Manitoba Commercialization Support for Business Program (CSBP)

Update: The Commercialization Support for Business Program (CSBP) is closed and no longer accepting applications. Please refer to the Innovation Growth Program for similar support.

Manitoba small businesses occasionally face difficulties when commercializing innovative products or processes. Companies often lack the capital required develop products; and even once a working prototype is developed, finding customers may prove to be a challenge.

Through the Manitoba business grant Commercialization Support for Business Program (CSBP), Manitoba innovators may offset project costs related to product/process development and commercialization. Businesses may receive up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum ranging from $30,000-$250,000, depending on the type of project proposed.

To be eligible for this Manitoba government funding program, businesses must be for-profit and meet the requirements of being a ‘small business’. Companies can apply throughout the year, and in most cases, applicants will be approved for funding within 3 weeks.

If your company is developing technologies, consider using this research and development funding program as part of your Proactive Funding Plan™.

Commercialization Support for Business Program – Manitoba Technology Development Grants

The Commercialization Suppport for Business Program (CSBP) was designed specifically to help Manitoba small businesses improve their innovative technology’s market readiness and accelerate sales. Projects that are most likely to receive Manitoba business funding will create economic growth, including the creation/maintenance of jobs and higher export revenues.

There are three streams of Manitoba government funding provided through CSBP, including:

1. Product Development Grants

CSBP’s first stream seeks to validate early research by encouraging the development of working prototypes. Projects applying to this stream will typically have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4-6, meaning the innovation is in early-to-late stage development, or initial prototype testing is being completed. Funding will result in the development of working, verified prototypes.

Innovators applying through this stream may be able to access up to 50% of their project’s value to a maximum $50,000 in Manitoba government grants.

2. Product Commercialization Grants

Once prototypes have been developed, it’s necessary to commercialize the product/process and turn it into a scalable business venture. Projects at this stage will typically have a technology readiness level (TRL) of 7-9 and result in the innovation receiving real-world operational testing, evaluation and deployment.

Funding applicants may be able to access up to 50% of their project’s value up to $50,000-$250,000 in Manitoba business grants.

3. Market Development Grants

To maximize project success, innovators must sell their technologies to markets beyond Manitoba. Through the market development stream businesses may receive assistance to develop new marketing materials and attend trade shows. Projects should demonstrate why specific markets or events will lead to increased revenue.

Manitoba small businesses may access up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum $30,000 in market development grants, including a maximum $10,000 per trade show.

CSBP Small Business Eligibility – Can You Apply?

Applicants may apply for Manitoba business funding through the Commercialization Support for Business Program if they are:

• A business with fewer than 50 full-time employees in the previous year OR less than $15M in annual gross revenues; and
• Employing a workforce consisting of at least 25% Manitoba residents.

There is a lifetime maximum of $250,000 any one business entity may receive through CSBP. Business are eligible for additional funds until they’ve reached this limit.

How to Apply for the Commercialization Support for Business Program

Manitoba innovators may submit CSBP applications throughout the year to correspond with upcoming product development/commercialization projects. These applications require a critical review of your project and a case for how the Manitoba government funding will impact the project’s success.

For the Product Development and Market Development streams, applications are typically processed within 21 days of submission. First-time applicants should expect these timelines, while businesses who are re-applying through the Product Commercialization stream should provide extra time during the application process.

Companies may contact Mentor Works to discuss their eligibility for funding and receive comprehensive application support.

Updated: March 10, 2020