The thrill of setting up a business is experienced when in Canada, yet one hurdle facing most entrepreneurs remains funding. Fortunately, a few Canadian Startup Grants exist to raise funds via support mechanisms while preventing small businesses from having to repay the funds. Whether you are an investor in a tech company in Toronto or someone backing an environmentally particular energy startup in Vancouver, 2025 presents sufficient avenues to acquire non-repayable support.
This article discusses the top 10 Canadian startup grants for which applications can be submitted in 2025, their eligibility requirements, and some tips on increasing the likelihood of acceptance.
Canada Start-Up Visa Program (SUV)
Probably the most desirable funding program for innovative entrepreneurs in Canada is the Start-Up Visa Program. This connects start-ups to designated organizations such as venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators.
Funding Highlights:
- Up to $200,000 in investments from designated groups
- Permanent residency pathway for founders
Eligibility:
Applicants must have an innovative business idea supported by a designated organization and meet language and financial requirements.
Best for:
Tech startups, scalable business models, and entrepreneurs looking to relocate to Canada.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
The IRAP grant, administered by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), enables small and medium-sized businesses to develop new technology and market it.
Funding Highlights:
Up to 80% of salary costs and 50% of contractor fees for R&D projects are allowed.
Eligibility:
Canadian SMEs with fewer than 500 employees and an innovative focus.
Best for:
Tech startups working on software, AI, clean tech, or engineering innovations.
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
Through CDAP, small and medium-sized enterprises can build up their digital presence and obtain grants and expert advisory support.
Funding Highlights:
- Up to $15,000 for digital adoption planning
- Access to interest-free BDC loans up to $100,000
Eligibility:
Canadian SMEs are interested in adopting digital tools or e-commerce solutions.
Ideal for:
Startups transitioning toward online sales, digital marketing, or cloud-based systems.
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) Seed Fund
The SDTC Seed Fund, one of the best grants to consider in the year 2025, is ideal for clean-tech-related startups. It supports early-stage companies working on sustainable solutions in energy, agriculture, and waste management.
Funding Highlights:
Up to $100,000 in non-repayable seed funding
Eligibility:
Startups in Canada are working with innovative technologies to lower environmental impact.
Best for:
Green tech and cleantech-focused startups, and those working on sustainability.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund
The WES Ecosystem Fund is a government program designed to encourage female entrepreneurship in Canadian territories. In essence, the fund flows toward any association that promotes female entrepreneurship via mentoring, training, or financial assistance.
Funding Highlights:
Amounts are determined by the project and the type of organization.
Eligibility:
Business ventures owned and operated by women and duly incorporated in Canada.
Best for:
Female founders who require capital, mentorship, and training.
Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive
Although considered a tax credit, the SR&ED program affords tremendous financial relief to any startup carrying out research and development (R&D) work. It basically allows these companies to refund a part of their R&D costs.
Funding Highlights:
Up to 35% refundable tax credit on eligible R&D expenses
Eligibility:
Canadian-controlled private corporations engaged in experimental development.
Best for:
Tech, biotech, and engineering startups with research components.
CanExport SMEs Program- Canadian Startup Grants
Mediante CanExport supports small and medium businesses in expanding internationally. It helps with marketing, trade shows, and exporting.
Funding Highlights:
Supports up to 50% of eligible expenses with a $50,000 cap.
Eligibility:
SMEs in Canada with less than 500 employees and with annual gross revenues of less than $100 million.
Best for:
Startups planning to export either products or services.
Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP) Program- Canadian Startup Grants
The BSP Program is offered by regional development agencies and helps innovative companies scale up and increase their productivity.
Funding Highlights:
Interest-free repayable contributions starting from $200,000
Eligibility:
High-growth businesses with proven market demand and development potential.
Best for:
Tech, manufacturing, and export-oriented startups are ready to grow.
Creative Export Canada (CEC)
Creative Export Canada brings together much funding to assist the promotion of Canadian creative content around the world, especially for startups in the creative industries of photography, gaming, design, and music.
Funding Highlights:
Up to $2.5 million per project
Eligibility:
Canadian companies in the creative sector with export-oriented projects.
Best for:
Digital media-, film-, and design-related startups pursuing global markets.
Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation (REGI)
The programme supports regional economic development via innovation and job creation, while contributions may be both repayable and non-repayable depending on project need.
Funding Highlights:
- Non-repayable funding for small businesses and nonprofits.
- Repayable contributions for larger projects.
Eligibility:
Businesses in key regional sectors contribute to local economic growth.
Best for:
Startups in rural/regional areas are looking to grow and hire locally.
💡 Tips for applying for Canadian Startup Grants
Align your objectives to suit the program of Canadian Startup Grants:
Make a clear presentation on how your startup fits with the program’s mission-either innovation, sustainability, or economic growth.
Create a business plan:
Include financial projections and market research, plus application strengthening measurable impacts.
Keep your life organized:
Mark deadlines and met criteria for applications.
Evaluate your impact, which includes:
Expected impact in terms of job creation, increase in R&D, or regional impact.
Combine more than one program:
Mix grants, loans, and tax credits for the most effective funding.
Final Thoughts On Canadian Startup Grants
The Canadian startup ecosystem is robust, with a rich set of supported government grants and aid for innovation programs. Starting with IRAP, the various programs allow entrepreneurs to stimulate innovation, build, and compete worldwide.
If in 2025, you are looking to put forward your business idea, start researching these Canadian startup grants today and avail the most supportive funding opportunities in the country.
