Stretch Your Runway: 6 Free Tools and Grants Every Canadian Founder Should Know

Funding is hard. For international founders building in Canada, it is even harder.

The good news? There are programs and tools that can extend your runway without giving up equity. Some help you build faster. Others cover part of your payroll. All of them are free to access if you know where to look.

Here are 6 to start with.

1. IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)

• What it is: The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.

• What to know: Best for technical products with some traction. You need a technical lead and a clear project plan.

• How to apply: Connect with an IRAP advisor through NRC.

• Link: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation

2. SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit)

• What it is: A tax credit for R&D work done in Canada. Can refund a percentage of your technical salaries and expenses.

• What to know: It is retroactive. Keep records as you build. Use a consultant if it is your first time.

• How to apply: File with your corporate taxes.

• Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program.html

3. Mitacs Accelerate

• What it is: Subsidized research talent from Canadian universities. Good for AI, biotech, and complex tech.

• What to know: You provide part of the funding, and Mitacs matches it. Requires collaboration with a researcher or grad student.

• How to apply: Find a university partner or use their matching platform.

• Link: https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate

4. CanExport SMEs Program

• What it is: Grants to help Canadian startups explore international markets.

• What to know: Can cover travel, marketing, translation, and legal costs. Great for testing US or global demand.

• How to apply: Open calls happen a few times a year.

• Link: https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/funding-financement/canexport/sme-pme/index.aspx?lang=eng

5. Startup Credits from Tech Platforms

• What it is: Free credits from platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Stripe, Notion, and HubSpot.

• Where to start:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate

• Google for Startups Cloud Program

• Stripe - Partner Solutions

6. Provincial and Local Grants

• What it is: Smaller, often overlooked funding from local governments or innovation hubs.

• What to know: Varies by province. Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), Alberta Innovates, and Innovate BC are good places to start.

Key Takeaway:

None of these tools are silver bullets. But together, they can buy you time, talent, and traction.

If you are building in Canada, take the help. You do not need to burn equity for every dollar.

To explore programs and services to help your business grow, use the Business Benefits Finder: https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/s/?language=en_CA