Business Development Bank of Canada

Investment capital for your business may be available through the BDC. Funding is offered for every stage of a company's development, from seed through expansion.

• BDC Venture Capital
  Apply for funding for your business at any stage, particularly if your business is technology-based and works in sectors such as communications, health, information technology, and energy/clean technology.
   
• BDC Financing for ICT
  Financing may be available if you plan to upgrade or purchase information and communications technology (ICT) for your business.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada – Going Global Science and Technology Fund

If your business plans to work with a foreign partner to further R&D initiatives, you could be eligible for a funding contribution of up to 75% of the eligible expenses. The minimum amount for a funding request is $5,000.

Read online:
Going Global Science and Technology Fund

Transport Canada – Moving on Sustainable Transportation Program (MOST)

If your business is working to make transportation more innovative and sustainable, you may find support through MOST.

Read online:
Moving On Sustainable Transportation

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – AgriInnovation Program

Access non-repayable contributions or collaborative assistance for industry-led research and development projects focused on creating innovative agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products and services.

Read online:
AgriInnovation Program

Natural Resources Canada – CANMET laboratories

You can find information about current research, as well as information about ways that your business may be able to partner with a CANMET laboratory in your field to develop new technologies and innovations. Natural Resources Canada overseas a variety of CANMET laboratories engaged in cutting edge research in a variety of sectors, including:

• Energy
• Explosives
• Materials Technology
• Mining and Mineral Technology

Read online:
Natural Resources Canada

National Research Council Canada (NRC)

Find out how the National Research Council may be able to support your business innovation.

• NRC-IRAP Financial Assistance
  You may be eligible for funding through the Industrial Research Assistance Program if your small to medium sized business is planning to develop technologies to improve your competitive advantage. 
   
• Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program
  Your business may be eligible for funding and the services of experts to help you access and adopt new digital technologies for higher productivity.

Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada

You could get support for your business when you work with academic partners on cutting-edge, university-based research and training.

Read online:
Networks of Centres of Excellence

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

If you would like innovation expertise to help advance your R&D projects and lower your costs, you can explore support and financing options from NSERC.

Read online:
Advance Your R&D

Government of Canada Youth Employment Strategy

If your business is active in innovation and technology you may be able to access funding to lower the cost of hiring new employees with skills and knowledge of value to your business. Youth specific programs include:

• NRC-IRAP - Youth Employment Program
  Small to medium sized, incorporated businesses wanting to innovate may be able to access funding to hire highly skilled post-secondary graduates.
   
• Environment Canada - Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
  If you have an innovative project that would provide meaningful experience to recent science graduates, you could apply for funding to help cover the cost of their salary.
  
  Note: The application period for the 2012 – 2013 Science Horizons program ended on March 2, 2012. Please continue to check this website for updates.
   
• Natural Resources Canada - Science and Technology Internship Program
  You may be eligible for funding to help cover the cost of hiring a recent graduate in science or engineering. The program provides support for innovation in certain technology sectors.

Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI)

The Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation funds a number of programs aimed at fostering research, innovation, and commercialization of new scientific and technological breakthroughs. Some of the programs include:

• Innovation Demonstration Fund (IDF)
  You may be eligible for funding of up to $4 million to develop your environmental, alternative energy, bio-products, hydrogen or other globally significant technology.
   
• Investment Accelerator Fund (IAF)
  If your business is an emerging Ontario technology company, investment funding of up to $500,000 or $1 million may be available. Funding is offered for the technology sector and includes the life sciences sub-sector.
   
• Ontario Emerging Technologies Fund (OETF)
  Apply for capital investment funding, up to a maximum of $25 million if you operate an innovative, high-growth, emerging technology business.

Explore more financing options on MRI’s website to find one that meets your technology and innovation business needs.

Read online:
MRI - Programs and Funding

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) - Emerging Technology

Apply for a grant or a loan to research and develop new technology if you run an incorporated business in Northern Ontario.

Contact NOHFC
1-800-461-8329
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation - Emerging Technology

The Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE)

Access a network of innovation centres with diverse funding support tailored to specific business needs and stages from anywhere in the province by contacting your local regional organization.

Read online:
Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE)

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program

You may qualify for a federal tax credit if your business conducted research and development that led to new, improved, or technologically advanced products or processes in Canada.

Contact the Canada Revenue Agency:
1-800-959-5525
(SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program

Ontario Innovation Tax Credit (OITC)

A provincial tax credit may be available if your business conducted scientific research and experimental development in Ontario.

Contact the Ministry of Finance:
1-866-668-8297
Ontario Innovation Tax Credit

Colleges Ontario Network for Industry Innovation (CONII)

You could get innovation and technology support from colleges in Ontario to help reduce the cost of your applied research and commercialization projects.

Read online:
CONII - Project Funding

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

You could be eligible for funding support to develop clean technology projects that show strong market potential.

Read online:
SDTC