Manufacturers
Small manufacturers can find funding for new equipment, automation, energy savings, training and export. Productivity programs may pay part of the cost of machinery and automation. Some of this help is a repayable contribution, which you pay back. Energy rebates may help pay for efficient equipment. Export programs may help pay for trade shows and export marketing. Provincial and federal programs across Canada focus on manufacturers. We check which programs are open, explain the rules and deadlines, and send deadline alerts. You apply on the official program site.
Common costs
Costs funding can help with
Machinery and automation costs
New machines, robotics and automated lines are large costs. Productivity programs such as the REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity stream may pay up to 50% of eligible costs, as a repayable contribution. BDC equipment loans are another option.
Energy costs on older equipment
Motors, lighting, HVAC and older machines use a lot of power. In Ontario, the Save on Energy Retrofit Program may cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, including some manufacturing equipment.
Customer requirements for certification and security
Larger customers may ask for quality certification or basic cybersecurity controls. Some productivity programs may help pay for ISO certification, and technology loans may pay for cybersecurity improvements.
Training staff on new equipment
New equipment needs trained people. Some manufacturing programs may pay for training on new equipment, and training grants such as the Ontario Job Grant may pay part of other training costs.
Funding paths
Where to start, in order
- 01
Buy equipment and automate
Productivity and manufacturing programs may pay part of the cost of machinery, automation and installation. Some larger programs are repayable contributions. The BDC Equipment Purchase Loan may finance up to 125% of the price of new or used equipment.
- 02
Cut energy costs
Provincial and utility energy rebates may help pay for efficient lighting, HVAC, variable-speed drives and some manufacturing equipment. Some need approval before you buy, so read the rules first.
- 03
Meet customer requirements
Some productivity programs may help pay for quality certification such as ISO. Technology loans, such as the BDC Technology Equipment Loan, may pay for cybersecurity improvements.
- 04
Sell to new markets
Export programs may help pay for trade shows, market research and export marketing. Many run in set intakes, so watch for the next one.
- 05
Train your team
Training grants may pay part of the cost of training staff. In Ontario, apprenticeship grants may pay employers when apprentices reach training milestones.
Funding categories
Programs that may relate
Manufacturing, productivity, energy and export programs may support qualifying projects. Each has its own rules, budget and intake dates, and the program decides who is approved. We check which programs are open and link each one to its official source, where you apply.
We track 126 programs across Canada that may fit a manufacturing business. Here are examples from different provinces. You can also check your funding fit to see the ones your province offers.
Ontario: Achievement Incentive Program
Up to $17,000
An Ontario grant for employers and group sponsors who train apprentices. The province offers up to $17,000 to eligible employers when their…
Checked
Advancing Agri-Food Processing
Up to $50,000
Cost-share funding for New Brunswick agri-food processors and manufacturers. It helps pay for equipment that improves production capacity and…
Checked
Technology Demonstration Program (TDP)
Up to $50,000
Finished your DMAP? This Ontario program reimburses 50% of implementing it, up to $50,000: the platforms, software, integration work and one-time…
Checked
Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED): Entrepreneur Support
Up to $25,000
This territorial program helps NWT entrepreneurs fund start-ups, expansion, and market development.
Checked
takeCHARGE Business Efficiency Program
Up to $100,000
TakeCHARGE helps commercial businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador reduce energy consumption through tailored efficiency projects.
Checked
Business energy rebates
Efficiency Nova Scotia offers small businesses rebates on energy-efficient improvements. You can also pay for eligible improvements interest-free…
Checked
New manufacturing business funding, straight to your inbox
Programs for businesses like yours open and close all year. One short email when something worth your time changes, and nothing else.
Funding by need
Funding for what manufacturing businesses need
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 Energy Efficiency
Grants and loans may help pay for lighting, HVAC and refrigeration improvements.
Funding for Export and New Markets
Grants and loans that may help pay for trade shows, research and translation.
Funding for Cybersecurity
Some digital grants and technology loans may help pay for cybersecurity measures.
Funding for Training
Grants to help you train staff and adopt new digital tools.
Where you are
Funding and grants in your province
Free tool · Exporters · ~5 min
Export Readiness Checklist
Market choice, buyer-facing documents, trade-show budget, logistics and CanExport-style funding readiness: the self-check to run before you apply for export funding.
Frequently asked questions
We're a 12-person shop, not a factory. Do these programs apply to businesses our size?
Many manufacturing and productivity programs are aimed at small and mid-sized companies. Each program sets its own limits for size, revenue and project type, and the program decides who is approved. We check what is open now and tell you if a program does not accept businesses of your size or your type of project.
Are manufacturing programs grants or loans?
Both exist. Some larger productivity programs are repayable contributions, which you pay back. Smaller programs may be cost-share funding, such as Ontario's Technology Demonstration Program, which may pay 50% of eligible costs, up to $50,000, to put in place the digital technology from a completed digital adoption plan. Equipment loans, such as the BDC Equipment Purchase Loan, are loans. Read the terms of each program before you apply.