BDC Lift
Federal
Financing from the Business Development Bank of Canada to help businesses invest in technology and AI adoption.
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AI grants and financing in Canada
AI grants in Canada: how to fund your first AI implementation
Canadian businesses can combine federal, regional and provincial programs to reduce the cost of practical AI projects. Depending on the project, eligible costs may be covered up to 70%.
Eligibility and amounts depend on specific qualifying business criteria and the province or territory where your business is located. Program terms change often, so intakes are always confirmed before you commit.
How AI funding usually works
- Most programs fund a clearly scoped project with measurable outcomes, not general technology spending.
- Grants, repayable contributions, financing and tax credits can often be stacked, within each program's limits.
- Applications are stronger when the first phase is defined: the workflow, the tools it connects to, and the expected business result.
Programs to know
Canada-wide
NRC-IRAP
Federal
The National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program supports innovative projects with advisory services and funding.
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SR&ED
Federal
Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credits for eligible experimental development work, including some AI development.
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RAII
Federal, regional agencies
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative, delivered by each region's federal development agency, supports AI adoption and commercialization.
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Quebec
ESSOR
Quebec
Investissement Québec program supporting investment projects, including digital diagnostics, productivity and technology adoption.
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MEIE
Quebec
Programs from the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie supporting innovation and technology adoption.
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CDAEIA
Quebec
Quebec tax credit on eligible salaries for IT companies that design or integrate solutions with significant AI features.
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CPMT
Quebec
Commission des partenaires du marché du travail programs that can support workforce training tied to new tools.
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Ontario
DMAP
Ontario
The Ontario Centre of Innovation's Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan helps SMEs build a digital adoption plan with an approved consultant.
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CMAP
Ontario
Ontario program supporting technology adoption projects.
Official source to be confirmed
Ontario Job Grant
Ontario
Helps cover training costs as teams learn to work with new systems, through approved third-party trainers.
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Other regions
Innovate BC
British Columbia
Programs supporting innovation and technology adoption for BC businesses.
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Alberta Innovates
Alberta
Funding and support for technology and innovation projects in Alberta.
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ACOA
Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency programs supporting business growth and productivity.
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AI-powered grant finder
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