Grants for Canadian Businesses

Government grants are monetary sums given to individuals or businesses. Grant recipients do not have to repay the funds. In Canada, various business start-up grants are available for entrepreneurs. However, business start-up grants are not easy to come by, and there are requirements an applicant must complete in order to receive the capital they need.

Aboriginal Business Canada

Canadian Aboriginals who want to start a business may apply for up to $99,999 for business ventures. Applicants may also receive free business planning assistance. The Aboriginal Business Canada grant is available to all Aboriginal entrepreneurs across the country. Recipients do not have to repay the grant funds. For further information about Aboriginal Business Canada, contact the local Indian and Northern Affairs Canada office or consult them online.

Jeunes Promoteurs Program

The Jeunes Promoteurs Program is for Quebec entrepreneurs ages 18 to 35 who are starting a new business. Entrepreneurs may apply for 75% of business start-up expenses and an additional 50% of business expenses once the business is operating (see Resources 2).

Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur Program

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 who are planning to start a business in Northern Ontario can apply for Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur grants. The Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur program grants over 85 percent of financial costs and capital up to $25,000. Applicants must be current residents of Northern Ontario and their businesses cannot be an expansion or extension of a similar business owned by a family member or the young entrepreneur. Applications, available online, must be mailed to the address below.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

70 Foster Drive, Suite 200

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Canada P6A 6V8

nohfc.ndm@ontario.ca

mndmf.gov.on.ca

Northern Development Fund

Residents living in Northern Saskatchewan for 10 years or more or planning to run a business outside of Northern Saskatchewan can apply for funds for promotion, marketing, business skill development, young entrepreneur training and R&D. A contact form is available via Northern Development Fund’s website (See Resources 3).

Eastern Ontario Development Fund

Applicants with an Eastern Ontario business that brings new technologies to the marketplace and create jobs can apply for a 15 percent reimbursement of business expenses.

Eastern Ontario Development Fund

613-542-7266

eodf@ontario.ca