{"id":421,"date":"2025-11-04T11:26:19","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T16:26:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/brukdconsultancy.com\/?p=421"},"modified":"2026-01-02T16:53:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T21:53:51","slug":"cdap-funding-canadian-smbs-ai-adoption-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brukdconsultancy.com\/blog\/2025\/11\/04\/cdap-funding-canadian-smbs-ai-adoption-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How Canadian SMBs Can Access AI Funding\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation are driving a new era of productivity and growth\u2014even for smaller businesses. But with government programs changing frequently, only the right, current incentives matter when planning your AI project. Here\u2019s what\u2019s available in November 2025:<\/em><\/p>\n

1. NRC IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program)<\/h2>\n

What it is:<\/strong> Grants and advisory support for Canadian SMEs innovating with AI or machine learning (e.g., pilots, R&D, early-stage tech). IRAP is set to integrate into the Canada Innovation Corporation by 2026\/27, but remains active for current R&D.<\/p>\n

Official details & eligibility:<\/strong>
NRC IRAP Support Page<\/a><\/p>\n

2. SR&ED Tax Incentive Program<\/h2>\n

What it is:<\/strong> Canada\u2019s flagship R&D tax credit\u2014refundable or non-refundable credits for eligible software\/AI innovation. This is often the primary source of capital recovery for technical firms.<\/p>\n

Official details & how to apply:<\/strong>
Official SR&ED Program Page<\/a><\/p>\n

3. AI Compute Access Fund<\/h2>\n

What it is:<\/strong> Part of Canada\u2019s AI sovereignty plan, this fund supports SMEs by reimbursing cloud AI compute costs to help scale training and deployment on Canadian soil.<\/p>\n

Official Information:<\/strong>
AI Compute Access Fund Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII)<\/h2>\n

What it is:<\/strong> Delivered via Regional Development Agencies like FedDev Ontario, this helps with AI commercialization for SMBs in agri-food, health, and clean tech.<\/p>\n

Program Guide:<\/strong>
RAII Applicant Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Canada\u2013Ontario Job Grant (COJG)<\/h2>\n

What it is:<\/strong> Funding to help employers train staff in digital skills\u2014crucial for ensuring your team can actually use the AI tools you implement.<\/p>\n

Application:<\/strong>
COJG Program Page<\/a><\/p>\n

6. FedDev Ontario Business Scale-Up and Productivity<\/h2>\n

What it is:<\/strong> Repayable funding (loans) between $500k and $10M for Ontario businesses scaling innovative tech, covering up to 35% of eligible project costs.<\/p>\n

Official details:<\/strong>
FedDev Ontario Funding Portal<\/a><\/p>\n

How BRUKD Consultancy Can Help<\/h2>\n

We bridge the gap between complex funding requirements and your business goals. We support Canadian SMBs by:<\/p>\n