The CanGrant blog
Plain-language answers about Canadian grants, loans, rebates and tax credits: how they work, who they’re for and how to apply.
Blog · 4 min read Can you combine grants? Stacking rules explained Often yes, but most programs limit how much total public funding one project can receive. That limit is called a stacking rule; check each program's guide. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Federal, provincial, city, utility, foundation: how Canadian funding is layered Canadian funding comes from several layers at once: federal, provincial, municipal, utilities and foundations. Here is what each layer funds and where to look first. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Funding for Black entrepreneurs in Canada Black entrepreneurs can borrow through the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, get support from Black-led business organizations, and apply to every general program. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada Indigenous entrepreneurs can get loans, equity contributions and advice through Indigenous Financial Institutions, and can also apply to every general program they qualify for. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Funding for women entrepreneurs in Canada: where to start Women entrepreneurs can use programs set aside for women-owned businesses, support from women-focused organizations, and every general program their business qualifies for. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Funding for young entrepreneurs in Canada Young entrepreneurs can get start-up loans with mentoring from Futurpreneur, and in Ontario, Summer Company and Starter Company Plus offer training, mentoring and grants. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Funding to take your business digital Canadian small businesses can find help to go digital through grants, wage subsidies for student hires and loans such as BDC's small business loan. Check each program page for what it covers. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 5 min read Getting paid: grant claims, receipts and reports Most grants pay after you spend. You submit claims with receipts, file progress and final reports, and the funder may hold back part until the end. Plan your cash flow. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Grant, loan, repayable contribution, rebate or tax credit: how Canadian funding types differ A grant isn’t paid back, a loan or repayable contribution is, a rebate returns part of a purchase, and a tax credit lowers the tax you owe. Here is how each one works. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Hiring a student? How wage subsidies work in Canada A student wage subsidy pays part of a student's wages, but you must apply and be approved before the job starts. Here is how the main programs differ. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Home energy rebates: what to check before you upgrade Before you buy a heat pump or new windows, check whether the rebate needs pre-approval, an energy assessment or an approved contractor. Doing things in order protects your rebate. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 5 min read How to spot a grant scam in Canada Real Canadian grants never charge a fee to apply or promise you'll win. Be wary of unsolicited calls, lookalike sites and "guaranteed" money. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read How to write a grant application funders can say yes to Show a clear fit with the program, a specific project, a realistic budget and proof you can deliver, answering exactly what the funder asks in its own words. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Myths about small business grants in Canada Most Canadian small business grants fund a specific project, not a start-up or day-to-day costs. Here are the common myths and what is actually true. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Selling abroad for the first time: funding and help for your first export market Canadian small businesses entering a new export market can find funding such as CanExport SMEs and, for agri-food, AgriMarketing, plus free trade advice. Plan first and apply before you spend. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 5 min read Should you hire a grant writer or funding consultant? Often you don’t need one, and you never pay to apply to a government program. If you hire help, get fees in writing, be careful with success fees and watch for red flags. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 5 min read SR&ED or IRAP? Two ways to fund research and development SR&ED is a federal tax incentive you claim after the R&D work is done; NRC IRAP is advice and funding approved before the work starts. Many innovative companies look at both. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Starting a business as a newcomer to Canada: funding and support Newcomers can get start-up loans, training and mentoring from settlement and business organizations, and can use general programs whose status rules they meet. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 5 min read What happens after you apply for a grant? After you apply, the funder confirms receipt, checks eligibility, assesses your project, may ask questions, then decides. If approved, you sign an agreement before work starts. Nov 3, 2026Blog · 4 min read Why you should apply before you spend Most grants, wage subsidies and rebates won’t pay for costs you had before approval. Apply first, wait for approval, then buy, hire or install. Nov 3, 2026