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Commercialization Stage

Before applying for early-stage funding or financing, many businesses will have:

  • A validated MVP or protoype
  • Early customers, pilots or revenue
  • A clear go-to-market strategy
  • A defined use of funds
  • Basic financial projections
  • A legally incorporated business

Business Tools & Advisory Services

Tools to help you find targeting funding, navigate requirements, and connect with relevant programs as you enter and grow in the market.
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Business Benefits Finder

A free, online tool that provides a tailored list of government programs and services for your business. Results include grants, loans, advisory services, tariff support, and more.

Search across federal, provincial and territorial programs tailored to your business. 

Eligibility requirements vary by program.

Region: Canada

Find more information here. 

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GrantWatch

A searchable directory of grants, loans and funding opportunities for small businesses and nonprofits.

GrantWatch provides access to thousands of funding listings. Paid subscription tiers include detailed eligibility requirements, grant alerts, and proposal writing tools.
Eligibility varies by individual funding opportunities. 

Region: Global

Find more information here.

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Tax Credits

The CRA provides a range of federal tax credits aimed to help you and your business save money. 

Best for: Those looking to reduce their tax liability and reduce their taxable income.
Eligibility varies based on business activity.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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BizPaL

A free online tool that helps businesses identify the permits and licences required to start and operate.

BizPaL helps entrepreneurs understand regulatory requirements by searching for permits and licences based on your location and industry. Results provide relevant government agencies and application process.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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RBCx - Early Stage Startup Banking

Providing founder-friendly banking services and advisory support for technology-focused businesses from startup through growth and expansion. 

Support includes banking and credit solutions, strategic financial guidance and networking connections. 

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Innovation Venture Farm

Mentorship and investor connections for entrepreneurs developing innovative businesses.

Supporting founders through mentorship, advisory services, and connections to investors through their network of managers and industry experts.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Foundersuite

An all-in-one software platform designed to help entrepreneurs manage the fundraising process and investor relationships.

Foundersuite provides tools and resources to help startups organize and streamline funding. 
Features include:
- Investor database
- CRM for investor outreach
- Startup legal documents and templates
- Fundraising management tools

Note: Use code IC10 for 10% off services. 

Find more information here.

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Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI)

Funding and support programs designed to help Ontario-based companies develop, commercialize, and scale innovative technologies. 

OCI offers a range of programs supporting businesses across different stages of growth, including:
- Early-stage and co-investment funding
- Product development and commercialization support
- Sector-focused innovation programs
- Access to technical resources and expertise

Region: Ontario

Find more information here.

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Ryan - Funding and Tax Advisory

Advisory services to help businesses access government funding, tax credits, and incentives.

Helping businesses identify and secure funding opportunities. Support may include identifying eligible funding programs, preparing and submitting claims, maximizing tax credit opportunities, and ongoing advisory.

Find more information here.

Loans & Financing

Access to early-stage loans to help fund operations, equipment, and business growth.
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Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)

A federal program that helps small businesses access loans through participating financial institutions. 

This program makes it easier for small businesses to obtain financing by sharing loan risk with lenders. Funds can be used for equipment, leasehold improvements, and other startup or expansion costs.

Find a participating lender here.

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Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) - Business Loans

A range of loan and financing options designed to support Canadian entrepreneurs at different stages of growth.

Loans include: equipment financing, small business loans, technology and innovation loans, working capital financing and more.
Eligibility and loan structures vary depending on the program.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Community Futures - Small Business Loans

Micro business loans, inventory loans and advisory services delivered through local Community Futures organizations.

Applications are submitted through your local Community Futures office. 

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Futurpreneur

Startup loans and mentorship for entrepreneurs (aged 18-39) who are launching or buying a business. Specialized programs for Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Providing startup loans to $75,000 and up to two years of mentorship, along with business tools and networking opportunities. For those launching a business or operating for less than two years.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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PARO Prosper Lending Circles

A peer lending circle that offers small loans and mentorship for women entrepreneurs.

Options of non-repayable portions and microloans up to $5000. 

Region: Canada

Find all funds available here.

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Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada - National Loan Program

Loans up to $50,000 designed to improve access to financing for women entrepreneurs.

Supporting women-owned businesses across Canada. In Ontario, applications are delivered through the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

Business advisory services, training, and financial supports for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, at all stages of business development.

Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and identify as an Indigenous woman. 

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

This collaborative fund between financial institutions and government partners helps Black entrepreneurs access capital to start or grow their business. Loans up to $250,000. 

Applicants must provide a business plan, financial statements and projections, tax returns and identification. 

Applications are submitted through FACE (Federation of African Canadian Economics).

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Nishawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF)

Providing loans, business training and support programs for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in Northern Ontario.

Helping Indigenous entrepreneurs starting or growing their businesses. Typical eligibility includes being 18+, of Indigenous heritage and located in Northern Ontario. 

Region: Northern Ontario

Find more information here.

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Kawartha Lakes CFDC

The Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation provides loans and advisory services supporting entrepreneurs in the Kawartha Lakes region. 

Providing financing and business advisory services designed to help local entrepreneurs start, expand, or strengthen their businesses.

Region: Kawartha Lakes

Applications are submitted through Launch Kawartha.

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Women's Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (WELF)

A loan program designed to help improve access to financing for women entrepreneurs starting or growing a business, with loan portions being non-repayable.

Supporting activities such as starting a new business, expanding operations, purchasing equipment or inventory, and more.
Loans are delivered through partner organizations across Canada.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

Venture Capital

Early-stage equity investment for startups with a validated product and initial traction, typically at the pre-seed or seed stage.
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Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) - Venture Capital

BDC Capital invests in startups and high-growth companies through a variety of venture funds focused on different technologies and industries. 

Investment is provided in exchange for equity ownership, alongside strategic guidance and access to industry networks.

Region: Canada

Find all funds available here. 

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BKR Capital

Canada's first institutional venture capital firm led by Black investors. Investing in innovative early-stage companies.

Typical eligibility: have at least one Black founder, pre-seed or seed stage, and having product-market fit and large market potential.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

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Venbridge

A searchable directory of venture capital firms in Canada.

Helping founders explore Canadian venture capital firms by stage, focus area, and location.

Region: Canada

Find more information here. 

Grants

Funding to support product development, market entry, hiring, and early growth without giving up equity. 
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Starter Company Plus

Training, mentorship, and grants up to $5,000 for individuals starting, expanding or buying a small business through local Small Business Enterprise Centres. 

Typical eligibility:
- Ages 18+
- Ontario resident & Canadian citizen
- Not attending school full-time or returning
- Must contribute at least 25% of grant value

Region: Ontario

Find your local SBEC here.

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NADF E-Commerce Grant

Funding to help Indigenous entrepreneurs strengthen their online sales and digital presence. 

This grant helps offset the cost of digital tools and training, including: e-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools and online sales infrastructure.

Region: Located within eligible treaty territories in Canada.

Find more information here.

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NADF Business Financing Program

Non-repayable contributions supporting business development activities for Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

Supporting a variety of business activities, including: business planning, marketing, technology upgrades and more. 
Contributions up to $99,000, and applicants may be required to contribute 10-15% equity. 

Region: Located within eligible treaty territories in Ontario. 

Find more information here.

Intellectual Property

Programs to help protect and leverage your IP.
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Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON)

Funding and expert support for Ontario companies to develop, protect and leverage intellectual property. 

IPON provides help to develop IP strategies and protect innovations. Looking for companies in high-growth sectors with the ability to demonstrate economic or social benefit. 
Funding can cover up to 80% of eligible costs.

Region: Ontario

Find all funds available here. 

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ElevateIP

Funding and expert support to help Canadian startups develop intellectual property strategies. 

Supporting startups with up to $100,000 in funding, IP education and strategy development and guidance with patent and trademark filing.
Must be a Canadian-Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC) and own or have exclusive rights to IP.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.