Canadian Government Funding for Business – IRAP ARP

The National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) has been one of the most prolific Canadian Government Funding Organizations with regards to their support of technological innovations within Canada’s Industries. As mentioned in our previous articles on the Changes to the 2012 Federal Budget; IRAP has been given approximately $110 Million to be allocated to Canadian SMEs through government funding grants for small business.

Canadian Government Funding for Technological Solutions

The IRAP Accelerated Review Process (ARP) is a process that is delivered by the NRC-IRAP. The eligible businesses can receive Ontario Government funding support for the development and implementation of advanced software and technologies to overcome a technical challenge. The process provides up to $50K in non-repayable Canadian Government funding for a business’ activities that are considered relevant to the project’s success and must meet the risk mitigating criteria. Therefore, it is important to note that not all programs under $50,000 are considered under the Accelerated Review Program, but many are found eligible.

Details for Small Business Government Grants

Projects considered eligible for support are those that possess a strong business case in regards to the potential benefits from the projected technological advancements. IRAP would provide funding support towards 80% of the direct labour and 50% of the sub-contractors’ fees related to the development, implementation, and commercialization of the new software or technology. These could include lean manufacturing studies, engineering process analysis, software implementation, productivity improvements, product design, market research, and many more.

IRAP’s Funding for Small Business

Businesses that are interested in receiving funding through IRAP may also want to browse the organization’s additional opportunities for government small business grants.

• IRAP Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP): Businesses can receive up to $100K in small business funding grants towards 80% of the project’s direct Labour and 50% of sub-contractor fees. The objective of this program is to promote the adoption and customization of new technologies and increase the productivity and competitiveness of Canadian SMEs.

• IRAP Youth Employment Program (YEP): This program is a hiring mechanism that supports the recruitment of 1-2 recent graduate(s) for a 12-month internship. Businesses can receive up to $30K in non-refundable business grants or 50% of the intern(s)’s wages. The skills of the intern could be applied to a variety of business activities including R&D, market research, business development, or customer service.

For more information on the availability of the IRAP Funding Programs, contact your Local IRAP Representative.

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Ontario Government Funding Advice and Support

Those who are interested in applying for one of the Canadian Government Funding Programs mentioned in today’s article can receive additional information and support by signing up for one of our Free 60 Minute Canadian Government Funding Workshops or contacting a Ontario Business Funding Expert. Businesses can also receive the latest up-dates and news-feeds from Government Funding Canada by subscribing to our Weekly Small Business Funding Grants & Loans E-Newsletter or following us on Twitter.