Canada: what a solo founder can apply for

What a solo founder can apply for in these programs

• Canada Small Business Financing ProgramTerm loans up to C$1,000,000 and lines of credit up to C$150,000

  For small businesses or start-ups operating in Canada with gross annual revenues of C$10 million or less; farming businesses are not eligible. Of a term loan, no more than C$500,000 can go to equipment and leasehold improvements, and of that no more than C$150,000 to intangible assets and working capital. Source

• SR&ED tax incentivesInvestment tax credit at a basic rate of 15%

  Open to corporations, individuals, trusts and partnerships that carry out scientific research and experimental development in Canada. Some corporations can claim an enhanced rate of 35%, and some businesses can earn a refundable credit. Source

Eligibility conditions

• The financing program is delivered by banks, caisses populaires and credit unions, which are solely responsible for approving the loan.
• SR&ED applies only to work that qualifies as scientific research and experimental development.
• Only two programs are listed. We could not read the official pages for other federal programs on the day we checked.

Application window

The financing program is available through lenders and has no application rounds. SR&ED is claimed through the Canada Revenue Agency. Handled by: your financial institution for the loan program, and the Canada Revenue Agency for SR&ED.

Source: Government of Canada (official websites). Last checked on 2026-10-04.