At NorthBridge, we keep up to date on all the most recent government funding updates, intake announcements and upcoming deadlines so you don’t have to. Each month, we will be providing a summary of the most important news in government funding. Get in touch today to learn more about each program and assess your eligibility.

For: BC-based SMEs looking to pilot technologies

Delivered in partnership between Innovate BC and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), the BC Fast Pilot program supports SMEs in designing, building and operating pilot plants or technology demonstration. Priority projects include those that involve Indigenous communities or are related to cleantech.

EOIs to the BC Fast Pilot program are due by April 24, 2023.

For: Ontario-based automotive companies looking to develop innovative vehicle technologies

The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) provides support to the automotive and mobility sector through programming geared towards small and medium sizes enterprises. Offering several programs designed to boost innovation in various areas including vehicle autonomy and sustainability, OVIN invests in partnerships which aim to commercialize their projects.

EOIs are due by June 5, 2023 for Stream 2: Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Fund – C/AV & Smart Mobility; Stream 2: Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Fund – Electric Vehicle; and Research and Development (R&D) Partnership Fund – WinterTech.

For: Canadian audiovisual companies looking to produce feature length films

Telefilm Canada’s Production Program supports Canadian audiovisual production companies at the production and/or post-production stage of feature film projects. Companies producing fictional films at least 75 minutes in length can receive up to 49% of production costs covered by the program.

Applications to the Production Program are due by June 30, 2023.

For: Biotechnology/healthcare companies looking to employ post-secondary students

Biotalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program is a wage subsidy which provides funding to employ post-secondary students in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 program. Eligible applicants can receive a wage subsidy of up to $7000 to cover 70% of costs.

For: Alberta-based agricultural firms looking to adopt or create innovative and sustainable technologies

The $3.5-billion Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is the successor to the CAP program, with five years of planned investments in economic development and sustainable innovation in Canada’s agri-food and agri-based products sector. Priorities of the program include building sector capacity, growth and competitiveness; climate change and environment; resiliency and public trust; market and trade and science; and research and innovation. Alberta’s $508 million Sustainable CAP has opened in take for several programs, including Efficient Grain Handling, Emerging Opportunities, Farm Technology, On-Farm Value-Added, Resilient Agricultural Landscape, and more. 

For: Saskatchewan-based agricultural firms looking to adopt or create innovative and sustainable technologies

The $3.5-billion Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is the successor to the CAP program, with five years of planned investments in economic development and sustainable innovation in Canada’s agri-food and agri-based products sector. Priorities of the program include building sector capacity, growth and competitiveness; climate change and environment; resiliency and public trust; market and trade and science; and research and innovation. Saskatchewan’s $485-million Sustainable CAP has opened intake for several programs, including the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure, Resilient Agricultural Landscapes, Animal Health and Biosecurity, Product Development, Agriculture Development Fund, and Ag Demonstration of Practices and Technology.

For: High-growth Southwestern or Eastern Ontario-based companies looking to grow, improve productivity, invest in innovation and skills development and expand into new markets

SWODF and EODF are aimed towards high-growth companies with at least three years of substantial operating experience, based in southwestern or eastern Ontario. Loans of up to $5 million are available for projects that aim to improve a company’s competitiveness, productivity, pursue new markets or expand the business through the introduction of new products or services. Available only to for-profit firms with at least three years of operating experience, the loan is interest free for the duration of the project, with the potential for partial loan forgiveness.

The upcoming deadline to apply for SWODF and EODF is June 15, 2023.