Manitoba Innovation Growth Program: SME Eligibility Checklist

If you’re developing or commercializing a new product in Manitoba, the Manitoba Innovation Growth Program (IGP) can help cover your costs. This program offers up to $100,000 in cost-shared funding for eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ready to move an innovation toward market. Eligibility is specific, and many businesses miss key requirements when first applying.

Below is a practical SME eligibility checklist to help you confirm whether your business is a fit for the Manitoba Innovation Growth Program.

Innovation Growth Program SME Eligibility Checklist

Use this checklist before you invest time in an application. Each requirement comes directly from the Manitoba government’s program guidelines.

Business Structure and Location

For-Profit Status

✅ Your business must be a for-profit, taxable Canadian Controlled Private Corporation (CCPC).

Manitoba Presence

✅ You must have a permanent establishment in Manitoba.

Active Operations

✅ Your business must be active, not a holding company or one that earns mainly passive income.

Ineligible Applicants

Not-for-profit organizations
Professional practices (law, accounting, medical clinics)
Government entities
Businesses earning primarily passive income

SME Size Requirements

Revenue or Employee Limits

Your business must meet one of these:
- Annual revenue of $15 million or less, or
- Fewer than 100 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

This allows both established SMEs and growth-stage companies to apply, as long as they stay within these limits.

Manitoba Employment Requirement

Payroll Distribution

✅ At least 50% of total salaries and wages must be paid to Manitoba resident employees.

If your team is mainly outside Manitoba, the program may not be a fit.

Minimum Cash Equity Position

Cash Equity Proof

✅ You must show a minimum cash equity position of $25,000.

This is your company’s own cash and is used to cover your share of eligible project costs. It cannot come from the program funding.

Eligible Project Focus

Innovation Requirement

Your project must:
- Focus on the development and commercialization of a new innovative product
- Go beyond routine upgrades or minor improvements
- Show clear technical or market advancement

Examples include prototype development, product testing, or preparing an innovation for market entry. Pure marketing or operational projects usually do not qualify.

Funding Structure and Limits

Funding Amount

💰 Up to $100,000 in funding
🔁 Covers a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs
📄 Provided as a repayable contribution, not a non-repayable grant

Consider it a loan with flexible repayment terms, not a grant. Make sure this fits your cash flow planning.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Manitoba programs by business size, industry, and project type, so you can confirm fit early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming It’s a Grant

The Innovation Growth Program is repayable. Consider it a loan with flexible repayment terms, not a grant.

Mistake 2: Missing the Payroll Requirement

Many applicants overlook the rule that 50% of wages must go to Manitoba residents.

Mistake 3: Applying with an Underdeveloped Project

Early ideas without a clear development or commercialization plan are often rejected.

Mistake 4: Not Proving Cash Equity

You must clearly show at least $25,000 in available company cash. Future revenue projections don’t count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Manitoba Innovation Growth Program a grant or a loan?
It is a repayable contribution, not a traditional non-repayable grant. Repayment terms are set by the province.

Q: How much funding can my business receive?
Eligible SMEs can receive up to $100,000, covering a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs.

Q: Can startups apply for the Innovation Growth Program?
Yes, if they are for-profit CCPCs, meet the SME size limits, and can demonstrate at least $25,000 in cash equity.

Q: Are not-for-profit organizations eligible?
No. The program is limited to for-profit, taxable businesses and excludes not-for-profits and government entities.

Q: What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must focus on developing and commercializing a new innovative product, not routine business operations.

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Next Steps

If your business meets most of the criteria above, the Manitoba Innovation Growth Program could be a good fit for your innovation project. GrantHub tracks active Manitoba and federal innovation funding programs and helps you see which ones match your business profile, project stage, and cash capacity before you apply.

Manitoba Innovation Growth Program: SME Eligibility Checklist