Funding Programs

Aime Global Initiative - Yves Landry

The Yves Landry Foundation (YLF) is making available up to $50,000 per company in the form of a grant to foster training that will lead to advancements in innovation within the manufacturing sector in Ontario. All projects for consideration must lead to new global export opportunities or create new global markets.

supported AIME funding from the Yves Landry Foundation in the past three years, you are not eligible to participate in this new round of funding. Please check with YLF staff to confirm your eligibility.

• Learn more about the Aime Global Initiative - Yves Landry 

AgriProcessing Initiative (API)

The AgriProcessing Initiative (API), part of the federal Agricultural Flexibility Fund, is a five year,$50 million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. This discretionary program, announced on September 11, 2009, is delivered nationally by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. It ends on March 31, 2014.

You could receive a repayable contribution of 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $2 million per project, for: new (novel to facility) machinery and equipment (including the commissioning) that enables the adoption of new manufacturing technologies and processes; or consultation, design and advice on new technologies, processes and products which are new to your facility.

You qualify to apply if your company or co-operative: is incorporated in Canada, operates a manufacturing facility in Canada, engages predominantly in the physical or chemical transformation of raw agricultural commodities or ingredients, and has reported employment expenses for at least one year immediately prior to application.

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis for the duration of the program. However, you should apply as soon as possible, since these types of programs are often fully subscribed before the end date. Funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2014, therefore, the timing of applications must allow for this condition to be met. To obtain an electronic or a paper copy of the application form, call API staff at 1-877-246-4682, or email to API@agr.gc.ca.

• Learn more about API

Fed/dev ontario program - Prosperity initiative

In response to Ontario's economic challenges, Budget 2009 provided more than $1 billion over five years for a new Southern Ontario development agency. The agency's programs will support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification, with contributions to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations. It will help workers, communities and businesses in southern Ontario position themselves to take advantage of opportunities, as economic growth recovers in Canada and around the world.

• The adaptation and adoption of new technologies, processes and skills to enhance business productivity in southern Ontario;
• The development of new industries or opportunities that will help diversify the economy of a region or community of southern Ontario; and/or
• The development and expansion of strategic economic clusters that will build on the assets and strengths of southern Ontario and increase its competitiveness within the global economy.

• Learn more about FedDev Ontario

PROSPERITY NOW PROGRAM - CME SMART

CME SMART Prosperity Now program has an Assessment stream and a Project Funding stream. You can apply for funding for one assessment and one project.

Assessments: Eligible companies can receive 50% of the cost, up to $5,000, for assessments of:

• Market, Commercialization of New Technology, and Productivity.
• Only one assessment per company will be funded.

Project Funding: Eligible companies can receive:

• 33% of the eligible costs, up to $75,000, for eligible projects.

SMEs previously supported through CME SMART programming will be considered eligible however cumulative funding between previous SMART program and the new Prosperity Now cannot exceed $100,000.

Application forms should be available early in February.

• Learn more about  CME’s SMART Prosperity Now

Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program

The SR&ED program is a federal tax incentive program, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), that encourages Canadian businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada. It is the largest single source of federal government support for industrial R&D.

The SR&ED program gives claimants cash refunds and/or tax credits for their expenditures on eligible R&D work done in Canada. 

• Learn more about SR&ED

Small Project Accelerated Review Process (ARP)
National Research Council – Industrial Research and Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

Support of up to $50,000 will help your business grow by addressing a wide range of technology, business and market-oriented needs, covering 75% of consulting costs and 100% of i

Eligible firms must be: incorporated and for-profit with 500 or less full-time employees; have a separate legal status and operate in Canada; and have the objective to grow and generate profits through the adoption, development and commercialization of innovative or technology-driven products, services or processes.

A partial list of eligible projects include: assessment of technology needs for adoption of technology; product design, engineering design, design for manufacture; productivity enhancement studies; development of business, sales and marketing plans, and image creation (branding); development of e-commerce enabled website (or website upgrading); competitive market research studies; and feasibility assessment for new service or product ventures.

For a full list of eligible projects or to apply, contact your local Industrial Technology Advisor, or contact NRC-IRAP at 1-877-994-4727. 

• Learn more about  ARP & NRC-IRAP