But here’s the challenge. Many businesses don’t even know what’s available to them. And those that do often struggle to navigate complex eligibility criteria and application processes.
At Online Accountant, we believe funding shouldn’t be out of reach. Below are 14 government grants in Canada you should know about in 2025, and how they can help you take your business to the next level.
CDAP is designed to help small and mid-sized Canadian businesses embrace digital tools. Whether you’re still running on paper or looking to integrate e-commerce, CDAP has two streams to support your goals:
Innovation is not cheap. This is the reason why IRAP is there. This grant assists Canadian companies in conducting research and development activities that will advance technology. It is particularly useful to firms operating in such fields as AI, clean energy, biotech, or advanced manufacturing.
You can receive funding for salaries, contractor fees, prototypes, and feasibility studies. It also gives you access to experienced advisors who help align your R&D plans with funding opportunities.
If you’re doing something new or technically challenging, IRAP should be on your radar.
Hiring and training new employees is one of the most expensive parts of running a business. CJG helps by covering a large portion of eligible training costs for new or existing employees.
Most provinces cover up to 66% of the training costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per employee per year. Some provinces even fund up to 100% for small businesses.
Training can include anything from forklift certification to digital marketing, software, accounting, or trade skills. The focus is on upskilling employees to keep your business competitive.
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program is not a direct grant, but it is still one of Canada’s most lucrative support programs for businesses involved in innovation.
This program offers refundable and non-refundable tax credits to businesses engaged in scientific or technological advancement. It applies to:
If you’ve invested in solving a technical uncertainty, even if the project failed, you might be eligible for thousands of dollars in tax refunds. Many companies don’t realize they qualify until a specialist accountant breaks it down for them.
Redesign processes end to end. Clarify decision rights. Align performance measures with the new model.
Thinking about taking your business global? The CanExport program offers support for SMEs exploring new international markets.
It covers up to 50% of costs related to:
It is a great source of funding for Canadian companies wishing to sell abroad, increase their brand coverage, or get ready to export.
Farmers and agri-food businesses play a vital role in Canada’s economy, and they’re also eligible for targeted support.
SCAP is a 5-year initiative that continues from the previous Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It offers cost-sharing funding to agricultural producers and processors across the country.
The program is customized by each province and territory to its local needs. What this implies is that a greenhouse operator in Ontario may be eligible to be assisted with energy-saving equipment, and a cattle rancher in Alberta may be able to access funding to implement better biosecurity practices.
In 2025, it is all about sustainability, climate change, traceability, and productivity.
WES is a national program that helps women to grow and excel in business. It is a combination of funding, loans, and mentorship.
It has two important sections:
Priority is given to businesses showing growth potential, particularly those in high-demand sectors like STEM, clean tech, and manufacturing.
Want to employ young workers and need assistance with the payroll expenses? YESS offers funds to businesses that will offer quality work experiences to Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30.
In most instances, companies are allowed to have up to 100 percent of the wages of a young worker paid by the government, particularly in green jobs, digital jobs, or in rural or underserved areas.
Several sub-programs fall under YESS, each with different focus areas and partners. From non-profits to tech firms, the opportunity to support youth while filling staffing needs is a win-win.
Sustainability is a kind of policy. ZEVIP helps businesses and property owners install electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Owners of commercial buildings, apartment complexes, and those with fleets may be able to have up to 50 percent of the cost of installing EV chargers paid by this program.
It is the right approach to keep track of clean energy policy, cater to environment-friendly consumers, and help Canada move toward a low-carbon economy.
The Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG) replaces the Canada-Alberta Job Grant in 2025. It invests in training to increase employee productivity and skills. Employers receive up to $5000 per hired trainee or $10000 per unemployed hire.
The catch? You pay half the training expenses of existing employees or a quarter of the training expenses of new employees. Tuition and course materials are eligible. CAPG is ideal when it comes to scaling teams with a limit of 100,000 per employer per year. Before training commences, apply online via the portal of Alberta. This grant develops a more powerful workforce without going bankrupt.
The Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF) in Ontario is a jewel to the mining industry. It facilitates research, development and commercialization of critical minerals technologies. Grants include projects that improve the supply chain of minerals such as lithium or cobalt in Ontario.
Applications must be received by October 1, 2025, and funding will be up to $500,000 per project. Businesses and research institutions are eligible applicants. CMIF seeks to enhance the Canadian presence in the international markets. This grant may be a breakthrough if you are in mining or clean tech. Submit through the Transfer Payment portal in Ontario.
Accessibility matters. The EASE Grant, launched by Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, funds projects improving spaces for people with disabilities and seniors. Grants up to $60,000 support small construction or renovation projects.
Think ramps, accessible housing, or outdoor spaces. Applications are due August 14, 2025. Projects exceeding Ontario’s accessibility standards get priority. Municipalities, non-profits, and businesses can apply through Transfer Payment Ontario. This grant not only boosts community impact but also aligns with social good. Make your space inclusive and get funded.
Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is not only international. It will also fund small-scale, high-impact projects in Canada in 2025. The average grant is $31,000 and is community-based and inclusive. The organizations that can apply are non-profits and small businesses working with local groups. The projects could focus on accessibility, Indigenous support or environmental objectives. Applications are done through Canadian embassies or high commissions. CFLI is flexible enough to be used in creative community projects. Have a big idea? This grant would make it come to life.
Disruption of global trade is painful. The Trade-Impacted Communities Program (TICP) of Ontario provides 40 million dollars in 2025 to assist tariff-affected businesses and communities. Grants can be used to switch to domestic supply chains or update operations. Businesses, municipalities, and non-profits are eligible applicants. TICP specializes in such industries as manufacturing and marine services. The processing of applications is done under the regional development programs in Ontario. TICP may be a lifeline to your business when trade issues are threatening it. Be quick to access this funding.
Applying for grants may be intimidating. However, you can shine with preparation.
We can begin by conducting eligibility research on government websites such as Canada.ca or Ontario.ca.
Develop a comprehensive project plan with specific goals and budgets. Emphasize the knowledge and economic contribution of your team. Maintain financial records, and most grants demand this.
The deadlines are rigid; therefore, plan ahead. It is a good idea to hire a grant consultant or an accountant to increase your success rate. We make applications user-friendly for our clients at Online Accountant.
Grants do not fall into your lap. The application process is something that has to be planned. These are some of the fast tips:
From writing grant applications to handling SR&ED tax credit claims, our team ensures your business doesn’t leave money on the table.
Canada has no shortage of government support for businesses in 2025. From technology upgrades to training subsidies, green infrastructure to export plans, there’s something for everyone.
But most business owners are too busy running operations to sort through dozens of funding options. That’s where professional guidance helps. You focus on your business. We focus on the funding.
Let us help you access the grants you deserve.
