MapleForward
Canadian funding, without the maze

Find programs worth your time.

Three details turn a national funding catalogue into a focused shortlist. Every match shows the eligibility blockers and cash-flow reality first.

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60-second diagnostic1 of 1

No account required. This is a screening tool, not an eligibility decision.

Funding tear sheets

Browse all programs

Use the diagnostic for a shortlist, or open any program below.

Equipment & growth

Canada Small Business Financing Program

A Canadian for-profit business financing real property, equipment, leasehold improvements, intangible assets or working capital.

Government-backed commercial loan Up to C$1.15M
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Government-backed commercial loan
Maximum value
Up to C$1.15M
Ideal candidate
A Canadian for-profit business financing real property, equipment, leasehold improvements, intangible assets or working capital.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • Gross annual revenue must not exceed C$10M.
  • The business must operate for profit in Canada and offer goods or services to the public.
  • Charitable, religious and non-operating holding organizations are excluded.
  • Agricultural producers use the separate CALA program.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

There is no grant match. A participating lender makes the credit decision and the federal government shares the lender’s risk.

Payment reality

This is financing, not reimbursement. Interest and a 2% registration fee apply; the fee may be financed within the loan.

Stacking limits

Other assistance may be possible, but confirm lender and program restrictions before combining funds.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Commercial real property
  • New or used equipment
  • Leasehold improvements
  • Intangible assets and franchise fees within the sub-limit
  • Working capital through the separate line of credit
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Farming operations
  • Charitable or religious organizations
  • Non-operating holding companies
  • Any use rejected by the participating lender
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

The supplied research estimates roughly 2–4 weeks, depending on the lender.

Document burden
  • Business plan or purchase details
  • Revenue information or projections
  • Quotes, purchase agreements and lender credit documents
What decision-makers assess
  • Repayment capacity
  • Business viability
  • Eligible asset or expense
  • Lender underwriting requirements

Program terms summarized from the supplied 2026 funding catalogue. Confirm current terms with ISED and a participating lender.

Check the official program
Cash flow & growth

BDC Small Business Loan

An established Canadian business seeking working capital, inventory or expansion financing.

Direct business loan Up to C$350,000
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Direct business loan
Maximum value
Up to C$350,000
Ideal candidate
An established Canadian business seeking working capital, inventory or expansion financing.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • At least 24 months of revenue-generating operations are required in the supplied source.
  • For requests up to C$100,000, the source states at least C$100,000 annual revenue.
  • For requests above C$100,000, the source states at least C$250,000 annual revenue.
  • Approval remains subject to BDC credit assessment.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

No grant match. The business repays principal and interest under its approved loan terms.

Payment reality

Funds are borrowed capital, not a reimbursement or non-repayable grant.

Stacking limits

May complement other financing, subject to debt-service capacity and each program’s rules.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Working capital
  • Inventory
  • Marketing and market expansion
  • General growth initiatives accepted by BDC
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Pre-revenue ventures under this product
  • Requests without demonstrated repayment capacity
  • Uses outside the final BDC loan agreement
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

The supplied source estimates under 10 days for loans up to C$100,000 and up to 30 days for larger requests.

Document burden
  • Operational history
  • Revenue evidence
  • Two years of financial statements for larger requests
  • Business and owner credit information
What decision-makers assess
  • Character
  • Capital
  • Capacity
  • Collateral
  • Business and market conditions
Agriculture

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program

A farmer or agricultural cooperative financing land, buildings, equipment, livestock or an eligible transfer.

Government-guaranteed agricultural loan C$500,000 farmers · C$3M cooperatives
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Government-guaranteed agricultural loan
Maximum value
C$500,000 farmers · C$3M cooperatives
Ideal candidate
A farmer or agricultural cooperative financing land, buildings, equipment, livestock or an eligible transfer.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • Applicant must be an eligible farmer or agricultural cooperative.
  • Equipment, livestock and refinancing uses are capped at C$350,000 within the individual limit.
  • The lender must approve the application.
  • Different equity requirements apply to beginning and established farmers.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

The supplied source states a 10% down payment for beginning farmers and 20% for established operations.

Payment reality

This is repayable lender financing backed by a federal guarantee, not reimbursement funding.

Stacking limits

Confirm total security, lender and other-program conditions before combining assistance.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Farmland
  • Construction or repair of farm buildings
  • Farm equipment
  • Livestock
  • Eligible debt refinancing and farm transfers
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Non-agricultural businesses
  • Amounts above category sub-limits
  • Uses not accepted by the lender or CALA rules
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

Varies by lender; the supplied catalogue does not provide one national processing standard.

Document burden
  • Farm business plan
  • Purchase agreements or quotes
  • Financial and repayment information
  • Proof of beginning-farmer status where applicable
What decision-makers assess
  • Farm viability
  • Repayment capacity
  • Eligible asset
  • Borrower equity
Innovation & R&D

Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive

A Canadian company resolving technological uncertainty through systematic experimental development.

Retroactive investment tax credit Enhanced 35% rate on up to C$6M of qualifying expenditures for eligible CCPCs
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Retroactive investment tax credit
Maximum value
Enhanced 35% rate on up to C$6M of qualifying expenditures for eligible CCPCs
Ideal candidate
A Canadian company resolving technological uncertainty through systematic experimental development.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • Routine product development without technological uncertainty does not qualify.
  • The enhanced refundable rate depends on corporation type and taxable-capital tests.
  • Claims require contemporaneous technical and financial evidence.
  • Expenditures must meet CRA eligibility rules.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

No conventional match, but only a percentage of qualifying expenditure is credited; the business carries the remaining cost.

Payment reality

Retroactive tax support: perform and document eligible work, then claim through the tax system.

Stacking limits

Government assistance can reduce the expenditure pool. Coordinate provincial credits and other support with a qualified adviser.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Qualifying R&D salaries
  • Consumed materials
  • Eligible contractor costs
  • Qualifying capital under current rules
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Market research
  • Routine engineering
  • Commercial production
  • Unsupported or poorly documented work
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

Claim review timing varies. Budget for preparation and possible technical or financial review.

Document burden
  • Project chronology
  • Technical records and test results
  • Payroll and expense ledgers
  • Corporate tax schedules
What decision-makers assess
  • Technological uncertainty
  • Systematic investigation
  • Technological advancement
  • Traceable cost evidence
Innovation & R&D

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program

An incorporated, growth-oriented Canadian technology SME undertaking a technically credible innovation project.

Non-repayable contribution Typically C$50,000–C$1M; larger contributions may reach C$10M
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Non-repayable contribution
Maximum value
Typically C$50,000–C$1M; larger contributions may reach C$10M
Ideal candidate
An incorporated, growth-oriented Canadian technology SME undertaking a technically credible innovation project.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • Must be an incorporated, for-profit Canadian SME.
  • Must have 500 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees.
  • The project must involve meaningful technology innovation.
  • Funding approval is required before relying on support.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

The supplied research says IRAP may cover roughly 60–80% of eligible R&D salaries and specialized contractor fees; the company funds the balance.

Payment reality

Contribution payments and claim mechanics are set in the agreement. Maintain cash to cover costs and claim timing.

Stacking limits

Total government assistance is limited. Disclose every other source of public funding.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • R&D salaries
  • Specialized technical contractors
  • Technology-development activities in the approved work plan
Likely ineligible / reject
  • General operating costs
  • Routine commercial work
  • Unapproved costs incurred outside the contribution agreement
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

Not fixed in the supplied catalogue; engagement with an Industrial Technology Advisor precedes a funding decision.

Document burden
  • Technical project plan
  • Budget and milestones
  • Team capabilities
  • Commercialization and financial information
What decision-makers assess
  • Technical merit
  • Management capacity
  • Commercial potential
  • Benefits to Canada
Startup financing

Futurpreneur Core Startup Program

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18–39 launching or acquiring an early-stage business.

Equity-free repayable financing plus mentorship Up to C$75,000
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Equity-free repayable financing plus mentorship
Maximum value
Up to C$75,000
Ideal candidate
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18–39 launching or acquiring an early-stage business.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • Applicant must be 18–39.
  • Applicant must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • A viable business plan and full commitment to the venture are required.
  • The financing is a loan, not a grant.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

No grant match. The package may combine C$25,000 from Futurpreneur with up to C$50,000 from BDC.

Payment reality

Repayable financing. The supplied source notes interest-only payments during the first 12 months and program fees.

Stacking limits

Other financing may be possible if disclosed and affordable; confirm with Futurpreneur.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Startup costs
  • Business acquisition where accepted
  • Working capital and launch expenses in the approved plan
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Applicants outside the age or residency criteria
  • Passive investment ventures
  • Uses outside the approved business plan
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

Varies with business-plan readiness, due diligence and the BDC co-financing decision.

Document burden
  • Business plan
  • Cash-flow projections
  • Identity and residency proof
  • Personal financial and credit information
What decision-makers assess
  • Founder readiness
  • Plan viability
  • Cash-flow capacity
  • Commitment to mentorship
Inclusive financing

Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

A viable Canadian business that is at least 51% Black-owned and needs startup or growth capital.

Repayable business loan C$25,000–C$250,000
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Repayable business loan
Maximum value
C$25,000–C$250,000
Ideal candidate
A viable Canadian business that is at least 51% Black-owned and needs startup or growth capital.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • At least 51% Black ownership is required.
  • The supplied source defines startups as operating at least three months but with under 12 consecutive months of sales.
  • Startup requests are capped at C$50,000 in the supplied source.
  • Larger requests require operating history, financial statements and tax returns.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

No grant match. FACE lends directly up to C$100,000; the supplied source describes BDC risk-sharing above that level.

Payment reality

Repayable debt with terms set through underwriting.

Stacking limits

Additional financing must be disclosed and fit the business’s repayment capacity.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Capital investments
  • Leasehold improvements
  • Working capital tied to contracts
  • Approved growth uses
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Businesses below the ownership threshold
  • Speculative uses
  • Requests unsupported by a viable business plan
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

Not specified in the supplied catalogue; expect full business and credit adjudication.

Document burden
  • Ownership evidence
  • Business plan
  • Financial projections
  • Historical statements and tax returns for established firms
What decision-makers assess
  • Business-plan viability
  • Financial sustainability
  • Management capacity
  • Repayment ability
Inclusive financing

WEOC National Loan Program

A majority woman-owned Canadian business seeking accessible startup or growth financing.

Repayable term loan Up to C$50,000
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Repayable term loan
Maximum value
Up to C$50,000
Ideal candidate
A majority woman-owned Canadian business seeking accessible startup or growth financing.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • Majority female ownership is required.
  • The business plan must show a credible path to profitability.
  • Final approval is subject to the regional loan administrator.
  • This is a loan, not a grant.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

No stated grant match. Borrowers repay principal and interest; the supplied source says interest is capped at prime plus 4%.

Payment reality

Loan proceeds are advanced under the agreement and repaid over a term of up to five years.

Stacking limits

Can potentially complement other capital if total debt remains affordable and all providers agree.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Startup and expansion costs accepted in the approved plan
  • Equipment
  • Working capital
  • Business improvements
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Businesses below the ownership threshold
  • Uses rejected by the regional delivery partner
  • Applications without a viable repayment plan
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

Varies by regional delivery organization; not specified in the supplied catalogue.

Document burden
  • Business plan
  • Financial projections
  • Ownership information
  • Personal and business financial information
What decision-makers assess
  • Profitability potential
  • Owner capability
  • Business-plan quality
  • Repayment capacity
Regional growth

ACOA Business Development Program

An Atlantic Canadian SME starting, modernizing or scaling with a credible project and regional economic benefit.

Interest-free repayable contribution No fixed national ceiling stated in the supplied source
01
30-second snapshot

The money, in plain English

Funding type
Interest-free repayable contribution
Maximum value
No fixed national ceiling stated in the supplied source
Ideal candidate
An Atlantic Canadian SME starting, modernizing or scaling with a credible project and regional economic benefit.
02
Go / no-go gate

The hard no criteria

If even one of these applies, stop and confirm eligibility before spending time on an application.

  • The project must operate in Atlantic Canada.
  • The business and project must meet ACOA’s eligibility assessment.
  • The contribution is generally repayable for commercial businesses.
  • Do not assume approval before a written agreement.
03
Cash-flow reality

The catch

Matching rule

The supplied catalogue states support may cover up to 50% of eligible capital requirements; the applicant funds the remainder.

Payment reality

Cash-flow and claim mechanics vary by agreement. Plan to carry costs before contribution payments.

Stacking limits

All government support must be disclosed and remain within the agreement’s assistance limit.

04
Budget fit

What it actually buys

Often eligible
  • Startup and modernization projects
  • Productivity equipment
  • Market development
  • Approved capital and project costs
Likely ineligible / reject
  • Projects outside Atlantic Canada
  • Routine unsupported operating costs
  • Costs incurred outside approval terms
05
Effort estimate

Application reality check

Approval timeline

Not specified in the supplied catalogue; contact ACOA before committing project costs.

Document burden
  • Project proposal
  • Business plan
  • Financial statements and projections
  • Detailed budget and financing plan
What decision-makers assess
  • Economic benefits
  • Management capacity
  • Project viability
  • Applicant contribution
Built for decisions

Five questions. One useful answer.

MapleForward turns dense program rules into the operational facts an owner needs before committing time, staff or cash.

  1. 01What is it?

    Instrument, cap and ideal applicant.

  2. 02Am I blocked?

    Mandatory requirements near the top.

  3. 03What’s the catch?

    Matching, reimbursement and stacking.

  4. 04What can I buy?

    Practical eligible and rejected costs.

  5. 05What will it take?

    Timeline, documents and scoring.

MapleForward — Trusted Canadian SMB Support
The broader mission

Your next useful business decision.

Funding is the first wedge. MapleForward’s long-term direction connects practical funding, productivity, business tools and trusted support—while keeping essential eligibility information free.