Jump Starting Your Business With Canadian Business Grants

Canadian business grants aren't for everyone.  But if you happen to own and operate a small business in Canada which is struggling, or if you are interested in starting a business, you might be one of the fortunate few to qualify for Canadian government small business grants.

There aren't very many grant options available and competition can be fierce, but these grants can be the perfect way to help finance your blossoming enterprise.

There are three general categories of Canadian government small business grants: true grants, partial grants, and very specific grants.

The true grants help to cover substantial need in order to either help a floundering business or start a new business. Partial grants are intended to help subsidize these Canadian businesses, not fully fund them. Finally, specific grants are available for a select type of business such as agriculture.

Canadian Business Grants: The True Grants for the Self-Employed

In the true grant category of Canadian government small business grants the help that most people qualify for is the Self-Employment Program. This grant is designed to help you develop a viable business plan. You will receive training, support, and salary for one year while you develop and implement your business plan (longer if you are disabled).



This Canadian business grant is meant to help both start-up businesses and businesses which have been struggling. Generally, you will work with someone who has or had a successful business venture. At the end of the year, the idea is to have your business back on its feet or have your new business up and running.

The Summer Company Program for Young Entrepreneurs

If you are between the ages of 15-29 you could qualify for the Summer Company Program for Young Entrepreneurs. This is one of the few Canadian government small business grants available specifically for younger business people. This grant provides training and support for young students in Ontario to begin their own summer business.

The Agri-Opportunities Program

The final grant in the true grant category is that of the Agri-Opportunities Program. This option provides both non-repayable and repayable funds for individuals developing or bringing into Canada innovative agricultural products or services which are not already available on the Canadian market.

Canadian Business Grants: The Partial Canadian Government Small Business Programs

There are two partial Canadian government small business grants.

The Toronto Region Sustainability Program will provide up to $5,000 to help businesses and services designed to help reduce things such as greenhouse gases, toxins in the air and sewers, hazardous waste, and smog in the Toronto area.

There is also a grant for aboriginal business-persons which will cover all but 15% of the start-up costs.

Canadian Business Grants: The Specific Canadian Government Small Business Grants

Finally there are the specific Canadian government small business grants. There are a number of these grants available which target elements such as specific locations. For example, the Small Business Program of the Northwest Territories provides assistance to artists, craftspeople, and other small businesses in the Northwest Territories. There is also a grant available to help ensure that Canadian authors and books are available throughout Canada and the world.

Acquiring any of the Canadian government small business grants will take a bit of time and research on your part. However, this can be an excellent source of assistance for entrepreneurs.

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