Western Economic Diversification Canada: Western Diversification Program

The Western Diversification Program (WDP) is an available program through which Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) makes strategic investments in initiatives that enhance and strengthen the economy of Western Canada.

The underlying objective of the WDP is to create a stronger West and a stronger Canada. WD’s current priorities are Trade and Investment, Business Productivity and Growth, and Technology Commercialization, and are used to help assess how projects contribute to this objective.

Canadian Business Grants for Western Canada

Funding may be in the form of a contribution or a grant.  Grants may be used where the assessment demonstrates a low risk project where monitoring is not required through the life of the project, due to the strength of the recipient, and the confidence in the use and value of the required funding.  Projects requiring ongoing monitoring of progress and use of funds will be funded as contributions.

Western Canadian Business Grants: Eligible Applicants

Funding is available to not for profit organizations such as:

• Post-secondary institutions;
• Hospitals and regional health care centres;
• Associations;
• Co-operatives;
• First Nations as represented by their Chief and Council, Tribal Councils and Aboriginal-led not-for-profit associations and organizations;
• Provincial government Departments, agencies and Crown Corporations; and
• Municipal Governments and organizations created by them.

Western Business Grants Canada: Eligible Activities

Grants and Contributions under the Program will be made towards projects that support the development and diversification of the western Canadian economy, and activities where economic and/or employment benefits accrue primarily within Western Canada.

Activities funded under this Western Canada business grants program will be in the areas of:

• Innovation;
• Industrial & Technological Benefits;
• Trade and Investment;
• Economic Growth Acceleration Opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples; and,
• Skills Development and Training.

Canadian Government Grants for Western Canada: Funding Amount

Funding for Grants and Contributions under the Program will be determined based on the minimum level required to ensure that the projects further the attainment of Program objectives and expected results and that the projects proceed in the timing, scope and location proposed. The assessment of the required level will take into consideration all other sources of funding available to the recipient.

Government Grants Canada: Special Conditions

The assessment of the required level of funding will take into consideration all other sources of funding available to the recipient. Projects may vary in duration, ranging from a few months to several years.

Successful applicants will be reimbursed on the basis of documented claims for eligible costs incurred and paid and/or the fulfillment of conditions specified in the contribution agreement being met. They will also be required to complete progress reports at key phases of the project, as well as a final project report.

Western Diversification Program: Eligible Costs

Incremental costs that are incurred by the recipient and which are required to achieve the desired outcomes are eligible for consideration and may include:

• Equipment
• Capital improvements
• Supplies
• Marketing/advertising
• Travel
• Other (see Terms and Conditions)

Western Canada Government Grants: Additional Funding Guidelines

Please note that the deadline for Western Diversification Program (WDP) applications is May 30, 2014.

Learn More about Canadian Business Grants and Loans for Western Canada

If you are an established small to mid-sized business with 15 or more employees and manufacture or perform R&D in Canada we invite you to attend a complimentary government funding for business workshop and/or webinar.