Finance a patent, a license or a new technology

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

This program could help you secure up to $1 million from a financial institution by sharing the risk with your lender.

The loans can be used to:

• Purchase or improve land or buildings
• Purchase leasehold improvements or improve leased property
• Purchase new or used equipment

Eligible small businesses should have annual gross revenues of no more than $10 million.

Discuss your business needs with a financial officer at any bank, caisse populaire, or credit union in Canada. Find a lender near you.

Learn more

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

• Building acquisition or modernization
• Purchase of machinery or equipment
• Refinancing
• Entry into a new market
• Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Local investment fund

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

• Capital expenditures
• Technology acquisition
• Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

• Purchase of machinery and equipment
• Building modernization
• Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
• Increase in working capital
• Trademarks acquisition
• Export
• Innovation
• Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

• Transforming your ideas into a business
• Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
• Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

• Venture capital
• Growth and Transition Capital
• Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Learn more Find contacts

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

• Building acquisition or modernization
• Purchase of machinery or equipment
• Refinancing
• Entry into a new market
• Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Industrial, Clean and Energy Technology (ICE) Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access venture capital financing from BDC if your business is at start-up or development stages.

The fund targets the following technology sectors:

• Advanced materials
• AI and machine learning
• Autonomous systems and robotics
• Big data and analytics
• Next-gen and cloud computing
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Industrial IT
• Intelligent systems and buildings
• Internet of things
• Oil and gas
• Smart grid and energy solutions
• Water

 Other conditions apply.

Learn more

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

• Purchase of machinery and equipment
• Building modernization
• Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
• Increase in working capital
• Trademarks acquisition
• Export
• Innovation
• Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

Solunov

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could access coaching services and financing — by way of a loan or equity investment — for an innovative project such as:

• Improving a product or a business process
• Adopting a marketing strategy
• Implementing a new technology

Experts will assist you throughout your project, with:

• Diagnostics and a business audit
• Feasibility study and idea validation
• Project integration and completion

You must demonstrate the market potential of your project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Women in Technology Venture Fund

Business Development Bank of Canada

You could benefit from private equity for a fast-growing technology company founded by women or having women on the executive team,

• Companies must raise a minimum of $1 million in equity at the seed stage and up to $10 million at the growth stage.
• Executives must be in their role for a minimum of one year.

Learn more

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

• Transforming your ideas into a business
• Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
• Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

• Venture capital
• Growth and Transition Capital
• Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Learn more Find contacts

BDC Small Business Loan - for existing business

Business Development Bank of Canada

Keep your cash flow. Rather than using the money you need for day-to-day activities, consider applying for additional financing. With the BDC Small Business Loan, you could get up to $100,000 within 5 business days, no application fees or hassles. The entire process is completed online.

You need to have been operating your business for the past 24 months.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

BDC Technology financing — Information and communications technology loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

Do you need financing to update your technology projects? You could get a loan to buy or update your information and communications technology while preserving your short-term working capital. With this funding you could invest in:

• Hardware (servers, network, computers, and accessories)
• Software (human resources, supply chain, finance, and accounting)
• Advisory services (IT planning, strategy, security, online sales, Internet marketing, social media)

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

BDC Xpansion Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

If you are looking to expand into new domestic or foreign markets, this loan could provide you with funding to:

• Invest in technology or develop new products
• Launch a new marketing campaign
• Purchase licenses, patents or trademarks
• Hire and train additional employees
• Obtain a certification

Conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

This program could help you secure up to $1 million from a financial institution by sharing the risk with your lender.

The loans can be used to:

• Purchase or improve land or buildings
• Purchase leasehold improvements or improve leased property
• Purchase new or used equipment

Eligible small businesses should have annual gross revenues of no more than $10 million.

Discuss your business needs with a financial officer at any bank, caisse populaire, or credit union in Canada. Find a lender near you.

Learn more

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Farm Credit Canada — loans and lending options

Farm Credit Canada

Do you need financing to start, run, grow, or transfer an agri-food or agribusiness operation? Farm Credit Canada offers a large range of loans with unique terms that can help you:

• Purchase or improve land, buildings or equipment
• Buy crop inputs or livestock
• Make environmental improvements
• Transfer your business to a new operator

Eligible producers or business owners are Canadian citizens of legal age.

Learn more Find contacts

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

• Building acquisition or modernization
• Purchase of machinery or equipment
• Refinancing
• Entry into a new market
• Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Fonds Biomasse Énergie

Fondaction

If you are looking to convert your fossil fuel heating system to one that uses residual forest biomass, you could receive a loan of up to $2 million per project.

Eligible activities include:

• Feasibility analysis of the project and its implementation
• Financing and procurement
• Facility management and maintenance

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Fonds d'investissement en agroalimentaire Nicolet-Yamaska

Service de développement économique de la MRC de Nicolet-Yamaska

Do you own a non-conventional-sized agri-food business or small farm in the Regional County Municipality of Nicolet-Yamaska? You could receive an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 for a start-up, expansion, take-over or acquisition project in the areas of agri-food production, transformation or marketing.

The project must:

• Create at least one sustainable position
• Be based on a comprehensive business plan
• Demonstrate a viable market

You must invest a minimum of 20% of the total cost in the project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Local investment fund

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

• Capital expenditures
• Technology acquisition
• Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

PME MTL Fund

PME MTL

You could receive up to $300,000 to cover expenses related to the start-up or development of your business establishment in Montreal, including:

• Working capital
• Capital assets
• Marketing costs
• Purchase of equipment
• Acquisition of a business (succession or transfer)
• Costs for patents or the protection of intellectual property
• Prototyping

You must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Submit a business plan or a summary of projected financial statements
• Provide an investment of at least 20% of the total project cost

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

• Purchase of machinery and equipment
• Building modernization
• Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
• Increase in working capital
• Trademarks acquisition
• Export
• Innovation
• Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

Solunov

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could access coaching services and financing — by way of a loan or equity investment — for an innovative project such as:

• Improving a product or a business process
• Adopting a marketing strategy
• Implementing a new technology

Experts will assist you throughout your project, with:

• Diagnostics and a business audit
• Feasibility study and idea validation
• Project integration and completion

You must demonstrate the market potential of your project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Tax credit for technological adaptation services

Revenu Québec

If your Quebec business has signed a contract with an eligible college technology transfer centre or eligible liaison and transfer centre, you could benefit from this tax credit.

Financial support could cover up to 40% of eligible expenses, including:

• Fees associated with liaison and transfer services provided by the centre
• Fees for participating in training and information activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts Form(s) (in French only)

Tax Credit for the Integration of IT in Manufacturing and Primary Sector SMBs

Investissement Québec

If you want to modernize your business processes by integrating high value-added software packages, you could get a refundable tax credit covering up to 20% of your eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $50,000.

You must:

• Primarily carry out manufacturing or processing activities in Quebec
• Sign an agreement pertaining to a qualified IT integration contract, negotiations for which began after March 26, 2015, but before January 1^st, 2020
• Have consolidated paid-up capital between $35 million to $50 million

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

Tax holiday for a new business created to commercialize a given intellectual property

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Did you set up a new business to commercialize your intellectual property before April 1, 2014? If so, you could benefit from this tax relief measure for a period of up to 10 years.

To be eligible:

• The intellectual property must come from a university or public research centre
• All your revenue must be associated with its commercial use
• You must hold a certificate issued by the department

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Accessible Technology Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Is your business developing new assistive or adaptive technologies to improve access to the digital economy for persons with disabilities? You could get funding of up to $4 million.

To be eligible you must:

• Demonstrate project management expertise
• Complete the project by March 2022

The eligible costs include:

• Operating costs including: salaries, travel, accounting and admin expenses
• Training
• Hardware and software
• Expenses for health and safety and environmental protection

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

AgriInnovate Program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Looking to fund your innovative agri-food or agri-based product or technology? You may be eligible for up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10 million.

Eligible activities include: commercialization, adoption or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes and services.

Examples of these activities may include:

• Expansion or modernization of a facility or site
• Purchase and installation of equipment
• Training and development of staff
• Marketing activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Clean Transportation System — Research and Development Program

Transport Canada

You could get a grant of $100,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses for a project that advances a new clean technology innovation, practice or research in the marine, rail and aviation sectors.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Contribute to the overall improvement of the transportation system
• Contribute to reducing, measuring or reducing the intensity of GHG's and/or air pollutant emissions
• Establish technology, knowledge or practices that others can use
• Identify potential risks

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Community Interaction Program: St. Lawrence Action Plan

Environment and Climate Change Canada

If you are a non-profit, non-governmental organization, you could be eligible for funding of up to $200,000 to help improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem. Projects focus on specific environmental issues requiring action, and include:

• Awareness raising and educational activities
• Studies to identify specific action
• Implementation of restoration actions such as shoreline cleanup, stabilization and revegetation; or
• Measures to protect species at risk

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

ESSOR — Funding support for development projects

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:

• Business creation
• Business expansion or modernization

The project must help maintain or create jobs.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Fonds de développement des entreprises d'économie sociale

Centres locaux de développement (CLD) and RCM - Economic Development

You could receive a grant to help you finance plans to start, consolidate or expand your social economy business.

Your company must:

• be financially viable
• produce goods or offer services
• create sustainable jobs

Eligible expenses are:

• technology acquisition or patenting
• capital expenditures (land, building, equipment)
• working capital needs 

Please contact us for the organization in your region that oversees this fund.

Find contacts

Fonds de développement économique de la région de la Capitale-Nationale

Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale

You could receive a non-repayable contribution to support your projects in the Capitale-Nationale region, such as:

• The marketing of a product
• Improvements to services and infrastructure
• Conferences and cultural or sporting events
• Opportunity and feasibility studies

The structuring effect of the project is evaluated according to its:

• Economic benefits
• Extra-regional outreach
• Contribution to economic development

The retail and wholesale trades and accommodation and food services sectors are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Forest Innovation Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could get a financial contribution of up to $1 million for an initiative that fosters innovation and creates new market opportunities for the forest sector.

This program has 3 key fibre-related research areas:

• Tools and Techniques to Identify, Measure and Optimize the Use of Wood Fibre Attributes
• Next Generation Enhanced Forest Inventory
• Growing Resilient Forests for a Sustainable Fibre Supply

The deadline for submitting proposals for research, development and technology transfer activities for the 2019-2020 fiscal year is December 20, 2018.

Learn more Form(s)

Green Freight Assessment Program

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

You could receive funding of up to $10,000 to review the state of your fleets to help make informed decisions to reduce your fuel costs, and your greenhouse gas emissions.

The application form consists of 4 sections:

• Company information
• Business operation
• Fleet portrait
• Previous assessment experience and readiness

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Form(s)

Green infrastructure programs

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

If your business plans to carry out clean energy infrastructure projects, you could get help with deployment and market entry by participating in a variety of funding programs, including:

• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations (EVID)
• Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative
• Smart Grids
• Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D
• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
• Emerging Renewable Power

Funding amounts vary, as do the application processes. Conditions apply.

Learn more

Investments in Forest Industry Transformation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)

Has your business developed highly innovative or first-in-kind technologies that could help Canada's forest industry become more competitive or sustainable? If so, you could get a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of the project's costs to demonstrate the technology at the pilot or commercial scale.

Eligible costs include:

• Capital expenses, materials, and supplies
• Salaries and professional fees
• Travel and training

Costs associated with the production or export of softwood lumber are not eligible.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

National Trade Corridors Fund

Transport Canada

Your non-profit organization could get a financial contribution of up to 75% of eligible costs for a transportation infrastructure project in Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut. The project must improve transportation-related infrastructure or advance the efficient movement of goods or people.

Contributions to for-profit private sector organizations may also be considered, but only when the contribution will provide wider benefits, rather than to the recipient alone.

The proposed project must be completed by December 31, 2027.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

National Research Council Canada

Your small or medium-sized business could grow stronger, faster and bigger through innovation and technology. You could receive customized technical and business advice as well as non-repayable financial contributions to help you:

• Research, develop and commercialize new technologies
• Accelerate the adoption and adaptation of these technologies

To qualify, your business in Canada must:

• Be incorporated and profit-oriented
• Have 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• Show the ability to grow and generate profits

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Partenar.IA: Financing collaborative R&D projects in AI

Take advantage of a subsidy for collaborative R&D projects in AI of up to $500,000 per project.

The maximum rate of financial aid is:

• 40% for projects with a technology readiness level of 1 to 3;
• 20% for projects with a technology readiness level of 4 to 6, or 40% if the main project partner is a Quebec SME.

Total government spending cannot exceed 80% of eligible expenses for the project.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only) Form(s)

Partnerships Options for Companies

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

If you are a Canadian business with an R&D project in natural sciences or engineering, you could partner with Canadian colleges and universities to access their facilities and students.

With a financial or in-kind contribution, you could participate in programs that can help you:

• Undertake short-term R&D projects
• Develop new products or services, or improve processes
• Increase your R&D capability
• Gain research insights into a longer-term industry challenge

See website for more details.

Learn more Find contacts

Programme d'aide à l'adaptation numérique des entreprises de la presse d'information écrite

Ministère de la Culture et des Communications

Are you looking to adapt your print media business to the digital environment and new practices? If so, you may be eligible for funding.

Projects must target:

• Development of innovative strategies in marketing, creation or monetization of press content on matters of current general interest
• Innovation and experimentation in print media

Total funding may cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Programme innovation — volet 1

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Your business or business cluster could receive financing in the form of a non-refundable contribution for an innovation project for a product or a manufacturing process developed in Quebec. Contributions range from $50,000 to $350,000 and cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must:

• Focus on the development of a new product or manufacturing process or on the improvement of an existing product or manufacturing process
• Demonstrate the level of innovation required
• Involve a technological or business uncertainty facing your company
• Require R&D efforts
• Demonstrate the business potential if it is intended for sale

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Programme PME en action — Appui à la productivité des PME

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If your for-profit business or social enterprise is part of the manufacturing or major services sector, you could receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 40% of eligible expenses, including:

• Professional fees
• Purchase of specialized information

Eligible projects include:

• Supply chain optimization
• Implementation of an integrated management system or a customer relationship management system
• Bring your operations into compliance with production standards
• Implementation of a cost accounting system

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Programme Technoclimat

Transition énergétique Québec

Do you have innovative technology projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energies, bioenergies or GHG emissions reduction? If so, you could benefit from financial assistance of up to $5 million.

The project must:

• Focus on a pre-commercialized technological innovation (level of technological readiness 4 to 7) that is not available in the Quebec market
• Be carried out in Quebec
• Have strong market potential
• Include measurement activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts Form(s) (in French only)

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

• Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
• Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Strategic Innovation Fund — Stream 4

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

If your organization operates in the health and biosciences sector, you could be eligible for a non-repayable financial contribution of up to 50% of eligible costs for a large-scale project that advances industrial research, development and technology demonstration.

To be eligible, you must:

• Partner with at least one academic organization to form a consortium (for corporations) or a network (for non-profits supporting businesses in more than one region)
• Clearly describe the anticipated innovation, economic or public benefits of your project/proposal

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Sustainable Development Technology Fund

Sustainable Development Technology Canada

If you create technology that deals with climate change issues, clean air, clean water or soil quality, you could get funding to cover up to 33% of the costs involved in developing and testing your product.

To qualify, you need to:

• Have expertise in sustainable development technology
• Be part of a project consortium

Your product or process must be used to:

• Produce and distribute energy
• Create electricity (for example, solar power)
• Remove pollutants in certain industry sectors

Other conditions apply. You only need to repay the funds if you collect revenues related to the project or use project assets for business activities.

Learn more Find contacts

Transportez vert – Section: Technology acquisition

Transition énergétique Québec

You could receive financial aid of up to $200,000 to acquire new vehicles or technology that improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions when transporting people and merchandise.

The grant can cover up to 50% of eligible expenses or a maximum of $15,000 per new vehicle or technology.

The following are eligible:

• new vehicles bought or leased in Canada registered for the first time in Quebec.
• new certified technology.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Vitrine technologique — Pré-commercialisation de l'innovation

Ville de Québec

If the head office of your business is located in the greater Quebec City area, you could benefit from a non-refundable contribution of up to $250,000 to cover 50% of eligible expenses.

Your project must take the form of a pilot project or a showcase to test or validate an innovative process or product within the operations of the City of Quebec or another organization elsewhere.

Eligible organizations include:

• Incorporated private businesses
• Social enterprises involved primarily in business transaction activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Form(s) (in French only)