REGI — Regional Innovation Ecosystems ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at various stages of development - Startups and early-stage companies seeking to scale operations - Businesses owned by under-represented groups, including: - Women entrepreneurs - Indigenous business owners - Immigrant entrepreneurs - Racialized minorities - People with disabilities - Regional organizations and business support networks that serve these populations - Organizations must be operating or planning to operate in Canada ### 💰 Funding Details - Contribution Type: Non-repayable financial contribution (grant) - Funding Amount: Not specified in program description; varies by project scope and regional allocation - Matching Requirements: Likely requires cost-sharing or leveraged funds from applicants or partner organizations (specific ratios to be confirmed in detailed guidelines) - Budget Coverage: Supports organizations providing business support services and ecosystem development ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Business support services development and delivery - Mentorship and coaching programs for scaling businesses - Networking and collaboration initiatives within regional ecosystems - Training and skills development for entrepreneurs - Technology and infrastructure supporting innovation ecosystems - Marketing and promotion of regional business support networks - Program administration related to ecosystem strengthening ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Focus on equity: Priority given to initiatives supporting under-represented entrepreneurs and women in business - Regional impact requirement: Projects must demonstrate benefits to specific regional ecosystems - Accountability measures: Recipients must track and report on outcomes and participant metrics - Partnership expectations: Collaboration with local business organizations, government bodies, and support services - Deliverables: Projects must establish clear milestones and success indicators - Timeline compliance: Adherence to project schedules and reporting deadlines required - Eligible use restrictions: Funds cannot be diverted to ineligible activities or direct business subsidies