Ready for 2025? Don’t Leave Money on the Table – Here’s How Grants Can Fuel Your Growth
As the year wraps up, now is the time to start planning for 2025. Whether you're expanding your team, upgrading equipment, or launching new projects, finding potential grants and funding can be a game changer. Spoiler: starting the process early can make all the difference.
Workforce Planning Funding
There are several grants in Canada and specifically, Atlantic Canada, that support workforce planning, training, and upskilling to help build a strong, future-ready workforce. Leveraging these funds can reduce turnover costs, minimize hiring expenses, and support building a time to achieve your long-term business growth goals.
Making the Process Easier
Grant applications can be daunting, but believe it or not, they’re meant to help, not stress you out. Starting early allows time to gather documents, plan, and build an impactful, tailored application. Even if you're not actively seeking grants, it’s worth checking to see if there’s funding aligned with your 2025 goals. As Wayne Gretzky says, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Why It Matters
We get it, every dollar counts, especially for growing businesses. Grants can provide the financial support needed to scale, staying competitive without straining resources. By tapping into these opportunities, you're investing in both immediate and long-term success.
Funding Avenues to Get You Started
Canada Summer Job Grant - Open: Nov 19 Close: Dec 18
· This program provides funding for employers to train new or existing employees. It covers up to two-thirds of the cost of training (to a maximum of $10,000 per employee), helping businesses improve their workforce.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
· ACOA supports small businesses through various funding programs like the Business Development Program (BDP) and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
· These programs provide financial assistance for activities like market development, productivity improvement, and innovation.
IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)
· Administered by NRC, this program supports innovative research and development for small and medium-sized businesses. Funding can cover a portion of salaries, contractor fees, and other expenses related to R&D.
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
· Provides grants to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital tools and enhance their digital presence. Eligible businesses can receive grants for technology upgrades, website development, and e-commerce integration.
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)
· In Atlantic Canada, businesses can apply through Invest Nova Scotia or Opportunities New Brunswick for funding focused on innovation and business growth. These agencies offer support for startups, tech companies, and family-owned businesses in various industries.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)
· Aimed at women-led businesses, this initiative offers grants, loans, and mentorship programs to help women entrepreneurs access capital and resources for scaling their businesses.
Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP)
· This program helps Canadian businesses bring their innovative products to market by providing funding to test their innovations in government departments.
Export Development Canada (EDC)
· EDC offers grants and loans to businesses looking to expand into international markets. They provide financial support and expertise to help small businesses succeed on a global scale.
Nova Scotia Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program
· This program helps small businesses in Nova Scotia collaborate with post-secondary institutions to develop new products, improve productivity, and innovate. The voucher covers a portion of the project costs.
Crafting a Winning Application
We’re here to help you find the right funding and guide you through creating and submitting a standout application. Put your best foot forward, maximizing your chances of securing the resources you need to grow.
