Guide · updated October 12, 2026

Federal business growth funding in Canada

Written from the official program pages and checked against them: every amount and date here appears on a source page. CashRadar is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or any provincial government.

This guide covers federal government funding programs designed to support business growth, infrastructure, and sector development across Canada, intended for organizations, businesses, and communities looking to understand their options.

Build Communities Strong Fund - Local Impact Stream in British Columbia

This program offers non-repayable contributions normally ranging from $125,000 to $1 million per project, covering normally up to 50% of eligible project costs. It is for municipalities, regional governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, and not-for-profit organizations undertaking community infrastructure projects for public benefit. Applications have a continuous intake with no fixed deadline, and priority is given to shovel-ready projects.

Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia

This program provides interest-free repayable funding of up to $250,000 to support the growth of tourism operations and industry practices. It is open to incorporated small and medium-sized enterprises, not-for-profit organizations, tourism organizations, local communities, Indigenous-owned businesses, and Indigenous organizations in British Columbia. The intake is continuous with no fixed deadline.

Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream

This initiative provides contributions not exceeding $1 million per project for small-scale construction and renovation activities that enhance public spaces and increase climate resiliency. Eligible applicants include Indigenous governments, Indigenous-led not-for-profits, municipal or regional governments and agencies, and public-sector and non-profit organizations delivering community infrastructure in Atlantic Canada. Applications are accepted on a continuous intake basis until all available funding has been committed.

Fonds pour bâtir des collectivités fortes (FBCF)

This program offers non-repayable financial assistance ranging from $50,000 to $1 million per organization and project. It is intended for non-profit organizations, charitable organizations, non-profit cooperatives, municipalities, regional administrations, public sector organizations, and Indigenous non-profits or organizations in Quebec. The funding supports the construction or improvement of public community, recreation, tourism, and cultural infrastructure, with a continuous intake and no fixed deadline.

AgriAssurance Program - Kosher and Halal Investment Component

This contribution program provides up to $350,000 per year to support quality assurance systems and specialized slaughter practices for the Canadian kosher and halal red meat sector. It is open to eligible not-for-profit organizations and for-profit organizations. Applications are accepted until September 30, 2027, though the intake may close sooner if funds are fully committed before the program ends on March 31, 2028.

Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) in British Columbia

This program offers non-repayable contributions not normally exceeding $3 million, with 50% matching funding required. It supports industry associations, ecosystem organizations, and other not-for-profits undertaking projects that strengthen business growth, commercialize technologies, and expand markets in British Columbia. The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

Which one fits

These programs cater to distinct regions, activities, and applicant types. If your work focuses on community infrastructure and public spaces, several regional streams of the Build Communities Strong Fund are available depending on your location: the Build Communities Strong Fund - Local Impact Stream in British Columbia and Fonds pour bâtir des collectivités fortes (FBCF) in Quebec serve municipalities, Indigenous groups, and non-profits with grants up to $1 million, while the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream serves Atlantic Canada with similar project contribution limits.

For business and sector-specific development, options diverge by industry and target audience. The Tourism Growth Program in British Columbia provides interest-free repayable loans up to $250,000 specifically for tourism operators, businesses, and communities in British Columbia. In contrast, the Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) in British Columbia offers larger non-repayable grants up to $3 million with matching requirements for industry associations and ecosystem organizations supporting broader business growth. For agriculture, the AgriAssurance Program - Kosher and Halal Investment Component assists for-profit and not-for-profit entities working specifically within the kosher and halal red meat sector.

Before you apply

Government funding programs frequently update their guidelines, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and available budgets. Before preparing an application, confirm all current details directly on the official program page.

CashRadar identifies potential matches. Final eligibility is determined by the program administrator.