Unlock your marketing potential in Canada.
We are well-placed to know that a refined brand identity makes all the difference in attracting clients and building a successful company! Understanding that it is a crucial aspect of brand awareness, but one that business owners could be tempted to skip or put off until later. Hiring professionals or investing time into it can sometimes go to the bottom of the priority list if there are already so many expenses that went into building a product or service; fair. That’s why we want you to know that there are options: grants and funds are always a good path to go down to when you realize that it's time then to rebrand or to create a coherent brand identity.
Finding grants to fund your business can be tedious, but don’t worry. We did the work for you! First off, we focused mainly on Canadian grants since this is our homeland, but we are sure you can find some help through your government website.
P.S. Let’s say you stumbled on this article just to find that these grants' deadlines are all past and it is not up-to-date anymore, no panic! Follow this link to tailor your specific needs and find all Canadian funds available for you.
1. Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) - All Canada
The Canada Digital Adoption Program is here to help with micro-grants of up to $2,400 to boost your online presence. Whether you're diving into e-commerce or sprucing up your digital game, this grant is here for it. The "Grow Your Business Online" stream covers everything from adopting cool tech to improving social media. There's also the "Boost Your Business Technology" stream for hiring digital experts, planning out your tech journey, and picking up strategies.
2. Futurpreneur - All Canada
This fund is for entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39 years old who are considering starting their business! Futurpreneur offers up to $60,000 in funding (not grant, but loaning money) and mentoring.
3. PME MTL - Montréal
This one is for small-medium Montreal businesses and is dedicated to innovation. You have access to up to $150,000 for your cool projects. You can use it for any steps you’re at with a new technology; testing it out, marketing it, and even protecting your invention with intellectual property rights. This one focuses on industries in bio-food, creative and cultural industries, digital industries, clean technologies, life sciences and health care technologies.
4. Innovation Fund - Prince Edward Island
Got a new product, service, or process that needs a nudge, and your company is established in Prince Edward Island? This fund's got two streams to help you out. The "New Product" stream is for fine-tuning your creation, while the "Product Diversification" stream is all about adapting your product for new adventures. Get up to $50,000 to make it happen!
5. Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) in the Prairie Provinces - Prairies Province
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) programs are for Prairie Province businesses that need help getting ideas off the ground. From advanced manufacturing to digital industries, this fund helps with growth and innovation. You can look forward to up to 50% off the project cost.
BONUS LINK
In 2023, Canada opened a program to support 2SLGBTQI+ businesses. Although, at the time we speak, funds are not open yet, it’s worth keeping an eye on it. Bookmark this!
Business growth cannot happen without investment. Our recommendation is definitely to start with the basics; create a strong brand for the company. An identity and brand strategy will create a strong and clear direction for your business and goals. It is always recommended to establish it from the beginning, but it is never too late to refresh and solidify. These funds we found should help you to invest in it and avoid mistakes down the line.
If you end up applying for these grants and need support making the most out of the funds or if have any more questions, we are here for you. Our door is open.
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