Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring Grant ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - Private corporations - Sole proprietors and self-employed individuals - Partnerships - Businesses in the final stages of commercializing a new product, technology, or process - Organizations must be Canadian-based and profit-focused (non-profits typically excluded) ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $16,250 - Cost Coverage: 65% of eligible consulting/mentoring expenses - Matching Requirement: Applicant must contribute 35% of costs (non-recoverable) - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (funds do not need to be returned) - Funding Type: Contribution-based; applicant bears a portion of the investment ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Consultant fees (external professional services) - Mentoring services from industry experts - Advice on market validation and commercialization strategy - Product development guidance - Technology adoption and implementation consulting - Go-to-market planning and strategy - Business model refinement - Regulatory compliance and certification support related to product launch - Marketing and branding consultation for commercialization ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project Stage: Applicant must demonstrate they are in the final stages of commercialization (approaching market launch) - Innovation Requirement: Product, technology, or process must be new and innovative - Consultant Qualifications: Consultants/mentors must be external third parties with relevant expertise - Cost Eligibility: Only 65% of verified consulting/mentoring costs are eligible for funding - Matching Funds: Applicant must secure and demonstrate 35% cost-sharing capacity - Documentation: Detailed invoices, engagement letters, and consultant credentials must be provided - Timeline: Grant must be used within a defined project period; unused funds may be forfeited - Reporting: Progress reports and evidence of service delivery required throughout project execution - Conflict of Interest: Consultants cannot be business owners, board members, or direct employees of the applic