As a Canadian business, are you seeking financial support to advance your digital growth? Look no further! This article will explore various grants available to Canadian businesses and provide essential information on the grant application process. At Tenth Man Marketing, our goal is to see small businesses succeed, especially with the rise in costs projected for 2024. Let's get started! And if you don't see a particular grant listed, let us know – we'll be sure to add it.
What is a grant for a business in Canada?
Grants are non-repayable funds provided by various government bodies, such as federal, provincial, and municipal agencies, to support businesses in their growth and innovation efforts.
Importance of grants for businesses
Grants play a crucial role in helping Canadian businesses thrive. They provide financial assistance, encourage innovation, and support the adoption of digital technologies that drive productivity and competitiveness.
Browse available Grants and Funding Options in Canada
Use the form to find financing programs tailored for businesses across various industries.
Click to explore grants, contributions and other financial assistance.
Popular Digital Grants for Businesses
Whether you're an eCommerce business or in the service industry, if you have a website, these grants are worth checking out to see if you qualify.
Grow Your Business Online Grant - up to $2400 for eligible businesses
The "Grow Your Business Online" Grant from the Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) provides funding of up to $2,400 to help small businesses grow their online presence. The grant is specifically aimed at supporting businesses in implementing e-commerce capabilities and remaining competitive in the digital marketplace. You can use the assessment tool to see if you qualify.
If you qualify, applying for the grant is a straightforward process that involves four easy steps:
Step 1: Create your account
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility: Fill out the necessary information required to confirm your eligibility for the grant.
Step 3: Work with a digital advisor: Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you will be connected with a digital advisor who will help you develop a digital adoption plan.
Step 4: Submit your digital adoption plan
Connect with Tenth Man Marketing to implement your marketing plan. We can also speak with you ahead of time during the application process.
Get a website created at no cost
ShopHERE powered by Google creates online stores for independent small businesses and artists in Ontario at no cost. Who is eligible? According to the site, registered businesses in Ontario are eligible along with the following criteria:
under 10 full-time employees (25 if a restaurant)
can be a business or artist
home-based or commercial business
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Wage & Training Grants for Businesses
While this article primarily focuses on digital grants, it's important not to overlook the significance of grants that support workforce training and provide opportunities for students. As your business expands, it becomes crucial to seek out grants that can assist in training your workforce and offering valuable experiences to students. In Canada, there are two notable grants that address these needs:
Starter Company Plus Program
With the Starter Company Plus program in Ontario, you have access to a range of supports for your business venture. This includes personalized guidance from a Small Business Enterprise Centre advisor, participation in workshops and networking events covering various topics, and the opportunity to connect with a mentor who has experience in starting, expanding, or acquiring small businesses. In addition, there may be a grant of up to $5,000 available to apply for. For eligibility criteria and more click here.
Apply for Wage Subsidies - available until March 2025
The ICTC's WIL Digital program offers a valuable opportunity for employers to receive wage subsidies when hiring post-secondary students for digital/technology immersive positions. According to the site, employers in Canada can receive up to 70% of the costs associated with a work term placement, with a maximum subsidy amount of $7,000. For more information and how to apply click here.
Canada-Ontario Job Grant Program
This grant provides direct financial support to individual employers or employer consortia who wish to purchase training for their employees.
Additional funding and grants in Ontario
For Ontario businesses seeking additional funding and grants, there are various options available. To explore more funding opportunities and receive further assistance specific to Ontario, you can click here. This site will provide you with information and guidance to help you find the right funding options and support for your business in Ontario.
If you've received a digital grant don't hesitate to reach out to Tenth Man Marketing to discuss the right marketing plan for your needs.
BONUS: Private Sector Business Contests, Grants & Awards
FedEx Backing Small Business Contest
$15K in total prizes.
Ends April 30, 2024
They're giving away 15,000 in total prizes. The contest requires you to register using your FedEx account number and make at least one qualifying shipment with them. Or as always in Canada, without shipping you can submit an entry via mail. Here's a link to the contest.
Canada Post Tales of Triumph Small Business Contest
Over $500K prizes to be won.
Submit Your Story by April 30, 2024.
There are 5 categories to enter and each category prize includes $10,000 in Canada Post credits and more. Visit their site for all the details.
2024 Desjardins Startup Prize
2024 closed
Desjardins Startup Prize is U of T’s annual business pitch competition, offering over $100,000 in prizes. Check out all the details here.
VISA She's Next Grant Program
Ten $10,000 Grants
2023 closed, 2024 Contest TBD
Around April (for the last 5 years) VISA announces its She's Next Grant Program offering ten $10,000 grants and access to an accelerated mentorship program through York University. The 2023 program grants have been awarded but you can set a reminder in your calendar for April 2024 to see if it's running and visit this page.
Purolator True North Small Business Grant Contest
2023 closed
2024 Contest TBD
Again this one closed for entries in May, but check back next year around April. According to their site: Four Canadian small businesses have an opportunity to each receive $25,000 in cash and $500 in free Purolator shipping credits. Check out the Purolator site for full details in 2024.
RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards
(Nominations closed for 2024. Application Deadline May 2024)
The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards is not just a grant opportunity, but a prestigious recognition platform that can significantly boost awareness for your woman-owned business in Canada. If you're a woman entrepreneur looking to elevate your business, this is an award you don't want to miss.
The awards showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs across various industries. By participating in this esteemed event, you have the opportunity to gain valuable recognition and exposure for your business.
Take a moment to explore the award categories and entry criteria. This will give you a better understanding of which category aligns best with your business achievements and goals. Submitting your entry could be a remarkable opportunity to showcase your hard work, dedication, and success.
Telus #StandwithOwners Contest
(2023 closed, 2024 contest TBD)
According to their site: businesses can enter for a chance to win $125,000 in funding, advertising, and technology to fuel their business growth. And it seems, that's just the grand prize. It looks like over 40 businesses could win a number of prizes. This is worth checking out to see if you qualify. Click here. This contest is open until Sept 6, 2023.
Business competitions like this can provide that much-needed boost to a company's development. Not only can you earn recognition for your hard work, but you also gain the opportunity to further your growth through the generous prizes awarded.
That's it for now. I'll add more grants and contests as I see them! Be sure to bookmark this page.