Look For Alternative Forms of Financing

The cost of borrowing money just went up. Unlike their US counterparts, Canadian banks that held positions in high-risk US mortgages will likely not receive a bail-out package.  The net impact of the mortgage crisis is that Canadian banks will have to increase their lending rates to make up for their losses.

This is a great opportunity to explore alternative financing options.  Two programs which many businesses are not aware of are the federal government’s IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program) and SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) programs.

IRAP is run in conjunction with the National Research Council of Canada (NCR), and provides non-repayable contributions to Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in growing by using technology to commercialize services, products and processes in Canadian and international markets. NRC-IRAP also provides mentoring support and invests on a cost-shared basis for research and pre-competitive development technical projects, upon assessment of a project and firm by a team of Industrial Technology Advisors.  Canadian SMEs with under 500 employees and industrial associations desiring to enhance their technological capability are eligible for support.

The SR&ED program is a federal tax incentive program, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), that encourages Canadian businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada. It is the largest single source of federal government support for industrial R&D. The SR&ED program gives claimants cash refunds and/or tax credits for their expenditures on eligible R&D work done in Canada.

NorthBridge Consultants’ Canadian Business Blog is dedicated to bringing businesses news and information to help them identify and access the most appropriate government funding programs.

We offer opinions and insider information that can provide a pulse on government initiatives, the health of the Canadian economy, and firsthand thoughts from Canadian business owners.

Related Posts

9 Fintech Startups Advancing Finance Management

Funding & Resources to Offset Tariff Impacts – What You Need to Know

Popular Programs: