NRC IRAP AI Assist
Funding and advisory support for small and medium businesses that build or adopt generative AI and deep-learning solutions.
Visit National Research Council of Canada (opens in a new tab)Check before you spend. Program details reflect publicly announced information as of mid-2026. Intakes open and close, and most programs will not cover costs incurred before approval. Confirm eligibility and amounts with each program.
Funding programs
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Showing 11 programs
NRC IRAP advisory and innovation funding
Free advice from Industrial Technology Advisors and cost-shared funding for technology innovation projects, including AI.
Visit National Research Council of Canada (opens in a new tab)Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII)
Federal funding delivered by regional development agencies to help businesses adopt AI and bring AI products to market.
Visit PacifiCan (B.C. regional agency) (opens in a new tab)AI Compute Access Fund
Helps Canadian small and medium businesses pay for the computing power needed to develop AI products.
Visit Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (opens in a new tab)SR&ED tax incentive
Tax credits for experimental development, which can include building new AI or machine-learning capability.
Visit Canada Revenue Agency (opens in a new tab)Canada Job Grant (provincial training grants)
Covers a large share of third-party training costs for your employees, such as AI skills courses. Delivered by provinces, for example the B.C. Employer Training Grant.
Visit Employment and Social Development Canada (opens in a new tab)Student Work Placement Program
Wage subsidies for hiring post-secondary students into work-integrated learning placements, including data and AI roles.
Visit Employment and Social Development Canada (opens in a new tab)Mitacs internships
Graduate students and postdocs from Canadian institutions work on your AI or data project, with costs shared by Mitacs.
Visit Mitacs (opens in a new tab)Scale AI
Canada's AI Global Innovation Cluster co-funds AI adoption projects and supports workforce training programs.
Visit Scale AI (opens in a new tab)BDC technology financing and advisory
Loans for technology investments and advisory services for digital and AI projects from Canada's business development bank.
Visit Business Development Bank of Canada (opens in a new tab)Futurpreneur
Startup financing and two years of mentorship for young entrepreneurs, including new AI-enabled service businesses.
Visit Futurpreneur Canada (opens in a new tab)No programs match both filters. Try "Everyone", or use the Business Benefits Finder below.
Provincial programs
What provincial funding is available for technology adoption?
Every province runs its own innovation programs. These are good starting points; the federal finder covers the rest.
Innovate BC
Programs that help B.C. companies adopt and pilot new technology and hire tech talent.
Visit Innovate BC (opens in a new tab)Alberta Innovates
Funding and support for technology development and adoption, including AI and digital programs.
Visit Alberta Innovates (opens in a new tab)Ontario Centre of Innovation
Programs that connect Ontario businesses with funding and research partners for technology projects.
Visit Ontario Centre of Innovation (opens in a new tab)Investissement Québec
Financing and support for digital transformation and productivity projects in Québec businesses.
Visit Investissement Québec (opens in a new tab)Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada's free tool lists federal and provincial programs that match your location, industry and size, including programs not listed here.
Open the Business Benefits Finder (opens in a new tab)Before you apply
How do I prepare a strong funding application?
Define one project
Funders back a specific problem, plan and budget, not "adopting AI" in general. Your blueprint is a good start.
Show the business case
Estimate hours saved, revenue gained or costs avoided, and how you will measure them.
Get quotes from vetted partners
Use the vetting checklist and attach written quotes with a clear scope.
Talk to the program first
An early call with an advisor tells you whether you fit and what to emphasize.
Questions
Funding FAQ
Are there government grants for AI in small business in Canada?
Yes, although most are contributions tied to a specific project rather than open grants. NRC IRAP AI Assist, the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative and Scale AI fund AI projects, while training grants and wage subsidies help with the people side.
Can freelancers get AI funding?
Options are narrower for sole proprietors. Futurpreneur and BDC offer financing, and incorporating can open access to IRAP and SR&ED. Training grants usually require you to be an employer.
Can I apply after I have bought the tool or started training?
Usually not. Most programs only cover costs incurred after approval, so talk to the program before you spend.
Not sure which program fits?
Our Funding Navigation service screens your eligibility and helps you shape a project funders want to support.