Funding programs

Non-repayable funding for not-for-profits (incorporated, operating at least three years) that run business support services for women entrepreneurs. Projects of $250,000 to $6 million, from a total of up to $80 million. Proposals are due November 9, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST; late ones aren't considered.

Wage subsidies for employers who hire youth aged 15 to 30 for summer jobs. Not-for-profits can get up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage; public employers and private businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees can get up to 50%. Applications for summer 2027 are open until December 3, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific.

Up to $2,000,000

AAFC funding for agriculture and agri-food industry associations and businesses to grow and diversify markets: up to $2 million a year and $10 million over five years, normally covering up to 50% of costs (70% in some cases). The intake is listed as open; contact the program before you apply. The program ends March 31, 2028.

Canadian Heritage funding for renovating arts and heritage spaces and buying specialized equipment, for not-for-profit arts and heritage organizations active for over two years, provincial and municipal governments and Indigenous governing bodies. New construction and planning studies are no longer accepted. Applications are taken on an ongoing basis for expenses between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028, while funds last.

Up to $5,000

Wage subsidies of up to $5,000 per work placement for employers anywhere in Canada who hire post-secondary students. Employers apply year-round through one of 18 delivery partners (such as Technation, ECO Canada, BioTalent Canada and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce); some partners may be at capacity.

Up to $37,500

Up to $37,500 per project (75% of costs) for Canadian businesses with fewer than 500 employees, academic institutions and research centres to negotiate R&D partnerships with foreign partners. The next intake opens December 1, 2026 at noon Eastern for 24 hours, first come, first served.

$10,000 – $250,000

Loans of $10,000 to $250,000 for Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada, through the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (run by the Federation of African Canadian Economics with BDC). The program also funds Black-led not-for-profits that support entrepreneurs.

$20,000 – $500,000

Up to $500,000 a year (up to 50% of costs, or 75% for defence and security projects) for national industry associations to run trade missions, market research and export strategies for their member businesses. The 2026-27 round is closed; the 2027-28 round is scheduled to start in fall 2026.

Up to $500,000

Non-repayable grants of up to $500,000 (up to 60% of costs) for Canadian communities and community organizations working to attract foreign direct investment. Not open now: the next call is expected in January 2027, with information sessions in December 2026.