Why This Matters
Funding is the act of providing resources to finance a need, program, or project. While this is usually in the form of money, it can also take the form of effort or time from an organization or company. Whether you have already started your business, or pivoted to an online presence, funding and support can be an important component in helping your business to grow. There are various organizations, other funders, the Federal and the various Provincial governments within Canada that provide help in the form of grants and other funding options.
Resources
Pocketed – Pocketed is a grant matching platform built to make finding grants a smooth, intuitive journey. It is completely free* to use and offers fast, founder-friendly, grant-based financing integrated directly into its platform. They have a premium version which has some great additional features (such as support writing the grants), and they have a nonprofit pricing option as well. This really is a one-stop-shop and should be your starting point in your funding research. *Signing up is FREE and you have access to their lists of grants and funding options.
Grant Connect Canada – Grant writing software focused on Canadian organizations. There is a 2 tier price point for the software, Essential and Premium.
Grant Info & Writing Resources
WizeHive – A software system that assists in grant writing. There is a tiered pricing system but the actual prices are not noted on the website.
Most Frequented Funding Programs
Techsoup – Is not a funding platform but for nonprofits it provides discounts or sometimes free versions of common software, hardware and services from major brands (Microsoft, QuickBooks etc). It is a nonprofit international network of non-governmental organizations that provides technical support and technical tools for other nonprofits.
Community Futures – The only community driven, non-profit business loan and business development organization made up of 34 Community Futures offices throughout rural British Columbia. Some have digital loans/grants and some have grants/loans for persons with disabilities.
Export Development Canada – Is a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage. We equip them with the tools they need – the trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to grow their business with confidence. This in turn, creates jobs and increases prosperity at home. One of their main programs is the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) Program.
Futurpreneur – Has been fuelling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for two decades. Futurpreneur is the only national, nonprofit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.
Indigenous Regional Funding – Also known as Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFI’s), NACCA, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, is a network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada.
Women’s Enterprise Centre – Is a nonprofit that has been supporting women business owners across the province for over 25 years. Working with our regional partners, WeBC has provided thousands of entrepreneurs with business loans and expertise, training, resources, and peer network support to help businesses grow and thrive.
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.
The Canadian Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program (SRED/ SR@ED) – A program that provides support in the form of tax credits and/or refunds, to businesses/organizations, partnerships or individuals who conduct scientific research or experimental development in Canada.
Development Trusts
Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) – Created and capitalized by the Province of British Columbia in 2006, the Island Coastal Economic Trust has been at the forefront of economic diversification, planning and regional revitalization in the Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast region.
Columbian Basin Trust – Supports the ideas and efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin.
Northern Development – The Northern Development Initiative Trust board, regional advisory committees and staff have a passion for growing the economy of central and northern British Columbia.
Government Specific
All provincial and federal grants should be under Pocketed, however based on your criteria of what you are looking for you might not see them all. It is suggested you have a quick look at these resources as well.
Economic Development Grants – Find financial support for your economic development initiatives by easily searching this database.
Canadian Small Business Funding Resources – Mentor Works is a company who collates grant and funding resources.
Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada – Funding finder by the Government of Canada.
Funding programs from the Government of Canada – Funding programs for jobs, training, and social development projects.
Canada Startups – Funding and other resources for Start-Ups.
Trade Commissioner Canada (TSC) – Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) can help companies that are ready to start doing business online with customers abroad, or those already selling internationally.