Small to medium sized companies in Western Canada can receive funding from the Western Innovation Initiative (WINN), recently announced by Western Economic Development Canada. The WINN program will be releasing application information starting November 9, 2013.
The WINN program spans five years and has $100 million to support SMEs in Western Canada. The funds will be delivered as a repayable contribution, up to $3.5 million per project and a maximum of $7.5 million per company. The purpose of this program is to help commercialize innovative products, processes, and services. This program aligns with the government’s objectives of job creation, growth, and innovation in the Canadian economy.
Eligible companies are: incorporated in Canada, operating in the Western provinces, at least one year since incorporation, less than 500 employees, and planning to commercialize an innovative product, process or service.