WESTERN CANADA – Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Western Canada will be able to grow and move their innovative technologies from the later stages of research and development to the global marketplace, as a result of Government of Canada support.
The call-for-proposals for Western Economic Diversification Canada‘s (WD) Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative was recently launched by Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for WD.
Applications will be accepted until November 29, 2017.
WINN investments support innovative SMEs with the greatest potential to energize the western economy and become instruments of growth. Funding support will focus on clusters where western Canadian companies are innovating, such as clean technology, clean resources, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, value added agriculture, and health biological sciences.
WINN offers repayable contributions to western Canadian entrepreneurs to help move their innovative ideas, products and services from the test bench to the marketplace.
Quick Facts
- WD launched WINN in 2013 following extensive consultations across the West. The program supports the commercialization of new innovative technologies, stimulates greater private sector investment, creates demand for highly skilled personnel, and accelerates company growth.
- Eligible businesses may apply for a repayable contribution of up to 50 per cent of the incremental costs of a new technology commercialization project.
- The initiative has invested over $97 million in 85 projects to date, helping innovative SMEs leverage additional private sector contributions in excess of $145 million.
- WINN supports the federal government’s Innovation and Skills Plan. This plan helps to make Canada a world-leading centre for innovation that creates well-paying jobs and grows the middle class.