Business Growth Program
Newfoundland and Labrador businesses can get non-repayable grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs, up to $200,000 per project. You must fund the remaining half yourself, and approval is competitive.
“The Business Growth Program normally provides non-repayable contributions up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $200,000 over 24 months ($100,000 per year) per project, per company.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The official page does not say whether you need approval before you spend, or whether costs already paid can be covered. Ask the program office before you apply. Most grants require approval before work begins.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You operate a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation in Newfoundland and Labrador with a clear growth plan.
- You have a project that improves productivity, launches a product, or expands your sales reach.
- You can prove your project is commercially viable and have the funds to cover the other 50% of costs.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not based in Newfoundland and Labrador, as this program is for NL businesses only.
- You cannot fund the remaining 50% of project costs yourself, since this is a cost-share grant.
- You are not in good standing with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador or lack the capacity to complete the work.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $200,000 over 24 months for standard projects; Development and Commercialization projects may reach up to $750,000 over multiple years.
What may be supported
- Productivity Improvement and Innovation
- Knowledge and Technical Assistance
- Growth and Internationalization
- Development and Commercialization
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a specific application form and likely provide a detailed project plan and financials to prove viability.
- 01Review the Applicant Guides to understand eligible vs ineligible costs for your specific project type.
- 02Determine if your project fits 'Productivity Improvement/Innovation/Knowledge/Growth' or 'Development and Commercialization'.
- 03Complete the corresponding application form: 'Application for Commercial Programs' or 'Application for Development and Commercialization'.
- 04Submit your application to the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development.
- 05Contact economicdevelopment@gov.nl.ca or your regional office if you need clarification on eligibility.
Who to ask: economicdevelopment@gov.nl.ca. Regional offices - Labrador 709.896.2400; Western 709.637.2628; Central 709.256.1480; Eastern 709.466.4170; Avalon 1-833-404-2283
Documents commonly required
- Completed Application Form (Commercial Programs or Development and Commercialization)
- Project Plan demonstrating commercial viability
- Financial statements or proof of ability to fund the cost-share portion
- Proof of good standing with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
What to know before you count on it
- This is a cost-share grant: you must fund the remaining 50% of eligible costs yourself.
- Selection is competitive and discretionary; you must demonstrate commercial viability and project capacity.
- The grant is likely taxable income; ask your accountant how this affects your tax filing.
- The official page does not list eligible costs in detail. Read the Applicant Guides before you spend, so you avoid costs the program will not pay.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on demonstrating commercial viability and project capacity; there is no guarantee of funding, and spots are limited by program budget.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay this money?
No, it is a non-repayable contribution. However, it is likely taxable income, so consult your accountant.
What is the maximum amount I can get?
Normally up to $200,000 over 24 months per project. Development and Commercialization projects may qualify for up to $750,000 over multiple years.
Is there a deadline to apply?
The official page lists no fixed deadline. Intake windows can change, so check with the program office before you apply.
Who administers this program?
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Manufacturing
Grants and loans that may help pay for automation and productivity tools.
Funding for Automation
Loans and grants to help you automate business workflows and tasks.
Funding for Export and New Markets
Grants and loans that may help pay for trade shows, research and translation.
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
What you can combine it with
Check with the department if this grant can be stacked with other federal or provincial funding; typically, cost-sharing rules apply.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.