Mitacs — Business Strategy Internship ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all sectors - Canadian for-profit businesses - Organizations partnering with post-secondary institutions (required) - Businesses seeking to address innovation challenges through collaborative projects - Companies without size restrictions but focused on SME participation ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Structure: Contribution toward eligible project expenses (not full funding) - Funding Model: Cost-sharing arrangement with employer and/or institution contributions required - Amount: Varies based on project scope and internship duration - Repayability: Non-repayable grant - Matching Requirement: Employer and/or academic partner must contribute to project costs - Duration: Typically aligns with internship placement term (4-12 months common) ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Intern salary/stipend costs for eligible work periods - Collaborative project development aligned with business innovation - Research and development (R&D) activities to improve connectivity and product/service accessibility - Innovation access initiatives and technology adoption - Partnership enabling activities between business and academic institutions - Staff training and professional development for SME personnel - Administrative costs directly tied to project delivery ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Partnership Requirement: Must establish formal collaboration with Canadian post-secondary institution (college or university) - Innovation Focus: Project must clearly address at least one business innovation component (R&D, connectivity, innovation access, partnerships, or SME training) - Reporting Obligations: Regular progress reports and financial documentation required - Project Timeline: Defined start and end dates with measurable milestones - Use of Funds: Expenses must directly support the collaborative internship project - Accountability: Business and partner institution jointly responsible for project delivery and outcomes - Audit Rights: Program administrators may audit records and activities