Bank of Canada Policy Rate & Commercial SME Borrowing Impact
The Bank of Canada continues adjustments to the overnight rate, easing commercial borrowing costs for Canadian SMEs. We break down how this impacts CSBFP government-backed loans, equipment financing leases, and working capital lines.
CanExport SMEs: $50,000 Grants Mandate Non-US Export Diversification
Global Affairs Canada has reinforced strict export diversification guidelines for CanExport SMEs. Applicants targeting European, Indo-Pacific, and Latin American market expansion receive prioritized scoring for international trade and IP protection.
CRA SR&ED Reform: $6M Expenditure Phase-Out Threshold Implementation
CCPCs now benefit from the enhanced $6M taxable capital phase-out threshold for refundable SR&ED tax credits. In addition, capital equipment directly utilized in scientific research has renewed eligibility under the modernized guidelines.
Ontario Job Grant (COJG): Fast-Track Allocations for Tech & Manufacturing
The Ministry has opened fresh quarterly budget allocations for employer-led training. Small businesses with under 50 employees qualify for up to 83% direct training subsidy, while training new hires unlocks up to 100% reimbursement ($10,000/employee).
NRC IRAP AI Assist: 80% Technical Wage Subsidies for Applied AI & CleanTech
The National Research Council has expanded its specialized AI Assist stream, helping Canadian SMEs integrate foundational machine learning models and automated proprietary workflows. Subsidies cover up to 80% of internal technical salaries.
Canadian Defence Procurement: Increased ITB Multipliers for CleanTech Suppliers
ISED has updated the Value Proposition scoring matrix for major defence procurements, offering prime contractors enhanced credit multipliers when partnering with Canadian SMEs possessing advanced clean technology, quantum, and cybersecurity capabilities.
Frequently asked questions
What appears in the funding updates feed?
Newly opened and closing program intakes, changes to eligibility or rates, budget and policy announcements, and interest rate decisions that affect financing costs.
How is this different from the insights articles?
Updates are short, dated notes on what changed. Insights articles are longer analyses of what a program is and how to approach it.
How do we make sure we do not miss an intake?
Most grants must be approved before costs are incurred, so plan applications against your project calendar rather than reacting to announcements. A funding assessment maps the intakes relevant to your plans.