Resources
View our collection of resources dedicated towards supporting young entrepreneurs
Accessible
Small Business Loan
Eligibility: For-profit Canadian small businesses w 2 yrs with revenue
Format: Loan with interest
Offer: Quick and easy loan. Total Size: $457.7 M(in loans) 2023. Applicant Funding Scope: <$100K. Success: Repayment of loans and an increased positive impact on entrepreurs.
Process: N/A
Moderate
AgriScience Program
Eligibility: For-profit, NPOs
Format: Grant: Non-repayable (max 50% cost)
Offer: R&D pre-commercialization. Total Size: *$250 M, 2018-2023. Applicant Funding Scope: $5-10 M. Success: New/improved products and technologies and further developing existing ones.
Process: Service Standard: 100 days to approve
Accessible
Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
Eligibility: Select employers
Format: Wage subsidies, wrap-around services
Offer: Hire recent graduates for internships in the environmental science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: <$25K, <$5K. Success: .
Process: N/A
Moderate
Atlantic Fisheries Fund - Innovation, Infrastructure and Science Partnerships
Eligibility: Atlantic Canadian firms, NPOs, Prov CC, Indigenous groups, Universities
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: New products, processes and technologies in Atlantic Canada seafood sector. Total Size: $280M + $120M (Provincial) / 7 years. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Continued growth and innovation in the seafood industry of Atlantic Canada.
Process: Provide a completed research and development proposal
Moderate
Canada Media Fund - Experimental Stream
Eligibility: N/A
Format: N/A
Offer: Development of innovative, interactive content and leading edge software applications for digital media platforms. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Moderate
REGI - Business Scale-Up and Productivity (BSP)
Eligibility: High-growth SMEs, operating in AB/SK/MB >2 yrs
Format: Grant: Non-repayable (50%)
Offer: Accelerator. Applicant Funding Scope: $200K-5M. Success: Strong economic outcomes including job creation, revenue and export sales growth.
Process: 90 days
Competitive
Growth Venture Co-investment Fund
Eligibility: Canadian innovation-based businesses that are at an inflection point and show strong potential for meaningful scale
Format: Investment: Late stage (Co-lead/investor)
Offer: Late-stage investment in innovative technologies or business models. Total Size: $300M. Applicant Funding Scope: >$10M. Success: Invested companies continue to grow and build markets worldwide, leading to a successful exit.
Process: Reach out to fund
Accessible
Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (FACE)
Eligibility: Black-owned businesses
Format: Loan with interest
Offer: Supporting black entrepreneurs. Total Size: $130M (BDC) + $30M (ISED). Applicant Funding Scope: $25K-250K. Success: Help black entrepreneurs create successful businesses as a catalyst for wealth.
Process: N/A
Moderate
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) - Capital Investment projects
Eligibility: Enable forest sector firms to adopt transformational technology and diversify product streams
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: Adoption of transformational technologies and diversification of product streams. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: <$10M. Success: Projects ensure industry competitiveness, greater environmental outcomes and job creation.
Process: N/A
Moderate
Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth)
Eligibility: Businesses and other public or private organizations
Format: Grant
Offer: Help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
Space Technology Development Fund (STDF)
Eligibility: SMEs
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: Innovation in the space industry. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Innovations in space technology and benefiting the Canadian economy.
Process: Submit proposal
Moderate
Critical Minerals Research, Development, and Demonstration Program - Contribution Funding
Eligibility: Critical mineral processing and production industry
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: Developing processing technologies for the critical minerals industry. Total Size: $40M. Applicant Funding Scope: <$5M. Success: Funded projects help to advance production of zero-emission vehicle batteries and other clean technologies involving critical minerals: processing, recycling, etc….
Process: Application
Moderate
Alliance Advantage
Eligibility: University researchers collaborating with private-sector, public-sector or NPOs
Format: Grant
Offer: Encourage university researchers to collaborate with the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
Technology Access Centre grants
Eligibility: Colleges conducting applied research in natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities and/or health sciences
Format: Grant
Offer: Innovation support to a college’s community organizations. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: $350K / yr ($100K in QC). Success: .
Process: Application
Competitive
Impact Canada Challenge Hub
Eligibility: A broad range of actors
Format: Prizes
Offer: Tackling difficult challenges. Total Size: Departmental partners. Applicant Funding Scope: Prizes range from: $100K-10M. Success: Using their results-based model, more challenges are completed using innovative solutions.
Process: Challenges
Competitive
Sustainability Venture Fund
Eligibility: Capital-light business models including SaaS and other software models and hardware-enabled software
Format: Investment: Seed to Series A/B
Offer: Net-zero tech. Total Size: $150M. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Creating sustainable economies focusing on sustainable cities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, affordable and clean energy, clean water, life under water.
Process: Reach out to fund
Moderate
Economic Development Initiative (EDI)
Eligibility: Applicants must work in French and contribute to the development and vitality of the Prairie province's Francophonie
Format: Fund
Offer: Support for businesses in official language minority communities. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Moderate
Black Entrepreneurship Program - National Ecosystem Fund
Eligibility: Not-for-profit Black-led organizations
Format: Fund
Offer: Strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund
Eligibility: For-profit, indigenous orgs, NGOs, Academic/ Scientific institutions
Format: Grant: Non-repayable (50-90% of cost, depending on # of employees)
Offer: New products, processes and technologies in BC seafood sector. Total Size: $100M + $42.9 (BC), (100% of funding allocated). Applicant Funding Scope: Funded projects: $36K-8.5M. Success: Funding projects help ensure the fish and seafood sector in B.C. is positioned for long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Process: Application
Accessible
Export Guarantee Program (EGP)
Eligibility: Canadian exporters
Format: Loan Guarantee
Offer: Loan facilitation through EDC guarantees. Applicant Funding Scope: <US $25M (CAD $34M). Success: Financial Institutions are encouraged to loan more to their clients once their current loans are guaranteed.
Process: Contact EDC or your financial institution to see if EGP is a good fit for your business.
Moderate
Clean Transportation System - Research and Development Program
Eligibility: Any project involving air pollutants and/or greenhouse gas emissions
Format: Grant: Non-repayable (50%)
Offer: Emissions in rail, marine and aviation. Total Size: $600K / yr. Applicant Funding Scope: 100K / yr. Success: Advancement in the scientific knowledge and reduction of air pollutants and GHGs, to develop evidence-based regulations and measures to reduce emissions.
Process: Application
Moderate
Accelerated Growth Service
Eligibility: Canadian companies
Format: Financing and advisors
Offer: Helps entrepreneurs and businesses access the support they need to grow and scale. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
Energy Innovation Program – Renewable Energy Demonstrations
Eligibility: Open to all eligible projects
Format: N/A
Offer: Advance innovative renewable heat or power generation and/or integration through novel applications that provide local benefits. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Competitive
Black Innovation Fund
Eligibility: Black-led startups
Format: Investment
Offer: Investment in black-led startups. Total Size: $4M. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Supporting black entrepreneurs, leading to successful exits for the fund.
Process: N/A
Moderate
Innovative Solutions Canada
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs, <500 employees, Canadian R&D and employees
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: Ideas to prototypes addressing challenges faced by government organizations. Total Size: $147.6M / yr. Applicant Funding Scope: Phase 1: <$300K, Phase 2: <$2M. Success: Innovative ideas, early-stage innovations, and late-stage prototypes become solutions for challenges faced by government organization.
Process: Phase 1: 6 mo, Phase 2: 2 yrs to develop
Competitive
Climate Tech Fund
Eligibility: Capital-intensive business models (hard-technologies), defensible and proprietery IP, line of sight to commerciability and profitability
Format: Investment: Late stage seed to growth stage
Offer: Clean-tech. Total Size: $400M. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Reduction in GHGs focussed on electrification and mobility; built environment; carbon capture, conversion and sequestration; low-carbon fuels and energy; farms, forest and foods.
Process: Application
Competitive
Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI)
Eligibility: Venture Capital funds ranging from $150M-400M
Format: Investment
Offer: Venture Capital for promising tech, life sciences and diverse-led businesses. Total Size: $821M since 2016. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Strengthening of the Canadian venture capital ecosystem and the translation of innovation into economic growth by invested businesses.
Process: N/A
Competitive
Canadian Technology Accelerators
Eligibility: High-growth, high-potential Canadian companies
Format: Programs
Offer: Grow Canadian businesses in 12 global tech hubs. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Moderate
Regional Quantum Initiative
Eligibility: Start-ups and early revenue firms that are commercializing or adopting quantum technologies or quantum-based solutions, NPOs that support these businesses
Format: Fund
Offer: Advance and commercialize quantum products and solutions for domestic and global markets. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Accessible
Jobs and Growth Fund - For-Profit
Eligibility: For-profit, SMEs, NPOs involved in the green economy, inclusivity, competitiveness and future-proofing through digital adoption, strengthening critical sectors.
Format: Loan: Repayable (up to 50% cost)
Offer: Strengthening businesses in the territories. Total Size: $21M / 3 yrs. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Transition to a green economy, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs.
Process: N/A
Moderate
Global Innovation Clusters
Eligibility: For-profit Canadian companies engaged in the five sectors
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: Innovation clusters in digital technology, protein industries, advanced manufacturing, scale AI and ocean. Total Size: $1.76B / 10 yrs ($71M unused in 5 yrs). Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Grow their innovation ecosystems, promote investment, expand presence, collaborate, develop skills and talent, and continue to support the growth and scale up of Canadian SMEs.
Process: N/A
Moderate
smartEarth
Eligibility: For-profit and NPOs in Canada, Canadian academic institutions
Format: N/A
Offer: Smart use of satellite data to develop solutions to key challenges on Earth. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Accessible
Trade Expansion Lending Program
Eligibility: Canadian exporters
Format: Working capital guarantee
Offer: Increase availability of loans. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: <$10M. Success: Financial Institutions loan more, give more favourable lending conditions or free up assets held as collateral.
Process: N/A
Competitive
Innovation for Defense Excellence and Security (IDEaS)
Eligibility: Anyone
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: Resolving Defence and Security Challenges. Total Size: $1.6B / 10 years. Applicant Funding Scope: <$3M. Success: The program drives innovation leading to advancements in the defense and security challenges.
Process: Application
Competitive
Investment Matching Program
Eligibility: Exporters or enterprises planning international expansion
Format: Investment matching
Offer: Expedited co-investment. Total Size: $250M (committed in 2020). Applicant Funding Scope: <$5-25M. Success: Increased export-competitiveness of Canadian companies on the world stage.
Process: Connect with your venture capital or private equity investor(s) to let them know you’re interested in the EDC Investment Matching Program
Competitive
Deep Tech Venture Fund
Eligibility: Canadian startups with transformational technologies in deep tech
Format: Investment: Seed to Series A
Offer: Deep tech. Total Size: $200M. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Transformational technologies in Quantum information sciences, Photonics, Electronics Foundational AI and related sectors (advanced materials, robotics, etc.), successful exits.
Process: Reach out to fund
Accessible
Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF)
Eligibility: Indigenous-owned businesses looking to scale-up or start-up through indigenous financial institutions
Format: Loan
Offer: Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs. Total Size: $153M (breakdown is unclear). Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Indigenous financial institutions are able to meet increasing demand for loans.
Process: N/A
Moderate
CanExport Innovation
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs, Academic institutions and research centres
Format: Grant: Non-repayable (75% of cost)
Offer: Collaborative technology R&D w foreign partner. Total Size: $50M / 5 yrs. Applicant Funding Scope: <$75K. Success: Canadian businesses engage in more international R&D partnerships, benefiting the Canadian economy.
Process: Application
Accessible
Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) - Business Innovation and Growth projects
Eligibility: Canadian for-profit or COOP, partnership wanting to do business in Canada
Format: Mostly loans, a few grants
Offer: Development of for-profit businesses. Total Size: Total SIF: $9.5B. Applicant Funding Scope: <$10M (50%). Success: Encouraging businesses to invest in R&D leading to technology transfer and commercialization, accelerating the growth and expansion of innovative businesses, attracting investment.
Process: Application
Accessible
Food and Beverage Financing
Eligibility: Enterprises in the food industry
Format: Many types including VC and startup financing
Offer: Food industry accelerator. Business growth in food and beverage industry including: meat, seafood, wine, commercial bakeries, equipment, processors and manufactures, and wholesale and distribution.
Process: Accelerator
Competitive
Thrive Venture Fund for Women
Eligibility: Women-led technology companies with strong growth and scalable market potential
Format: Investment: Seed to Series A/B
Offer: Women-led technology companies. Total Size: $300M. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Creating Canadian champion companies led by trailblazing women across a variety of sectors.
Process: Reach out to fund
Moderate
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program
Eligibility: NPOs, Indigenous Peoples or territorial, provincial or municipal governments.
Format: Grants (50% cost, 75% if high priority)
Offer: Develop solutions to new problems in the agricultural sector. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: <$1M. Success: .
Process: Application
Accessible
Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) - Collaborations and Networks projects
Eligibility: Canadian for-profit or NPO
Format: Mostly loans, a few grants
Offer: Fostering collaborative business-led projects and innovation network. Total Size: Total SIF: $9.5B. Applicant Funding Scope: <$10M (50%). Success: Advancing networks of collaboration between the private sector, research institutions and NPOs in key emerging technology sectors and in industrial R&D and commercialization.
Process: Application
Moderate
Idea to Innovation Grants
Eligibility: College and university faculty
Format: Grant: Non-repayable (% varies by stage)
Offer: R&D projects with tech transfer potential. Applicant Funding Scope: <$125K+$60K+$150K+$350K. Success: Participating technologies are turned into or become part of a Canadian enterprise.
Process: Application
Moderate
Applied Research and Development Grants
Eligibility: Colleges conducting research and collaborating on R&D projects with partner organizations; universities and other colleges may also participate
Format: Grant
Offer: Support R&D projects led by college researchers in partnership with private, public or NPOs. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
Agricultural Climate Solutions - Living Labs
Eligibility: Farmers, scientists, and other sector stakeholders
Format: Grants*
Offer: Develop technologies that reduce GHG emissions and sequester carbon in agriculture. Total Size: $185M/10 yrs. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Moderate
QC Fisheries Fund
Eligibility: For-profit, indigenous orgs, NPOs, Academic/ Scientific institutions involved in the sector
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: New products, processes and technologies in QC seafood sector. Total Size: $30M + $12.8M (QC) / 5 yrs. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Increase productivity, competitiveness, quality and sustainability in the QC fish and seafood sector. Adapt to climate change and identify innovative responses to their impacts.
Process: Application
Accessible
Agribusiness Financing
Eligibility: Providers of inputs or adders of value to agriculture
Format: Many types including VC and startup financing
Offer: Agribusiness accelerator. Business growth in crop input suppliers and retailers; equipment manufacturers and dealers; feed processors, wholesale, storage and distribution; and grainhandling and logistics.
Process: N/A
Competitive
Seed Venture Fund
Eligibility: Enterprise SaaS (HR, tech & risk management, sales & marketing, finance & operations) and AI companies (digital health, FinTech, EdTech, PropTech, Travel Tech)
Format: Investment
Offer: Venture Capital Funding. Total Size: $50M. Success: Invested companies go on to lead successful Series A rounds, becoming world class, ultimately leading to a successful exit.
Process: Reach out to fund
Moderate
Low Carbon Economy Challenge
Eligibility: For-profit, NPOs, Provincial or municipal governments, academic or research institutions
Format: Cost-sharing (25%-75%)
Offer: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate clean growth. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: $1M-25M. Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs
Format: Grant: Non-repayable
Offer: R&D collaboration w foreign partner. Total Size: $4.62M / yr (2014-2018). Applicant Funding Scope: <$600K. Success: Canadian businesses engage in more international R&D partnerships, benefiting the Canadian economy.
Process: Application
Competitive
Venture Capital Action Plan (VCAP)
Eligibility: Venture capital funds
Format: Investment
Offer: Venture Capital. Total Size: $390M. Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Canada's venture capital industry becomes more globally competitive, while ensuring that Canada's high-potential firms have the resources they need to grow and create jobs.
Process: N/A
Moderate
Northern Isolated Community Initiatives (NICI) Fund
Eligibility: NPOs, academic institutions, industry associations, local or Indigenous governments and for-profit businesses
Format: Fund
Offer: Supports community-led projects for local and Indigenous food production systems. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Accessible
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program (SR&ED)
Eligibility: Enterprises filing taxes in Canada conducting eligible R&D
Format: Tax Credit: Deduction against income tax, Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Offer: R&D in Science and Technology. Total Size: $4.2B in ITC (2023-4). Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: Increased investment in eligible research and development.
Process: Submit a claim
Moderate
Ideation Fund
Eligibility: NRC researchers collaborating with external partners such as academic institutions and SMEs.
Format: Fund
Offer: Drive innovative research and development in a wide range of areas. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Accessible
AgriInnovate Program
Eligibility: For-profit, Canadian corporations
Format: Loan: Repayable (50% cost)
Offer: Innovation commercialization/adoption. Total Size: *$128 M / 5 yrs. Applicant Funding Scope: $2-10 M. Success: Innovations in agriculture are commercialized and ideas are turned into a reality.
Process: N/A
Accessible
Business Development Program - Commercial Component
Eligibility: Atlantic Canadian SMEs and the NPOs that help them
Format: Loan: Repayable (50-75% cost)
Offer: Fund business startup & growth. Applicant Funding Scope: <$500K. Success: Increased innovation among black entrepreneurs.
Process: N/A
Moderate
CanExport SMEs
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs, primary producers or exporters, <500 employees, 100K-100M annual revenue
Format: Grant: Non-repayable (50% of cost)
Offer: Bringing Canadian exports in new int'l markets. Applicant Funding Scope: <$50K. Canadian goods enter more markets.
Process: Application
Moderate
Industrial Research Chairs Grants
Eligibility: Canadian private or public sector
Format: Grant
Offer: Hire research experts. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
CAN Health Network
Eligibility: Headquartered in Canada or majority-owned by Canadians or high Canadian job creation, contribution of at least 70% of contract value to Canada,
Format: N/A
Offer: Introduce new solutions into the health care system, and help Canadian businesses to scale domestically and globally. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Moderate
Canadian Safety and Security Program
Eligibility: Industry or academia with a federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and Indigenous government partner
Format: Fund
Offer: Supports development of science and technology that contribute to the safety and security of Canadians. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Moderate
Matching Investment Fund (MIF)
Eligibility: Enterprises innovating in the manufacture and use of Canadian dairy products
Format: Investment Matching (50-100% cost)
Offer: Innovation in the manufacture (not farming) and use of Canadian dairy products. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: <$150K. Success: Growth and innovation in the manufacturing and use of Canadian dairy products, ex: new processing method or a new dairy product that can be commercialized.
Process: Application
Moderate
Northern Ontario Development Program
Eligibility: Municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations and institutions
Format: Fund
Offer: Support economic development, diversification, job creation and self-reliant communities in Northern Ontario. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: Application
Competitive
Industrial Innovation Venture Fund
Eligibility: Canadian companies with demonstrated market validation in areas of economic advantage: Manufacturing 4.0, Agri-Tech and Food-Tech, and Extractive Industries
Format: Investment: Series A and beyond
Offer: Innovation in legacy industries. Total Size: $250M. Enabling technologies and leading-edge innovation reshape Canadian companies into global leaders.
Process: Reach out to fund
Moderate
Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)
Eligibility: NPOs that support innovative businesses
Format: Fund
Offer: Create, grow and nurture regional ecosystems. Total Size: . Applicant Funding Scope: . Success: .
Process: N/A
Moderate
Northern Indigenous Economic Opportunities Program (NIEOP)
Eligibility: Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs
Format: N/A
Offer: Establishment or growth of Indigenous businesses.
Process: N/A
Moderate
Innovative Solutions Canada Challenge & Testing Streams
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs (≤ 499 employees), ≥50% Canadian payroll; must align with federal R&D challenges
Format: Fully online: Phase 1 (6 months), Phase 2 (up to 2 years)
Offer: Phase 1 funding ($150K–300K), Phase 2 prototyping up to $2M, procurement potential, IP rights
Process: Apply via GCKey for specific challenges; review and selection
Moderate
NRC IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)
Eligibility: Canadian-incorporated, profit-oriented SMEs with ≤500 employees and engaged in technology-driven innovation
Format: Ongoing online; advisory-led phased support (feasibility to prototyping)
Offer: Non-repayable funding (Phase 1 $150K–300K; Phase 2 up to $2M), expert advisory, access to NRC’s network
Process: Contact NRC, register, submit project proposal, ITA review, application → final decision (~3 months)
Competitive
Startup Canada Global Pitch
Eligibility: Early-stage startups < 5 years, < $1M revenue & funding, with export ambitions
Format: Hybrid: regional “pop-up” events + one-day national final
Offer: $3K regional prize; national grand prizes ($30K, $15K, $7.5K), People’s Choice awards, exposure
Process: Online application → regional pitch → top 5 finalists go to the national final
Competitive
AAGEF Ontario Entrepreneur Challenge
Eligibility: Ontario-based startups at any stage, 18+
Format: One evening-only live event
Offer: Cash prizes, executive coaching, EU/Canadian market exposure, alumni network
Process: Online application → selection committee chooses 3 finalists → final pitch
Accessible
Techstars Startup Weekend
Eligibility: Open. Students and professionals; ticket ~$25–50
Format: 54-hour in-person or virtual hackathon over a weekend
Offer: Mentorship, rapid MVP development, community network, prizes or follow-on support
Process: Buy ticket, pitch on Day 1, form teams, prototype, final pitch
Moderate
Cooperathon
Eligibility: Individuals/teams across Canada addressing social or environmental challenges
Format: Hybrid multi-week program (6+ weeks virtual, in-person workshops)
Offer: Cash awards ($5K–7.5K+), prototype grants, mentoring, corporate partner access, possible incubator path
Process: Online registration → Alpha training → dossier submission → Alpha+ shortlist → final pitch
Accessible
Youth Small Business Program (Rise Asset Development)
Eligibility: Youth (16–29)
Format: Cohort-based training + peer group mentorship
Offer: $500 grant, peer learning, mentorship in mental-health aware entrepreneurial context
Process: Apply, attend training, receive $500 startup grant with support
Moderate
Ontario Summer Company
Eligibility: Ontario students, age 15–29, returning to post-secondary, limited work hours
Format: Seasonal program throughout summer; training + grant
Offer: $3K grant, training, business coaching through municipal/local team
Process: Online application → selection → summer program participation
Competitive
Innovate BC (BCIC New Ventures Competition)
Eligibility: BC-based technology startups (typically pre-revenue to early growth)
Format: Provincial competition with pitch rounds and coaching
Offer: Cash prizes, in-kind services, coaching, investor visibility
Process: Application, rounds of pitches at regional panels, provincial final
Competitive
SIAL Canada Startup Pitch
Eligibility: Agri-food startups and entrepreneurs
Format: Live expo pitch; one-day event during SIAL Canada expo
Offer: Expo visibility, industry feedback, investor attention
Process: Apply online → selected to pitch 3 minutes + Q&A before an expert jury
Moderate
Futurpreneur Canada Start-up Program
Eligibility: Youth (18–39), owning ≥51%, intending full-time business, must engage mentoring
Format: Ongoing; virtual and regional support
Offer: Up to $60K startup financing (loans + matching financing), two-year mentorship, educational resources
Process: Online application, business plan review, mentor matching
Accessible
HackerNest Tech Socials
Eligibility: Open to tech community—students, professionals, hobbyists
Format: Local meetups and mini hackathons (one-day or weekend)
Offer: Peer-led mentorship, prototyping experience, ecosystem engagement
Process: Join events via Meetup; participate in teams or demos
Competitive
Startup Canada Equal Slice
Eligibility: Canadian-incorporated startups ≤ 5 years old, < $1M revenues and funding; ≥50% equity held by equity-deserving founders (Indigenous, women, racialized, LGBTQ2S+, persons with disabilities)
Format: Hybrid, virtual screening, then 1-day live final
Offer: $10–20K grants per startup (~$100K total), mentorship, toolkits, national visibility.
Process: Online application, selection via review, 3–5 minute live pitch
Moderate
CYBF Start‑Up Program
Eligibility: Youth entrepreneurs; business plan and character essential; must own ≥51%
Format: Ongoing with coaching; delivered via community partners
Offer: Up to $15K in financing (plus potential BDC match to $45K total), mentorship, business resources
Process: Submit business plan → coaching → financing approval
YOUTH INNOVATION PROJECT
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