don’t know where to find them or how to apply for a grant before deadlines close.
With so many grant programs available at the federal, provincial, and private levels, it’s crucial to stay informed and apply early. To help you secure funding opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of 10 small business grants in Canada with upcoming deadlines. Act fast—these small business grants have limited funding and strict eligibility criteria!
What Are Small Business Grants?
A business grant is a financial award given to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private funding programs. Unlike traditional loans from financial institutions, small business grants in Canada do not need to be repaid. These funds are meant to support business growth, research, innovation, economic development, and job creation.
Grants may cover:
- Startup costs & business expansion
- Technology upgrades & digital transformation
- Marketing & export development
- Sustainability & clean technology projects
- Training grants for workforce development
Each funding source has unique eligibility criteria based on industry, location, and business needs. Some grants are specifically designed for Canadian small businesses in British Columbia, Ontario, and other provinces, while others support entrepreneurs from specific demographics, such as women-owned businesses, Indigenous entrepreneurs, or Black-led startups.
10 Small Business Grants in Canada (Apply Before It’s Too Late!)
1. Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) – Boost Your Business Technology Grant
- Deadline: Rolling applications (Apply ASAP)
- Grant Amount: Up to $15,000
- Who Can Apply? Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to adopt digital technologies
- How to Apply: CDAP Official Website
This Government of Canada grant helps businesses upgrade their technology to improve efficiency and customer experience. The CDAP grant program covers 90% of the cost (up to $15,000) for hiring a digital advisor to implement new tech solutions.
2. CanExport SMEs Program
- Deadline: First-come, first-served basis (Apply ASAP)
- Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 (covers 50% of export marketing expenses)
- Who Can Apply? SMBs looking to expand into international markets
- How to Apply: CanExport Official Website
This funding program supports Canadian businesses entering foreign markets by covering expenses like market research, international trade shows, and marketing materials.
3. The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
- Deadline: Rolling applications (Apply ASAP)
- Grant Amount: Up to $1M financing support (includes grants & loans for equipment, real estate, and expansion)
- Who Can Apply? Small businesses looking to expand, buy equipment, or improve operations
- How to Apply: Canada Small Business Financing Program
4. Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund
- Deadline: Rolling applications (Apply ASAP)
- Grant Amount: Varies depending on funding stream
- Who Can Apply? Women-led small businesses and organizations supporting women entrepreneurs
- How to Apply: WES Official Website
The WES Ecosystem Fund supports initiatives that help women entrepreneurs access training, mentorship, and funding.
5. Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – Innovation Grants
- Deadline: Rolling applications (Apply ASAP)
- Grant Amount: Varies (Typically $50,000–$500,000)
- Who Can Apply? Small businesses focused on innovation and R&D
- How to Apply: IRAP Official Website
The IRAP Innovation Grants provide funding for technology-driven R&D projects, helping businesses innovate faster.
6. Black Entrepreneurship Program – National Ecosystem Fund
- Deadline: Rolling applications (Apply ASAP)
- Grant Amount: Varies depending on funding stream
- Who Can Apply? Black-owned businesses and organizations supporting Black entrepreneurs
- How to Apply: Black Entrepreneurship Program
This program provides funding for Black entrepreneurs and Black-led organizations offering mentorship, training, and financial resources.
7. Canada Arts and Culture Grants (Canada Council for the Arts)
- Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
- Grant Amount: Varies
- Who Can Apply? Creative businesses, artists, and organizations in arts and culture
- How to Apply: Canada Council for the Arts
If your business operates in the arts, media, or creative industries, various grants are available to support projects and creative initiatives.
8. Indigenous Business Support Programs
- Deadline: Varies depending on the program
- Grant Amount: Varies
- Who Can Apply? Indigenous-owned businesses and entrepreneurs
- How to Apply: Indigenous Business Support Programs
There are multiple grants available to support Indigenous entrepreneurs, covering startups, expansion, and community-based projects.
9. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) Funding
- Deadline: Applications open in multiple rounds per year
- Grant Amount: Up to $1M+ for clean technology projects
- Who Can Apply? Businesses developing clean technology solutions
- How to Apply: SDTC Grant Application
This program funds businesses working on environmentally sustainable innovations, including clean energy, emissions reduction, and waste management solutions.
10. Ontario Small Business Grants and Support Programs
- Deadline: Varies (Apply ASAP)
- Grant Amount: Varies depending on the program
- Who Can Apply? Ontario-based small businesses
- How to Apply: Ontario Business Support
This platform provides access to various provincial grants, including programs for startups, innovation, and economic recovery.
Final Thoughts
Grant funding can provide crucial financial support for small businesses, but deadlines are fast approaching. If you’re eligible, apply as soon as possible to take advantage of these opportunities.
Looking for smarter cash flow management? Vitality Cash helps businesses manage finances efficiently and stay on top of their funding.
Stay ahead—explore these grants today and secure the funding your business needs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I apply for a small business grant in Canada?
Each grant program has its own funding source and eligibility criteria. To apply, visit the official websites listed above, prepare your grant application, and submit before the deadline. Keeping track of application deadlines and ensuring your finances are in order can be overwhelming. Vitality Cash helps small business owners manage cash flow efficiently, ensuring you’re financially prepared when applying for grants.
2. Can I apply for multiple grants?
Yes! Many small business grants allow businesses to apply for multiple funding programs as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. Properly managing grant funds alongside business expenses is essential. Vitality Cash’s AI-driven cash flow management tool helps track funding allocations and expenses to ensure your business stays financially stable.
3. What are the best provinces for small business grants in Canada?
Several provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta, offer excellent funding opportunities for Canadian small businesses. These provinces have government and private-sector grants designed to support innovation, sustainability, and economic development.
4. How can I manage grant funds effectively?
Receiving a business grant is just the first step—effectively managing the funds is key to maximizing their impact. Vitality Cash offers AI-powered cash flow management, helping small business owners track grant funding, monitor spending, and ensure long-term financial stability.