Product Development Program

📋 Eligible Entities - Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - Manufacturing businesses - Product-based companies - Businesses with demonstrated capacity to develop new products or adopt innovative processing technologies - Enterprises seeking domestic or international market expansion - Typically excludes: non-profits, sole proprietors (in most cases), and businesses primarily providing services without product development components ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000 per applicant - Cost-Share Requirement: 50% matching contribution (non-repayable) - Grant covers 50% of eligible project costs - Applicant/business must fund the remaining 50% - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (no repayment obligation) - Funding Type: Contribution-based (not a loan) ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - New product development and design costs - Research and prototyping activities - Innovative processing technology implementation - Market readiness preparation (testing, certification, compliance) - Product commercialization activities - Domestic market expansion initiatives - International market entry and export development - Related professional services and consulting (where directly tied to above activities) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Cost-Share Obligation: Applicant must commit and document 50% matching funds before receiving grant disbursement - Project Scope: Work must result in a tangible new product, process improvement, or market expansion outcome - Documentation Requirements: Maintain detailed records of expenses, timelines, and project progress - Eligible Timing: Costs must be incurred during the approved project period - Progress Reporting: Likely requirement to report on project milestones and outcomes upon completion - Competitive Selection: Applications assessed on merit; funding availability may be limited - Timeline: Projects must be completed within defined program timeframes (typically 12–24 months)