Grants for Clean Technology Guidebook
Who qualifies for clean tech grants in Canada?

Summary

• If you are an incorporated clean tech company in Canada with fewer than 500 employees, you probably qualify for clean tech grants.
• Eligibility criteria vary from program to program, so make sure you read the applicant guide carefully (and ask for help when you need it!) 
• Every funding organization has its own definition of “clean tech.” Don’t count yourself out just because you think your business isn’t “clean” or “techy” enough. Explore the options, and ask questions! 

Both the provinces and the federal government issue clean tech grants to individuals, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. Eligibility varies from program to program, but there are some common themes.

If you’ve browsed our Grants for Small Business Guidebook, most of these will look familiar. 

• To receive a grant from the Canadian government, your business must be registered in Canada. This is a firm requirement across all types of programs. 
• Your business needs to be incorporated. Funding opportunities exist for unincorporated businesses, but they are few and far between. 
• Your business needs to be established 1-2 years. If your business hasn’t had its first birthday yet, you won’t be eligible for most government grants. 
• Small and Medium Sized Entities or SMEs–that is, businesses with fewer than 500 employees–are a priority group for the government. Many grants are only available to businesses in this category. 
• Your business must be in the clean tech sector, but every program defines this sector differently. Don’t despair if your product or service isn’t flashy enough for the big innovation funds. Hiring programs in particular define the green economy broadly, so there are opportunities for a range of clean tech businesses. 

If you meet the above criteria, you probably qualify for clean tech grants. Nevertheless, it’s important to pay close attention to applicant guides, as details differ between programs, and sometimes even between intakes of a single program. It’s always a good idea to reach out to the organization delivering the grant you want to apply for. Program officers can answer your questions, and help you understand how to align your application with the program’s goals to increase your chances of approval. 

Wondering what options are out there for clean tech startups? Fledgling companies may not be eligible for as many funding opportunities as mature ones, but that doesn’t mean startups are completely out of luck. If you have a high-tech product or service in the works, check out our post on grants for startups. You can also browse our blog library for more ideas.