Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) program applicant guide

Table of contents

• Purpose of this guide
• Initiative objectives
• Eligible applicants
• Eligible activities
• Eligible priorities
• Financial assistance
• Eligible project costs
• Ineligible project costs
• Guidelines for in-kind costs/contributions
• Expected outcomes
• Assessment process
• Attributes of a strong proposal
• Application requirements
• Confidentiality
• Official languages
• Environmental assessment compliance
• Reporting requirements
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Glossary
• How to complete the application
  • Organization information
  • Project primary and secondary contacts
  • Project information
  • Funding
  • Benefits
  • Project timelines
  • Market
  • Management
  • Additional details
  • Documents
  • Signing authority
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Validation
  • Attestation

 

Purpose of this guide

The purpose of this Applicant Guide is to provide information to assist you with the completion of your full application for funding under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII).

Initiative objectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can help businesses across Canada compete and grow in a global economy. This rapidly evolving technology has the potential to improve how businesses operate, increase productivity and bring benefits to Canadians. As countries around the world race to develop and use AI, Canada is already a leader in this space.

To stay at the forefront of this technology, the Government of Canada announced $200M for AI-powered businesses. This funding, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), is available in all regions to help bring new AI technologies to market and speed-up AI adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, clean technology, healthcare and manufacturing. PrairiesCan received $33.8 million over 5 years, beginning in 2024-25, to deliver the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative.

Eligible applicants

The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative is open to:

• Incorporated businesses including businesses in the start-up phase that are commercializing or adopting AI technologies or AI-based solutions.  Preference may be given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with less than 500 full-time employees (FTEs).
  • For-profit businesses must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
    • Incorporated to conduct business in Canada
    • Operating for a minimum of two years
    • Have staffed operating facilities in the Prairie provinces
    • Employ at least one full-time equivalent (FTE)
    • Commercializing or adopting AI technologies or AI based solutions
    • Have confirmed, at the time of expression of interest (EOI) submission, funding from all other sources, including government and non-government (non-government funding must represent at least 50% of the proposed project costs)
• Not-for-profit organizations that support AI businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs, for start-up, growth, productivity, technology commercialization, technology adoption, export and investment attraction, including:
  • Post-secondary educational institutions;
  • Business Accelerator and Incubators;
  • Angel networks;
  • Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) organizations, including Indigenous-led not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous-owned businesses;
  • Social enterprises;
  • A group of eligible recipients such as an industry association or consortium;
  • A municipality and all other municipal-type organizations; and
  • A provincial or crown corporation or organization, provided that the financial assistance will not be used to fund the corporation’s capital or ongoing operational requirements.

All eligible recipients must be legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.

Eligible activities

An eligible project may involve a range of activities to commercialize and/or adopt AI technologies:

Pillar 1: AI technology commercialization

Showcasing and commercializing Canadian-made AI technologies and solutions (Technology readiness levels 7-9) such as market diagnostics, development, customization of AI technology for broader (off-the-shelf) use, production expansion, supply chain integration and other activities aimed at bringing new AI technologies and solutions to market in the near term.

Building and growing high-performance teams within start-ups and scale-ups developing AI technologies and AI-driven solutions such as adopting best management practices, developing team capacity and talent, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Strengthening the ecosystem to support start-ups commercializing AI solutions, including top talent attraction activities, provision of business supports, technology demonstration or supplier showcase events, and/or projects aimed at improving access to funding.

Pillar 2: AI technology adoption

Strategically adopting/integrating AI technologies and solutions to drive innovation, growth, and productivity such as leveraging AI for complex tasks such as autonomous driving, supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance, process optimization, customer retention and expansion, fraud or threat detection.

Re-engineering processes and developing capacity for AI adoption such as initiatives to enhance data collection, quality and analysis (e.g., data informed decision making), improve product and service outcomes through AI (e.g., better user/customer experience), strengthen data governance and security measures (e.g., improved business operations and risk management).

Assisting SMEs in adopting/integrating AI including advisory services such as business readiness and capacity building support, talent attraction and retention activities, technology testbed or demonstration activities, and/or supports tailored to SME AI adoption needs.

Eligible priorities

There is a maximum project duration of 3 years focused on 1 or more of the following areas:

1. Advanced Manufacturing - defined by the development and adoption of innovative technologies to create new products, enhance processes and establish more efficient and cost-effective ways of working.
2. Clean Resources refers to transitioning from the old resource economy into a new resource economy. It is where innovation drives economic and environmental competitiveness in the energy, mining and forestry sectors, and which leverages Canada’s natural resources advantage to transition to a low-carbon economy.
3. Clean Technology refers to any process, product or service that reduces environmental impacts in order to better control costs, meet new regulatory requirements, improve global competitiveness and reduce impacts on climate, water, land and air.
4. Digital Industries includes a combination of information and communication technology (ICT), digital and interactive media, and content industries, as well as manufacturers and service companies that creatively capture, transmit and display information electronically in innovative ways
5. Health/Bio-sciences encompasses a wide range of companies, from the developers and manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and biomedical innovations, to producers of digital health solutions and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, 3D printing, robotics and nanotechnologies.
6. Natural Resources Value-added Processing includes the processing of natural resources in the energy, mineral, or forestry, sectors that adds value to primary products/raw materials.
7. Value-added Agriculture is a complex and interdependent sector that includes agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, and food and beverage processing.
8. Inclusiveness – supporting under-represented groups such as Indigenous peoples, women, youth (between ages 15 and 34) and other under-represented groups.

Note: preference will be given to proposals with a demonstrated focus on:

• Critical Minerals Processing includes companies and service providers that process or create value added materials and/or products from critical minerals such as advanced batteries, permanent magnets, solar panels, wind turbines, small modular reactors, defence and security technologies, semiconductors and consumer electronics. 
• Food and Ingredients Processing includes businesses involved in manufacturing plant-based food and ingredients.
• Zero Emission Heavy Equipment Vehicles includes manufacturers of urban and intercity buses, fire trucks, motor homes, recreational vehicles, trailers, mobile agricultural, construction and mining equipment and their associated suppliers. Related technologies include battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell drives, electrification of ancillary systems, material light weighting and others.

Financial assistance

• Minimum funding request of $250,000 and maximum of $5,000,000 per project.
• PrairiesCan will take into consideration all other sources of funding available to the applicant.
  • For-profit applicants may apply for funding of up to 50% of total eligible costs for each project. The remaining 50% of eligible cost must be supported from a non-government source, and must be confirmed at time of the Expression of Interest and again prior to project approval.
  • Preference will be given to projects from not-for-profit applicants that leverage funding from provincial governments, the private sector, and other non-government sources.
• For-profit companies may only receive funding for one RAII project per calendar year.
• Total support to any one organization cannot exceed $10 million over the life of the program (2024-2029).

Funding disbursement

PrairiesCan will provide funding to successful projects based on claims submitted by the recipient. PrairiesCan will reimburse you for the approved portion (such as 50%) of eligible project costs that have been incurred and paid. Since successful applicants must submit a claim for reimbursement, there will be a delay between the time costs are incurred, and when claimed costs are partly reimbursed. Successful applicants will therefore need to plan their project cash flow accordingly. PrairiesCan will provide detailed instructions on this process to those applicants approved for funding.

Claims for incurred costs can be submitted quarterly, and are processed within 15 business days of PrairiesCan receiving a complete claim package.

Repayment

A RAII contribution agreement will require recipients to repay the entire principal within 6 years of project completion. Following a 1-year grace period after project completion, recipients will be required to make 60 equal monthly payments. Although funding is provided interest-free, interest equal to the average bank rate plus 3% will be charged for any late principal payments.

There is no penalty for early repayment.

Not-for-profit organizations may receive non-repayable contributions for non-commercial projects.

Other government assistance, SR&ED and other tax credits

PrairiesCan considers tax credits received for activities undertaken between the project start and end date as a source of government assistance. Such credits are included when calculating the total amount of government funding that has been provided to a project. Likewise, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may consider funding received from RAII to be government assistance, even though it will eventually be repaid.

Successful applicants who are in receipt of Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits and other similar federal or provincial tax credits for activities defined in the project are required to inform PrairiesCan. PrairiesCan may be required to reduce its overall level of project funding to ensure the total amount of government assistance does not exceed 50% of project costs.

Applicants are strongly advised to seek independent professional advice to determine the potential effect of RAII funding on project activities for which SR&ED tax credits, or other federal and provincial tax credits, are likely to be sought.

Eligible project costs

Eligible project costs include, but are not limited to:

• Cost of labour (e.g. wages and benefits)
• Capital costs (e.g. purchase of machinery, equipment)
• Operating costs that are directly related to the project (e.g. management fees)
• Professional, advisory and technical services
• Costs related to intellectual property
• Technological development and commercial demonstrations
• Subcontracting costs
• Production and distribution of promotional material and management tools
• Maintenance costs
• Other incremental costs essential to the project

Costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to a 12-month period prior to the receipt of a signed funding application, but no earlier than April 16, 2024.

PrairiesCan reserves the right to make the final determination on the value of contributions and to exclude expenditures deemed to be ineligible or outside the scope of the RAII.

Ineligible project costs

Project costs that are deemed unreasonable, non-incremental or not directly related to project activities will be ineligible for reimbursement. These include, but are not limited to:

• basic and applied research and development (Technology Readiness Level 1-6)
• land acquisition and goodwill
• entertainment expenses
• salary bonuses and dividend payments
• allowance for interest on invested capital, bonds, debentures, and other debts.
• losses on investments, bad debts and associated expenses, other projects and contracts
• refinancing of existing debts
• amortization or depreciation of assets
• federal and provincial income taxes, GST (recoverable portion), taxes or surtaxes on excess profit
• provisions for contingencies or commissions paid to consultants to secure funding
• lobbying activities
• donations, dues and membership fees

Generally, the following costs/activities will not be supported:

• business plan preparation
• hospitality and other related costs
• sole sourced consultant fees
• fees related to advocacy work

Project costs incurred by the applicant in the absence of a signed funding agreement with PrairiesCan are incurred at the sole risk of the applicant.

Guidelines for in-kind costs/contributions

Only project costs incurred and directly paid by the applicant can be reimbursed by PrairiesCan. An in-kind contribution is a project cost that does not involve an expense incurred and paid for by the project applicant. Typically, these expenses are borne by third parties for items or services that are in turn provided to the applicant at no cost or at a reduced cost (e.g., a deep discount not typically offered to others). Such costs are used to demonstrate a more accurate picture of the project scope, including project funding, leveraging, and demonstration of participant and/or private sector contributions to a project.

The cost must be for an item considered by PrairiesCan to be essential to a project's success, eligible under the programming, and would otherwise be purchased and paid for by the applicant. For example:

• An industry partner will provide trucks to a college for use in a project to train truck drivers. In this case, the college did not incur or pay any incremental costs but the project could not reasonably go forward without the trucks, so this would be an in-kind contribution to project costs.

In-kind costs may only be included in the project when there is a clear plan and commitment from the applicant on how the costs can be verified.

• In the example above, the value of the trucks to the project can be quantified via sales records.

Expected outcomes

PrairiesCan is looking to support AI technology and adoption projects that have a viable plan to produce strong economic outcomes. Applicants must quantify, substantiate, and later report on the following mandatory expected results:

• number of highly qualified personnel (HQP) including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs created in Canada
• number of non-HQP jobs created in Canada
• revenue growth ($)
• export sales growth ($)
• incremental private sector investment attracted ($)
• number of SMEs assisted (not-for-profit projects only)
• number of technologies to market
• business sales growth resulting from commercialization or adoption ($) – where applicable
• value of business expenditures in research and development ($) – where applicable

If any of the mandatory indicators are not selected, then please explain why the indicator in question cannot be selected for your project.

Additional performance indicators available to measure the success for your project include:

• value of expenditures in research and development ($)
• number of Western Canadian businesses investing in adoption of advanced technologies, sound management/business practices
• foreign direct investment growth ($)
• number of Western Canadian businesses pursuing international opportunities
• number of Western Canadian businesses with new export sales
• number of HQP trained

PrairiesCan is working to improve the economic participation (e.g. job creation) of Indigenous Peoples, women and youth. Note: recipients will be encouraged to establish and track inclusiveness indicators.

Assessment process

The RAII is a competitive process. Expressions of Interest that demonstrate the highest merit and strongest alignment with program objectives, PrairiesCan’s priorities, and significant economic benefit are invited to complete a full application.

All applications will be evaluated on their ability to achieve RAII objectives, the viability and economic impact of the project, as well as their relative strengths in the following areas:

• market potential
• management capability
• financial capacity
• economic benefits
• technology readiness (technology commercialization projects only)
• degree of alignment with departmental/regional priorities
• If undergoing a detailed assessment, PrairiesCan will request:
  • business plan or pitch deck (if not already submitted)
  • financial statements for the past 2 years, as well as interim financial statements for at least the last 6-month period (if not already submitted)
  • forecasted income statements and cash flow including relevant assumptions for the duration of the project
  • detailed breakdown of project costs
  • disclosure of pre-existing disbursements to third parties or senior executives
  • supplemental form

Note that PrairiesCan will also conduct a credit check (e.g. Equifax). Where required, PrairiesCan will engage the technical services of the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to conduct the technical assessment of proposals for projects using novel technology.

Although PrairiesCan may engage companies directly on outstanding questions or issues, applicants are advised to submit a complete and thorough application. Not all applications undergoing a detailed assessment will receive an offer of funding.

PrairiesCan anticipates funding decisions within approximately 90 business days from receiving a complete funding application.

Attributes of a strong proposal

Strong proposals will have a complete and detailed application which will allow PrairiesCan to thoroughly review and validate the information provided.

A strong for-profit proposal can include the following:

• comprehensive and well-written business plan
• independent market assessment and/or evidence of unmet market demand
• clearly defined market size and opportunity
• direct competitors identified and assessed
• detailed description of both the applicant organization and project management team
• credible financial statements accompanied by logical and reasonable financial projections
• demonstrated financial capacity to execute the project and the ability to repay (if applicable)
• clear alignment with at least one priority area as well as other PrairiesCan’s key priorities where applicable
• significant economic benefits/outcomes supported by reasonable assumptions and rationale
• demonstrated understanding of the current and anticipated AI regulations in Canada (e.g., Bill C-27 to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act) and other countries (e.g., the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the U.S. Voluntary AI Risk Management Framework), and potential requirements to ensure the security of data and the responsible use of AI.
• well-defined IP strategy (if applicable)
• clear explanation as to how the productivity or efficiency savings will enable the company to grow and expand (if applicable)

A strong not-for-profit proposal should include the following:

• clear alignment to RAII objectives
• clear alignment with at least one priority area as well as other PrairiesCan’s key priorities where applicable
• strong market/industry demand (such as the project addresses a significant gap in the market or there is a demonstrated industry demand for the project)
• measurable economic benefits for the prairie provinces
• effective governance measures and management team in place to carry out the project
• strong, evidence-based rationale for the project
• financial statements that demonstrate the organization is financially self-sustaining
• leveraged funding from provincial governments, the private sector, and other non-government sources (typically 50% or more)
• non-PrairiesCan funding is confirmed with written proof.*

*Written proof, confirmed or conditional upon PrairiesCan’s funding, will be considered acceptable confirmation of non-PrairiesCan funding. Examples of written proof include current bank statements detailing existing cash balances or the unused portion of lines of credit. If third parties are included in project funding, letters of intent or funding agreements from third parties, may be acceptable.

Application requirements

The expectation is that RAII applicants will normally have already sought funding from other sources (e.g., banks, venture capitalists, etc.) prior to applying to PrairiesCan, and as such, will already possess a written business plan and financial statements.

Submissions to the RAII must include:

1. A completed application, with a request of at least $250,000 and no more than $5 million.
2. A business plan or pitch deck that addresses each area outlined below. The plan should include clear rationale/assumptions where necessary and must include:
   • A description of your business/organization.
   • A description of each major product or service your business currently provides, and the value proposition to your customer base.
   • A detailed operating/execution plan for implementing the proposed project.
   • A description of how your project will affect the value proposition to your current key customer segments and/or how your customer base will grow or change; how it will strengthen revenue or reduce costs.
   • A description of your businesses’ competitive advantage and how your project will affect your competitive position (where applicable).
   • An analysis of the marketplace (including industry factors, competition, and customers).
   • A detailed sales, pricing, and marketing strategy.
   • A third party market assessment (if available).
   • A description of the management team and corporate governance structure. This should include both the ability to manage day-to-day operations as well as to manage the project. If the management team is not yet complete, please comment as to the reasoning, and if applicable, future intentions.
3. Forecasted income statements and cash flow information for the duration of the project. These statements should be for current operations, for the new project alone and on a combined basis. The forecasts must include all rationale/assumptions on which they are based, and could include various scenarios such as breakeven.
4. Financial statements for the past 2 years, as well as interim statements for the current period (i.e., less than 3 months from the date of this application). The financial statements should be prepared by an external accountant. If externally prepared statements are not available, please provide a rationale as to why they are not available.
5. Proof of confirmed funding, of both government and non-government sources, with the submission of the Expression of Interest; and again if your project is approved, prior to receiving a funding agreement. Note that non-government funding must represent at least 50% of the proposed project costs. PrairiesCan considers proof of confirmed funding to include:
   • For funding to be provided by the applicant firm – current bank statements detailing existing cash balances or the unused portion of lines of credit.
   • For third-party funding sources – official letters (on letterhead, signed) of confirmed or conditional funding, and/or funding agreements that can be verified.
   
   The proof of confirmed funding provided with the Expression of Interest will be retained in the portal account.
   
   PrairiesCan does not consider the following as proof of confirmed funding:
   
   
   • forecasted revenues from future activities
   • accounts receivables
   • commitments to raise equity
   • commitments to obtain future bank financing
   • scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) credit
6. Complete a financial disbursement disclosure form, which was included with the email to complete a full application.
7. Complete a cost clarification form, which was included with the email to complete a full application.
8. Technology Commercialization projects only are required to complete a technology questionnaire, which was included with the email to complete a full application.
9. Complete the supplemental form and attach it as part of your full application.
10. The following optional information could also be attached in order to strengthen your application:
    • Written endorsement or review of the technology.
    • Independent market assessment.
    • Evidence of market demand such as purchase orders, letter of intent, etc.
    • Productivity analysis for Productivity Improvement projects (if available).

Note:

• PrairiesCan will not assess saved applications that have not been submitted.
• Signing and submitting the application form does not constitute a commitment from PrairiesCan for financial assistance.

Confidentiality

All proprietary data, commercially sensitive information and potentially valuable results or ideas will be protected from unauthorized, inadvertent or untimely disclosure. Information provided by applicants in the application and in all supporting documentation is collected under the authority of the Western Economic Diversification Act. This information will be treated in accordance with that Act and with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.

These laws govern, protect and limit the collection, use and disclosure of personal and confidential information by federal government departments and agencies. Beyond the parties already mentioned above, confidential commercial information will not be shared without the applicant’s consent.

Official languages

Under the Official Languages Act, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting the development of official language minority communities (English-speaking communities in Quebec and French-speaking communities in the rest of Canada). More than 2 million Canadians belong to an official language minority community. The intention is to enable these communities to thrive and to enjoy the same benefits as the rest of the population.

Applicants seeking funding under not-for-profit programming may assist PrairiesCan in fulfilling its obligations under the Official Languages Act by identifying aspects of the proposed project that may benefit Francophone communities in Western Canada or by being willing to modify the proposed project to extend its benefits to the Francophone community. This may be as simple as including a French-speaking service provider who is able to offer business services in French as part of the project or offering the final product resulting from the project in French.

Please follow up with your PrairiesCan project officer to explore how you might modify your proposed project to assist the department in extending benefits to the Francophone community.

Environmental assessment compliance

Projects involving physical works may be subject to the Impact Assessment Act (2019). Recipients of PrairiesCan funding will be responsible for obtaining all certificates, consents, permits and approvals required for compliance with applicable legislation and for complying with the requirements of such legislation. Should an environmental assessment be required, it will be necessary to plan several months before the project Proposed Start Date to allow sufficient time for the completion of the assessment.

Reporting requirements

All contribution agreements issued under the RAII program include performance indicators to measure the individual project performance and the program’s effectiveness relative to objectives. Recipients will be required to submit, along with funding claims, regular progress reports and financial statements to PrairiesCan throughout the project, from implementation through to the repayment period.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Please refer to our website for more information on the RAII and other PrairiesCan programs.

Glossary

Below is a short glossary of terms used in this guide:

How to complete the application

Tips

• Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory and you will be unable to submit your application if these fields are incomplete.
• Character count includes spaces.
• Remember to click Save after each section.

Organization information

Legal name of applicant organization: *

The legal name as shown on the certificate of incorporation or registration.

Operating name (if different than legal name):

Provide the name you are operating under if different from the full legal name.

Mailing address (Including suite, unit, apt #): *

The mailing address of your organization.

Mailing address line 2:

Additional mailing address information.

City: *

The city in which your organization resides.

Province/Territory: *

The province in which your organization resides.

Country: *

The country in which your organization resides.

Mailing postal code: *

The mailing postal code of your organization.

Telephone country code: *

The telephone country code of your organization.

Telephone: *

The telephone number of your organization.

Facsimile country code:

The facsimile country code of your organization.

Facsimile:

The facsimile number of your organization.

Website:

Your applicant organization’s website address (if available).

Email address:

Include the general email address of your organization.

Are you an Indigenous (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) organization or government? *

Select yes or no.

Corporate Status: *

Indicate if your organization is a for-profit or not-for-profit.

Organization Type (select best fit): *

Select from the drop down menu that most accurately reflects your organization type.

I have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number:*

Select yes or no.

Provide your CRA Business number or GST number (first 9 digits only):

The unique business number or GST number assigned to your organization by the CRA. A business number or GST number must be obtained through the CRA. For information on obtaining a business number visit the website of the CRA.

Jurisdiction of Incorporation: *

Select from the drop down menu your organization’s jurisdiction of incorporation.

Incorporation number:

As shown on your certification of incorporation.

In the province of:

Indicate in which province your organization was incorporated.

Date of incorporation:

Indicate the date your organization was incorporated.

Alternative number and Alternative number type:

Enter if you do not have a CRA Business Number or Incorporation Number, so your organization can be identified (such as band number, education number).

Number of employees working for your organization (full time equivalents): *

Indicate the number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) working for your organization (and any affiliated companies if applicable). Part-time employees should be calculated based on their equivalent to an FTE (in other words, 1 part time employee working approximately 20 hours per week should be represented as 0.5 FTE).

Provide a brief summary of your organization (Maximum of 500 characters). *

The description of your organization and an explanation of the organization’s mandate and priorities. Include the date your organization established business in Canada. Indicate if your organization is a subsidiary of another company.

Click Save.

Project primary and secondary contacts

If you have an existing portal account, the project contact may be selected and sub-sections will be pre-filled.

Project Primary Contact *

This person will be contacted for any follow-up on this application. Enter primary contact person information in the sub-sections (first name, last name, title, email address, cellular phone country code, cellular phone, telephone country code, telephone).

Project Secondary Contact

This person will be contacted if the primary contact is unavailable. Enter secondary contact person information in the sub-sections (first name, last name, title, email address, secondary cellular phone country code, secondary cellular phone, secondary telephone country code, secondary telephone).

Project information

Project title (maximum of 90 characters): *

Provide a project title that accurately reflects the activities and results of the project. Should your project be approved, this description may be disclosed on the Open Government Portal website as part of its proactive disclosure guidelines. A project title can be a maximum of 90 characters including spaces.

Project address is the same as mailing address? *

Select “Yes” if the address at which the project will be undertaken is the same as the organization’s mailing address. If checked, the mailing address will be automatically entered.

Project address / location (Including suite, unit, apt #): *

If the project address is different from the mailing address, enter the location at which the project will take place.

Project address line 2:

If you would like to provide additional project address information, please fill out this section.

Project city, province/territory, and postal code. *

The project location address.

Briefly describe your project activities in plain language. This is an important section as it will be used in summary documents to describe your project at various review stages (maximum of 1,000 characters including spaces). *

Briefly describe your project in plain language. The description should provide a high-level overview of the project and outline the main elements of the project. It should provide an understanding of why you are seeking financial assistance, how you will use the funds, and how the funds will support the objectives of your project. Do not use technical language in this section.

A suggested opening sentence could be: ABC Company will demonstrate XYZ prototype, or adopt technology ABC that will enable … etc.

You will have an opportunity to provide a Full Project Description in the Timelines section.

Refer to the eligible project activities for more details.

Briefly describe the economic benefits associated with this project. (1,000 characters including spaces) *

Provide an explanation as to how economic outcomes (such as job creation, revenue growth, etc.) will be achieved. A job created refers to a job that did not exist with the organization prior to the project, but which was created as a result of the project. Identify the numbers of jobs requiring highly qualified personnel, which is defined as individuals with university degrees at the bachelor’s level and above. Identify and detail all assumptions to support the reasonableness of your economic outcomes. All projects will be screened for significance of outcomes and the likelihood of achieving them.

If your project supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to inclusive growth (under-represented groups) you may include this in your explanation. Note: recipients will be encouraged to track inclusiveness indicators.

You will be provided another opportunity to explain in the Benefits section. Refer to the expected benefits for more details.

Which RDA priority does this project best support? *

Choose 1 priority that best aligns with your project’s objectives, activities, and outcomes. Your project may be compared to similar projects within the chosen priority area.

Refer to the eligible priorities for more details.

To select 1 of the priorities, click on the magnifying glass icon, and the “Lookup records” window will appear where you can then select a priority from. Scroll down for “Other.” For example:

 

Explain how this project supports the indicated priority. (Maximum of 2,000 characters) *

Explain in detail how the project’s objectives, activities and outcomes align with the selected priority as well as other PrairiesCan’s key priorities where applicable.

Project timelines

Proposed start date: *

This is the proposed date the agreement between the Recipient and PrairiesCan could come into effect. Note that costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis for a 12-month period prior to receipt of a funding application, but no earlier than April 16, 2024. If the application is approved, eligible project costs incurred after this date may be reimbursed with proper documentation. Any costs incurred prior to April 16, 2024, or 12 months preceding your date of application (whichever is later), would not be eligible for reimbursement under the terms of the agreement and are outside of the scope of the project.

Proposed end date: *

This is the anticipated date the project activity will cease. Project activities cannot occur past the program end date of March 31, 2029. (This does not include a repayment period when applicable.)

Click Save.

Funding

Project costs *

Description

List the various cost items you anticipate incurring in the implementation of the project. Each cost item should have its own line (see instructions below). Recipients must ensure all project cost items are clearly verifiable.

Type

Indicate if the cost is capital (such as purchase of equipment and associated costs such as installation) or non-capital (such as salaries, professional fees).

Amount

The anticipated amount of the cost item.

Total project costs

Automatically sums the cost items listed above. Note: This total must equal the total expenditures from the Cash Flows section below.

To add a project cost item, click on the Add New Cost Item button and the following window will appear for you to provide the information. Click the Submit button once complete. You will still have the ability to edit the project cost item after hitting this Submit button.

Cash flows *

Fiscal year (ending March 31)

Select appropriate fiscal year for cash flows.

Total fiscal expenditures

Anticipated total project costs incurred from each fiscal year.

RDA funding

The amount of PrairiesCan funding being requested to support each FY expenses.

Non-RDA funding

Automatically generated: the portion of project expenditures not covered by PrairiesCan funding.

1. To enter cash flow information, click the down arrow on the far right for the fiscal year you are interested in (e.g. 2022-2023). Click the Edit option that appears. Note: the fiscal years shown below are for illustrative purposes only.

2. Enter the Expenditures and RDA Amount Requested information and then hit Submit. You will still have the ability to edit the project cost item after hitting the Submit button. Note: the fiscal years shown below are for illustrative purposes only.

Total expenditures, total RDA funding requested and total non-RDA funding

The system will automatically calculate total PrairiesCan funding requested, as well as Total Fiscal Expenditures. Note that this total must equal total projects costs from the project cost section.

Total expenditures: *

This is the sum of the Total Fiscal Expenditures column in the Cash Flows section. It is automatically calculated.

Note: This total must equal the Total project costs from the Project Costs section above.

RDA funding requested: *

This is the sum of the PrairiesCan Funding column in the Cash Flows section. It is automatically calculated.

Total non-RDA funding: *

This is the sum of the Non-RDA funding column in the Cash Flows section. It is automatically calculated.

Note: This total must equal the Amount provided by funding partners from the Funding Partners section below.

Funding Partners *

Funding Partners

The first line in the list of funding partners is reserved for the applicant organization. Please add other funding partners or contributors, if any, in subsequent rows. Identify all potential contributors that will provide a monetary contribution to the project. In-kind contributions are not eligible and, therefore, should not be listed in this section.

In-kind contributions, such as goods and services, toward project costs that do not involve a cost incurred or paid for by the applicant. These types of contributions should be demonstrated in the application at fair market value.

Identify all potential project contributors including the applicant organization that will provide funding as a monetary contribution or in-kind contribution. Note: applicants must ensure all contributions are clearly verifiable.

Funding Category

Select from the drop down menu the description that best reflects the funding source.

Funding Confirmed

In the case where your organization (Applicant) is a source of funding, indicate yes if you have cash on hand. In the case of other funding sources, indicate yes if there is written documentation supporting the funding.

Amount

The anticipated amount of funding this partner (Applicant or funding partner) will provide.

1. To add a funding partner, click on the button and the following window will appear for you to input the information. Click the Submit button once complete. You will still have the ability to edit the project cost item after hitting this Submit button.

2. To edit what your organization will be contributing towards this project, click the down arrow on the far right for the fiscal year you are interested in. Click the Edit option that appears and a similar pop-up window as shown above will appear.

Total amount provided by funding partners

Automatically sums the funding amounts listed above.

Note: This total must equal the Total non-RDA funding from the Cash Flows section above.

Briefly describe any partnerships (non-financial and financial), including any costs covered (maximum of 1,200 characters, including spaces) *

Describe partnerships that would be important to the success of the proposed project.

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Benefits

Primary activity: *

Choose 1 primary activity that best aligns with your project’s objectives, activities, and outcomes. Your project may be compared to similar projects of a chosen primary activity. Refer to eligible activities for more details.

Indicator: *

Note that these should be measured from the project proposed start date until typically 1 year following the project completion. The most common indicators are below, although additional indicators pertaining to your project can be added. If your project does not have a value to report for a listed indicator, input a value of “0” (zero) and enter a target date.

Number of jobs created (highly qualified personnel including STEM) in Canada: *

Provide the number of jobs created as a result of this project that are professional, science, and technology-related jobs – based on an OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) definition of ‘science and technology-related jobs’. See definition of this in the glossary. Number of jobs created includes the number of HQP (highly qualified personnel, including STEM) jobs expanded as a result of project supported through PrairiesCan funding. Expanded refers to transitioning a seasonal or part-time employee to a year-round or full-time position, or similar increase in hours.

• One FTE job = 12 person months of employment. (In the case of seasonal or part time employment, person months of employment should be converted to FTE job).
• Inclusiveness sub-types include women, Indigenous Peoples and youth.

Number of jobs created (non-highly qualified personnel) in Canada: *

Provide the number of jobs created as a result of this project that are not considered highly qualified personnel (HQP) as per the definition above. Number of jobs created includes the number of non-HQP jobs expanded as a result of projects supported through PrairiesCan funding. Expanded refers to transitioning a seasonal or part-time employee to a year-round or full-time position, or similar increase in hours.

• One FTE job = 12 person months of employment. (In the case of seasonal or part time employment, person months of employment should be converted to FTE job).
• Inclusiveness sub-types include women, Indigenous Peoples and youth.

Revenue Growth: *

Provide a numerical value that totals the anticipated entire firm sales year over year from the project proposed start date up to 1 year following the proposed end date.

The example below illustrates how to calculate the revenue growth.

• For example, a firm has $1 million in revenue at the time of application. They plan to grow to $2 million next year, $3 million the year after and $4 million the year after (which is the last year of the project), and finally $5 million for the year after the project. To calculate the total, add up the incremental amount (that years’ forecasted revenue minus the original level they were at when they applied) from each year. In this example, the revenue growth measurable would be $1 million + $2 million + $3 million + $4 million = $10 million.

Revenue at time of application	Year 1		Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Total
$1 million	Actual Revenue	$2M	$3M	$4M	$5M	$14M
	Revenue Growth	$1M	$2M	$3M	$4M	$10M

Export Sales Growth: *

Provide a numerical value that totals the anticipated sales growth related to entire firm exports the year over year from the project proposed start date up to 1 year following the proposed end date.

The example below illustrates how to calculate export sales growth.

• For example, a firm has $500,000 in export sales revenue at the time of application. They plan to grow to $1 million next year, $1.5 million the year after and $2 million the year after (which is the last year of the project), and finally $2.5 million for the year after the project. To calculate the total, add up the incremental amount (that years’ forecasted revenue minus the original level they were at when they applied) from each year. In this example, the export sales growth measurable would be $500,000 + $1 million + $1.5 million + $2 million = $5 million.

Export sales at time of application	Year 1		Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Total
$500,000	Actual Export Sales	$1M	$1.5M	$2M	$2.5M	$7M
	Export Sales Growth	$500,000	$1M	$1.5M	$2M	$5M

Incremental private sector investment attracted *

Provide a numerical value that totals the anticipated private sector capital invested through the project. Does not include private sources of project funding outlined at the start of the project.

Examples of incremental private sector investment include new venture capital financing, investment from a new partner, etc.

The example below illustrates how to calculate incremental private sector investment attracted:

• For example, a firm has identified $1 million in private sector investment at the start of the project. They plan to attract an additional $1.5 million next year, and an additional $2 million the year after. To calculate the total, add up the incremental amounts (excluding any funding outlined at the start of project) from each year. In this example, the total incremental private sector investment attracted would be $1,500,000 + $2,000,000 = $3,500,000.

Number of SMEs assisted (businesses or organizations): *

For organizations that support businesses, provide a numerical value of the number of SMEs that will be supported by this project.

Number of technologies to market *

Provide a numerical value of the number of technologies anticipated to be developed which would meet legal and regulatory requirement in order to be sold to consumer or industrial clients. A technology could also include knowledge-based products, processes, services.

Examples of technologies to market could include the sale or commercialization of: a new pharmaceutical or pharmaceutical ingredients; new industrial machinery/tools, new hardware or software products, new waste treatment processes.

The example below illustrates how to calculate number of technologies to market:

• For example, a firm is developing three new products which they plan to bring to the market in the second year of project. In addition, they also plan to deliver a new service to their clients in the third and final year of the project. In this example, the total number of technologies to market would be 3 + 1 = 4.

Business sales growth resulting from commercialization or adoption (mandatory for technology commercialization or technology adoption projects): *

Provide a numerical value that totals the anticipated sales growth (domestic or international) from the specific product, process, service, or technology being commercialized or adopted through the project year over year from the project proposed start date up to 1 year following the proposed end date.

The example below illustrates how to calculate business sales growth resulting from commercialization.

• For example, a firm has no revenue from business sales resulting from commercialization at the time of application. They plan to grow to $100,000 next year, $500,000 the year after and $1 million the year after (which is the last year of the project), and finally $2 million for the year after the project. To calculate the total, add up the incremental amount (that years’ forecasted revenue minus the original level they were at when they applied) from each year. In this example, the business sales growth resulting from commercialization measurable would be $100,000 + $500,000 + $1 million + $2 million = $3.6 million.

Time of Application	Year 1		Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Total
$0	Actual sales from commercialization	$100,000	$500,000	$1M	$2M	$3.6M
	Sales growth from commercialization	$100,000	$500,000	$1M	$2M	$3.6M

Value of expenditures in research and development ($) (mandatory if doing research and development activities): *

Provide a numerical value that totals the anticipated increase of business expenditures in research and development year over year from the project funding start date up to one year following the proposed end date.

Please provide information on any other significant economic benefits that your project could achieve (maximum 2,000 characters including spaces). *

Provide a detailed explanation as to how the economic outcomes listed above will be achieved and list economic outcomes not listed above. Identify the numbers of jobs requiring highly qualified personnel, which is defined as individuals with university degrees at the bachelor’s level and above. Identify and detail all assumptions to support the reasonableness of your economic outcomes. All projects will be screened for significance of outcomes and their likelihood of achievement.

If your project supports the Government of Canada’s commitment to inclusive growth (under-represented groups) you may include this in your explanation. Note: recipients will be encouraged to track inclusiveness indicators (in other words, women, Indigenous Peoples and youth) throughout the project from the project proposed start date to 1 year following the project completion date.

Does your project have activities that will benefit Francophones? If your project includes activities that will directly benefit the Francophone community in the Prairie Provinces or if you are willing to modify your project to extend its benefits to the Francophone community, choose yes.*

Select Yes or No.

If yes, describe how the project activities will benefit Francophones (maximum of 1,500 characters including spaces). *

Explain how this project will or could benefit the Francophone community in the Prairie Provinces and what specific activity(ies) will or could include. If Francophones will not benefit from the project, simply write ‘not applicable’.
For example:

• The project will hire bilingual staff.
• The project will ensure that any communication tools are produced in French (final report, exhibit, video, etc.)

Clearly outline if the project aligns with other Government of Canada priorities, provincial government priorities, industry needs, and your organization’s long-term research, capital, and/or strategic plans (maximum of 1,500 characters including spaces).

Clearly outline if the project aligns with other Government of Canada priorities; provincial government priorities; industry needs; and your organization’s long-term research, capital, and/or strategic plans. This is not a mandatory field. If none apply, simply write ‘not applicable’.

For example:

• The project will advance the Government of Canada’s priority of … by …

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Project timelines

Full project description (maximum of 3,000 characters, including spaces).

This description should provide clear understanding of the following:

• objectives of the project
• key activities of the project and how these activities will achieve the intended objectives of the project
• outline the plan to achieve the objectives and key activities;
• describe the engagement and/or commitment from other partners (such as industry, other levels of government)
• clearly address any project risks and mitigation measures to address these risks (such as project delays, staff turnover, other challenges) to secure confirmed funding

Project timeline – milestone *

A milestone is a project activity that can be clearly defined and measured. Provide a list of significant activities or project milestones that can be measured and tracked to ensure the project is proceeding as planned. These should be significant milestones that will be used to ensure your project’s performance over the course of the project, up to the stated completion date of the project.

Select ‘+Add New Project Timeline’ to enter information.

Date of Expected Completion *

This is the date that the milestone should be completed by.

Timeline Comments (maximum of 1,000 characters including spaces). *

Add any information necessary to provide additional clarity regarding the milestones.

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Market

Are other organizations currently providing a similar activity, service, or product?

Select Yes or No.

Describe how your activity, service, or product is different or unique compared to others (maximum of 1,000 characters including spaces).

Commercial project applicants: How many years has your organization been doing business in the indicated target market/sector? List your major competitors. Describe how your project could affect your competitive position and/or market share within Canada and internationally, if applicable. Identify if your project will adversely impact other businesses in Canada.

Non-commercial project applicants: Identify any similar or complementary initiatives in Canada or internationally. Does your project build upon or duplicate other initiatives or clearly illustrate that your project is not duplicating existing activities/services/products? Outline how your activity, service or product is different or unique.

Provide the rationale for the project and for the Regional Development Agency’s involvement in the project (maximum of 2,000 characters including spaces).

Fully explain how the project will fill a market gap or an industry need.

• Describe the opportunity or challenge and how your project is a solution.
• Provide a rationale for government’s role in the project.
• Provide details on how this project is incremental to the organization’s current operations or activities.
• Clearly outline if the project aligns with other Government of Canada priorities; provincial government priorities; industry needs; and your organization’s long-term research, capital and/or strategic plans.

Which western Canadian province(s) will directly benefit from this project? Select all that apply.

Select all provinces that will directly benefit.

Will the project result in the generation of revenues?

Select Yes or No.

If yes, please explain (maximum of 1,000 characters, including spaces).

Explain how much and what the revenues will be used for in the comment box.

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Management

Clearly demonstrate that your organization has effective governance measures in place to execute this project. Indicate how oversight will be provided to the project. (Maximum of 2,000 characters including spaces)*

Provide an explanation of how your organization is governed (such as board of directors, advisory board) and its structure along with a brief explanation of key executives’ credentials (such as indicate the level of experience of the board members, such as the number of years of experience each member has on the board of directors). Clearly demonstrate that your organization has effective governance measures in place to provide appropriate oversight of this project. Indicate how these individuals will specifically be involved in providing oversight on the project.

Describe the qualifications and related experience of the key individuals that will be responsible for managing and implementing the project. (Maximum of 2,000 characters including spaces) *

Provide a list of the members of your organization who will be directly managing and implementing the project including their relevant prior experience, education, professional designation(s), and other achievements. Clearly demonstrate that your organization has the management skills and leadership to carry out the project.

Additional details

Complete the Additional Details if you are an incorporated business. This section is not applicable to not-for-profit applicants.

Date your organization established business in Canada.*

Enter the month-day-year your organization established business in Canada.

Is your organization a subsidiary of another company? *

Select Yes or No.

If yes, what is the legal name of the parent company? (Maximum 200 characters including spaces)

Enter name.

What is your fiscal year end date? *

Enter the month-day-year of your organization’s fiscal year end.

Total revenues from your most recent fiscal year end. *

Enter amount ($).

Total revenues from your previous fiscal year end. *

Enter amount ($).

Previously received funding from a regional development agency (RDA)? *

Select Yes or No.

Do you have an independent market assessment or evidence of unmet market demand? *

Select Yes or No.

Competitors are operating within:

Select the applicable geographic locations.

Describe your competition. * (Maximum 1,000 characters including spaces)

Provide a description of your primary competitors and how your organization differentiates itself. Please make specific note of any western Canadian or Canadian competition.

Operating facilities existing in Western Canada? *

Select Yes or No.

Describe the most significant risk to your project and the steps you have in place to mitigate this risk. (maximum 1,000 characters including spaces) *

Provide a description.

Documents

Upload here the supporting documents to be provided with your application.

Upload the following mandatory documents marked with an asterisk (*) and other supporting documents:

• Financial statements for the past 2 years*
• Interim financial statement for the past 6 months*
• Forecasted income statements and cash flows complete with rationale and assumptions (3 to 5 years)*
• Evidence of confirmation of all other (non-RDA) sources of funding*
• Supporting documents including business plan or pitch deck (such as information to include in a business plan by BDC business plan website) *
• Independent market assessment or evidence of unmet market demand (third party reports and/or websites)
• Supplemental form *
• Technology questionnaire (for technology commercialization projects only)

Please attach any supporting documents that you feel will support your application. There is no maximum number of attachments for additional documentation. Examples include:

• project plan;
• letters of support;
• regulatory approvals and resolutions;
• board minutes;
• list of the Board of Directors.

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Signing authority

The application form must be submitted by a member of your organization with signing power/authority to enter into a legal agreement with PrairiesCan.

Note: the fields marked with an asterisk (*) need to be completed in order to submit this form.

First name: *

Provide the first name of the member of the organization with signing power/the authority to enter into an agreement. This person should be either the primary or the secondary contact.

Last name:

Provide the family name of the contact.

Title:

Provide the contact person’s job title (such as president, executive director).

Email address:

Provide a valid e-mail address.

Telephone country code:

The telephone country code of where the contact person can be reached.

Telephone:

Provide a phone number where the contact person can be reached.

Cellular country code:

The cellular country code of your organization.

Cellular phone:

The cellular number of your organization.

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Diversity and inclusion

The Government of Canada is committed to diversity and inclusion so that all Canadians have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the growth of the economy. Gender and diversity data collected may be used for research, statistics, program and policy evaluation, risk management, strategy development, reporting, and gender-based analysis (including GBA+). This information can help the Government of Canada monitor progress on inclusive access to federal support programs and services; to identify and remove barriers; and, to make changes to improve inclusive access. The Government of Canada understands that participation of underrepresented groups is an integral part of building strong and inclusive communities and economy.

No personal identifying information will be shared. Aggregate and anonymous data may be shared with other federal organizations and/or published for reporting and monitoring purposes.

Unless otherwise directed by the program, the following gender and diversity data will not be used to assess the application. It is being collected for statistical purposes and may feed into future programming.

Is your organization majority (in other words, over 50%) owned or led by individuals who self identify as:

The purpose of this question is to gather information related to the ownership/leadership of the organization to see which diverse groups PrairiesCan funds. Answer related sub-questions below. Please refer to the glossary for definition on “majority-owned” and any of the diverse groups.

Will your project directly support any of the following diverse groups?

This question is regarding the people that will benefit from this project. Will your project directly support any of the groups listed? If so, please answer ‘yes’. If you do not know if your project will directly support a particular group, or prefer not to answer, just leave the field blank. This information may be considered in assessing your project. Refer to the glossary for definition on “majority-owned” and any of the diverse groups.

If yes is selected for any of the following diverse groups, please specify (maximum of 1,500 characters).

Provide an explanation on how your project will directly support the diverse group selected.

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Validation

For this step, any errors or omissions in the form will be brought to your attention, and you will be given the opportunity to review them, and make any necessary corrections.

Attestation

Before you can complete and submit your application, it is necessary in this final step for you to affirm that you are aware of certain statutory obligations, that your organization meets the eligibility requirements for the program, and that the collected information may also be used for consideration under other government programs.

Please ensure the attestation is completed by the primary contact, who is also the member of your organization with signing power/authority to enter into a legal agreement with PrairiesCan.

Click off the check box to indicate you have read and agree with the acknowledgements.

Authorized official of the applicant organization acknowledgements

The application form must be submitted by a member of your organization with signing power/authority to enter into a legal agreement.