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Start Your Journey
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Ideation Stage

Before exploring funding options,
it's helpful to have:

  • A clear problem you're solving
  • Basic market validation
  • A defined business concept or prototype
  • A willingness to self-fund early exploration
  • A simple plan for how funding would be used
  • An understanding of IP if relevant

Founder Funding

Funding that typically comes directly from founders or their networks rather than financial institutions.
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Bootstrapping

Building a business by being as frugal as possible, using the businesses assets and possibly personal assets to fund early startup costs. 

Best for: Early validation and prototype development

Region: Global

Find more information here.

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Crowdfunding

A type of fundraising where a business asks the public for small amounts of money from a large number of people. May involve pre-sales, donations or equity. 

Best for: Consumer-facing products or strong community appeal

Region: Global

Find more information here.

Business Tools & Advisory Services

Online tools and resources that help identify funding opportunities, permits, programs, and other support services available to your business.
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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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Tax Credits

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

Best for: Those looking for 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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Incorporating Your Business (Federal Guide)

A step-by-step guide to incorporating your business federally in Canada.

This official guide walks you through the process of incorporating, including help with preparing incorporation documents, filing your application and understanding legal requirements.

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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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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Free Legal Support (Ontario)

Free legal support services available to Ontarians for a range of civil legal matters.

These services provide support for everyday legal needs, which may include topics relevant to starting a business. Support may help with understanding legal rights and obligations, navigating contracts or agreements and general legal questions.

Note: Services are not specific to business or entrepreneurship.

Find more information here.

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Ownr

An all-in-one platform to help Canadian entrepreneurs register, incorporate, and manage their business.

Tools and services include legal documents and contracts, ongoing compliance support, employee and business management tools, and more. Ownr is an RBCx company.

Region: Canada

Find more information here.

Loans & Financing

At this stage, loans are less common but may be available through youth, student or early entrepreneur programs.
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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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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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PARO Prosper Peer Lending Circles

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

Participants join a lending circle that provides mentorship, support and access to financing.
Options of non-repayable portions and microloans up to $5000.
No minimum credit score required.

Region: Canada

Find more information 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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Indigenous Women's Enterpreneur (IWE) Program

Business advisory services, training, and financing 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.

Intellectual Property

Resources to help you understand, protect, and plan your intellectual property as you develop your idea. 
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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 more information 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.