Starting a business in Canada in 2026 comes with both challenges and opportunities. Rising costs, global trade tensions, and supply-chain disruptions are pushing entrepreneurs to rethink how and where they build their businesses.
The good news? The Canadian government continues to invest heavily in business grants, startup funding, innovation programs, and export support to help new businesses stay competitive.
This guide breaks down the best business grants and funding options for new businesses in Canada, explains who they’re for, and highlights business ideas that align with current economic and trade realities.
With ongoing global trade disputes, increased tariffs, and supply-chain uncertainty, Canada is prioritizing:
Domestic production and near-shoring
Innovation and R&D
Export diversification beyond the U.S.
Digital transformation of small businesses
Workforce development and skills training
As a result, startup grants in Canada are increasingly tied to resilience, innovation, and growth potential.
Best for: Tech startups, product development, R&D-driven businesses
IRAP is one of the most searched programs for innovation funding in Canada.
What it supports:
Research and development projects
Prototype creation
Technical salaries and contractor costs
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/industrial-research-assistance-program
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Best for: Startups needing equipment, leasehold improvements, or real estate
This is not a grant, but it’s one of the most popular small business funding programs in Canada because it reduces lender risk.
Funding highlights:
Up to $1,000,000 in financing
Easier access for new businesses
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-small-business-financing-program
Best for: Businesses affected by trade wars or seeking new export markets
With global trade volatility, export grants are in extremely high demand.
Funding can cover:
Market research
Trade shows and international travel
Marketing and translation costs
🔗 https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/canexport
Best for: Service businesses, retail, consultants, and digital startups
Digital adoption remains a federal priority as businesses adapt to rising costs and remote operations.
Supports:
Digital strategy development
E-commerce and automation tools
Digital consulting costs
🔗 https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/canada-digital-adoption-program
Best for: High-impact, scaling businesses
This program supports large innovation projects that strengthen Canada’s economy.
🔗 https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/strategic-innovation-fund
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BC continues to invest in:
Clean technology
Construction & infrastructure
Childcare and healthcare services
Workforce training
🔗 https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business
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BC business grants, startup grants BC, business funding British Columbia
Ontario offers programs like Starter Company Plus, innovation grants, and wage subsidies.
🔗 https://www.ontario.ca/page/business-grants-loans-and-financing
Given trade tensions, rising import costs, and policy shifts, these business ideas are funding-friendly in 2026:
Businesses that replace imported goods with local production are attractive to funders.
Examples:
Specialty food production
Building materials
Medical supplies
Companies expanding beyond the U.S. into Europe, Asia, or the Middle East are well-positioned for export funding.
Businesses that help others reduce costs through:
Automation
AI tools
E-commerce systems
Energy efficiency consulting, green construction, and environmental services align strongly with government priorities.
With labour shortages across Canada, training and workforce development businesses are increasingly fundable.
Use the Government of Canada Business Benefits Finder to match grants to your situation:
🔗 https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/business-benefits-finder
Then, prepare:
A clear business plan
A realistic budget
A funding strategy that matches your stage
At StartCan Business Consulting, we help new and immigrant entrepreneurs across Canada:
Identify the right business grants and funding programs
Prepare funding-ready business plans
Structure businesses to improve grant eligibility
Avoid costly application mistakes
We don’t just list programs ; we help you position your business strategically in today’s economic reality.
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