“Small business grant” usually means money for a specific purpose: research, exporting, adopting technology or hiring. General start-up costs are more often financed through loans, government-backed loans and tax credits. This page covers the main federal programs and where to find the rest. It’s part of the self-employed tax hub; for grants to individuals, see government grants.
Programs open, close and change their limits often, so the program’s own site is the place to confirm current amounts and whether it’s taking applications.
Main federal programs
| Program | What it funds | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), National Research Council | Technology research and development at small and medium-sized firms, with advisory support | Non-repayable contributions |
| CanExport SMEs, Trade Commissioner Service | Expanding into new international markets | Non-repayable, cost-shared |
| Canada Small Business Financing Program | Loans through banks and credit unions for equipment, property and leasehold improvements | Government-guaranteed loans |
| Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) | Research and development spending | Tax credit: 15% basic rate; 35% enhanced rate for some corporations (Canada Revenue Agency) |
| Regional development agencies (such as ACOA in Atlantic Canada and PrairiesCan) | Regional growth and innovation projects | Mostly repayable or non-repayable contributions |
Programs for specific groups
- Young entrepreneurs: Futurpreneur Canada offers start-up loans with up to two years of mentorship for founders aged 18 to 39.
- Women: the federal Women Entrepreneurship Strategy funds programs and loans delivered through partner organizations.
- Indigenous entrepreneurs: Indigenous Services Canada and Aboriginal Financial Institutions offer business financing and support.
- Black entrepreneurs: the Black Entrepreneurship Program provides loans through partner lenders and support organizations.
Finding what applies to your business
- Search the Business Benefits Finder. The Government of Canada’s tool asks about your location, industry, size and plans, and lists federal and provincial programs.
- Check your province and region. Provincial business sites and regional development agencies list programs not in federal directories.
- Look at tax credits. SR&ED and provincial credits can be worth more than a grant for businesses doing eligible work, and they’re claimed on the business’s tax return.
Most applications ask for a business plan, financial statements, a project description with a budget, and registration or incorporation documents. Registering the business comes first; starting a business in Canada covers that, and self-employed vs incorporated whether to incorporate.
Related resources
Sources
The figures and rules on this page come from these sources, last checked against them on September 25, 2026. How we check facts.
- Canada Revenue Agency: What are SR&ED tax incentives
- Futurpreneur: Core startup
- Futurpreneur: Eligibility – Futurpreneur