Government Funding Support for Manufacturers in Canada

Manufacturers in Canada have a wide array of grants and loans available to them to assist in financing strategic growth projects. This industry enjoys access to a larger pool of government funding compared to others. Every province offers additional funding programs for manufacturers, and federal funding programs are accessible to all Canadian manufacturers.

These funding opportunities can support various areas such as technology adoption, facility expansion, research and development, and hiring and training initiatives.

To kickstart the process of obtaining government funding, it's essential to identify the grants and loans that align with your upcoming projects. 

Before Accessing Government Funding: Building a Plan

It's beneficial for Canadian manufacturers to incorporate grants and loans into their overall growth strategy. While accessing funding on a project-by-project basis is possible, integrating grants and loans into your long-term strategy is recommended.

A proactive government funding plan can help offset a portion of your strategic project costs. Start by identifying all company investments over the next 12–24 months. This roadmap will help align government funding programs with your business goals. 

Note: Agri-food manufacturers may find relevant funding programs through the Top 4 Funding Programs for Ontario’s Agri-Food Industry.

Key Canadian Manufacturing Grants, Loans, and Tax Credits

The Government of Canada offers several funding programs tailored to manufacturers nationwide. Here are some of the key programs that can support your business growth and innovation:

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)

This program encourages Canadian businesses to pursue research and development projects by providing tax incentives.

Find more information about the SR&ED tax incentive program here.

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

IRAP offers funding for technical or research-oriented projects aimed at solving innovation challenges.

Find more information about the IRAP here.

CanExport

This program supports export marketing and international expansion activities, helping exporters improve sales and brand exposure in international markets.

Find more information about the CanExport program here.

Canada Job Grant (CJG)

Designed to reduce the costs of providing third-party skills training to employees, CJG is available across Canada.

Find more information about the Canada Job Grant here.

Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC)

ISC provides government grants and procurement contracts to stimulate technology research, development, and commercialization.

Find more information about the ISC here. 

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)

IDEaS seeks pre-commercial military and defence technologies to address challenges faced by Canada’s Armed Forces.

Find more information about IDEaS here.

Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF)

SIF offers financial support to Canadian industrial and technology-based businesses for company expansion and R&D initiatives.

Find more information about the Strategic Innovation Fund here.

Need more assistance finding the right program? 

Contact us today and tell us more about the scope of your project; we may be able to help you find the right equipment and pair it with the grants & loans that make the most sense for you.