Grants & contributions
Help with eligible project costs. Some contributions must be repaid; others do not. Applications, timing and approved expenses matter.
AI strategy · Canada
Make a plan for AI. Know what support to explore.
Grants, tax incentives and financing can play different roles in an AI project. Here’s what Canada’s AI for All strategy could mean for your business—and where to check your options.
The national direction
A stronger push to help businesses adopt AI.
Canada’s 2026 AI for All strategy puts small-business adoption alongside research and infrastructure. It points to BDC financing, expanded regional programs and tax measures that can support investment.
For an owner, the useful starting point is a clear project: what work you want to improve, what it costs and how your people will use it. Program fit comes after that.
Read Canada’s AI for All strategy — official sourceSources reviewed September 22, 2026. Announcements do not guarantee an open intake or funding for your project. TRU is an independent business, not a government program or funding authority.
Understand the difference
Three kinds of support. Different responsibilities.
Tax incentives
A credit or deduction through the tax system. The benefit depends on the work, expenses and your business’s tax position.
Loans & financing
Money you repay. A preferential rate can help with cash flow, but approval, interest, fees and repayment terms still matter.
Financing · BDC
LIFT: AI adoption with a plan.
LIFT offers preferential-rate consulting and financing for qualifying Canadian businesses. Its AI and digital path starts at $1 million in annual revenue and requires a BDC Advisory Services plan. Financing is repayable and subject to approval; Canadian suppliers and other conditions apply.
A TRU assessment does not replace BDC’s required plan. If LIFT is not a fit, ask BDC about its other technology financing options.
Innovation support · NRC IRAP
For businesses developing something new.
NRC IRAP’s AI Assist supports innovative SMEs working on AI in their products and services. IRAP financial support focuses on incorporated, for-profit Canadian businesses with up to 500 employees and eligible technology innovation projects.
Routine software setup and everyday operating expenses are not a general-purpose IRAP grant. Start with an advisor to explore project fit.
Tax incentives · CRA
SR&ED: when the work is R&D.
SR&ED can apply to eligible Canadian research and experimental development. The work must seek a scientific or technological advance through systematic investigation, including resolving uncertainty. Simply adopting existing AI tools or training staff does not automatically qualify.
Ask your accountant or SR&ED advisor to assess the actual work and records before including a credit in your budget.
Check CRA’s eligibility guidance — official sourceCapital investment · Tax measures
Writing off eligible investment sooner.
The Productivity Super-Deduction is part of the government’s investment policy. On September 15, 2026, Finance Canada proposed a broader Productivity Mega Deduction. These measures concern eligible capital investments; they are not a blanket rebate on AI services.
The new Mega Deduction is a proposal. Have your accountant confirm the applicable law, asset category and dates for your purchase.
Read Finance Canada’s current proposal — official sourceRegional AI support
Your province changes the answer.
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative supports eligible AI projects through regional agencies. For businesses, support can be repayable. These examples show why you should check the current regional rules before committing costs.
Intake closed at review
British Columbia
PacifiCan is not currently accepting applications. Its business stream lists interest-free repayable contributions of $500,000–$3 million, up to 50% of eligible costs—a much larger project scale than a starter TruTeam.
Check the regional program — official sourceIntake open at review
Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba
PrairiesCan accepts applications on an ongoing basis, subject to available funding and program conditions. Contact the agency to confirm your project’s fit, contribution terms and timing.
Check the regional program — official sourceIntake open at review
Quebec
CED is accepting applications. Eligible SME projects may receive interest-free repayable support of up to 50% of authorized costs. Confirm project and expense eligibility with the agency.
Check the regional program — official sourceIntake status above was checked September 22, 2026. It may change.
Your practical next step
Build the business case first.
We can help define your AI priorities, tools and recommended team. Bring that scope to the program advisor or accountant who can confirm eligibility.
- 1
Choose the work
Name one recurring task and the result you want to improve.
- 2
Understand the investment
Separate setup, software, training and ongoing costs. Know what you can fund without assistance.
- 3
Check before you spend
Confirm intake, eligible expenses, application timing, repayment and whether programs can be combined.
This overview is general information, not tax or funding advice. Program administrators decide eligibility. Buying a TruTeam does not guarantee funding, a tax benefit or approved-supplier status.
See TruTeam pricingA practical first conversation
Start with a practical AI plan for your business.
Talk with Jared about the work you want to improve. We’ll help you define a useful starting point and a clear scope.