If your Manitoba business is developing a new product and needs capital to move it closer to market, the Innovation Growth Program Manitoba can help. This provincial program supports small and medium-sized businesses with up to $100,000 for product development and commercialization costs. Funding is competitive. Knowing the rules before you apply is important.
The Innovation Growth Program (IGP) is run by the Government of Manitoba. It is open to eligible for-profit small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
The Innovation Growth Program Manitoba offers repayable, cost-shared funding to help businesses develop and commercialize new products. The program is for companies that are ready to move beyond ideas. It supports testing, prototyping, or early market entry.
Key details:
Projects must focus on new or improved products that could succeed in the market. The program does not cover routine upgrades or regular operating costs.
Your business must meet all of these requirements to qualify for the Innovation Growth Program Manitoba:
The program does not accept applications from:
Startups can apply if they meet the equity and incorporation rules.
The Innovation Growth Program Manitoba funds product development and commercialization. Your project must help move a product closer to being ready for the market.
Eligible activities include:
Expenses must be directly linked to the approved project and happen during the project period. The province will only reimburse up to 50% of approved costs.
For more detail on cost rules across funding programs, see What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Applying to the Innovation Growth Program takes more work than a basic grant application. You need to explain your product, market, and finances in detail.
Check eligibility
Make sure you meet the revenue, staffing, and equity requirements before starting.
Prepare your project plan
Describe the innovation, technical work, timeline, and total project budget.
Gather your financial documents
Show at least $25,000 in cash equity and prove you can fund your share of costs.
Complete the application package
Manitoba provides an application support guide. Newer companies may need to provide a Start-Up Letter.
Submit your application
Projects are reviewed for innovation, feasibility, and potential for commercialization.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Manitoba programs by industry, size, and funding type so you can focus on the best fits for your business.
Thinking the funding is non-repayable
The Innovation Growth Program provides a repayable contribution. You must pay this back under the agreed terms.
Not showing enough equity
Applications are often declined if the business cannot prove the $25,000 minimum cash equity.
Giving vague project details
Reviewers want clear technical detail and a realistic plan for getting your product to market.
Including ineligible costs
Only approved project expenses are cost-shared. Regular operating costs outside the project are not covered.
Q: How much funding can I get from the Innovation Growth Program Manitoba?
Up to $100,000, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs. Your business must pay the rest.
Q: Is the Innovation Growth Program a grant or a loan?
It is a repayable contribution. This means you must pay it back. It is not a non-repayable grant.
Q: Can startups apply for the Innovation Growth Program?
Yes, startups can apply if they are for-profit CCPCs and meet the equity, revenue, and staffing requirements.
Q: Are not-for-profit organizations eligible?
No. Not-for-profits, professional practices, and government entities are not eligible.
Q: What types of innovation does the program support?
The program supports new or improved products with strong potential for commercialization. It does not fund basic research or regular upgrades.
GrantHub tracks many active grant and loan programs across Canada. You can compare options to find the best fit for your business and project stage.
The Innovation Growth Program Manitoba is a good choice if your business is ready to invest in product development and share costs with the province. Before applying, double-check your eligibility and prepare a clear, numbers-based project plan.
To see how this program compares to other innovation funding, review related guides like How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules. You can also search Manitoba innovation programs with GrantHub to find the best next step for your business.
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