PrairiesCan — Initiative régionale pour l'innovation en construction résidentielle (IRICR) ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) - Construction companies specializing in residential building - Building material suppliers and manufacturers in the residential sector - Building trades businesses and contractors - Social enterprises and cooperatives in the construction supply chain - Businesses must demonstrate operations and economic activity in the Prairie region - Applicants should have established business operations (not startups in early formation stages) - Non-profit organizations may be eligible if operating as social enterprises in residential construction ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant type: Non-repayable contribution (grant, not loan) - Funding amount: Varies by project scope; specific caps not detailed in description—typically ranges from $50,000 to $500,000+ depending on project scale - Cost-sharing requirement: Generally requires applicant or partner cost-sharing (typically 50/50 or similar ratio—specific percentages require confirmation with program officer) - Repayability: Non-repayable; funds are contributions, not loans - Eligible funding sources: Government funding combined with private sector or organizational investment ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Supply chain development: Investments to strengthen local and regional residential construction supply chains - Innovation initiatives: Research, development, and implementation of new technologies or processes in residential construction - Equipment and technology: Purchase or upgrade of equipment that advances residential construction innovation - Training and workforce development: Programs to build skills in emerging construction methods - Feasibility studies: Analysis of supply chain improvements and innovation opportunities - Product development: Creation of new building materials or construction solutions - Demonstration projects: Pilot projects showcasing innovative residential construction practices - Business process improvements: Investments in efficiency and sustainability measures ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Geographic requirement: Projects must primarily benefit the Prairie region (AB, SK, MB) - Innovation focus: Projects must demonstrate clear innovation or supply chain advancement objectives - Reporting obligations: Recipients