R&D funding:
Tax Credits and Grants
Funding your R&D shouldn’t cost you more time than your R&D itself. R&D funding in Canada is based on two complementary levers: public programs, such as SR&ED, CRIC, IRAP, Mitacs or NSERC, and private financing, including investment rounds. Progrès Conseils takes care of your requests from start to finish, from identifying the right programs to defending your cases, so you can stay focused on your work.
You innovate, you test, you improve your products, your processes or your technologies. These efforts may be eligible for tax credits, subsidies or private capital, but it is still necessary to document the project, choose the right levers and present a credible case. Since 2003, Progrès Conseils has been supporting innovative companies with a 98% success rate, combining technical understanding, financial reading and knowledge of programs.
Public funding of R&D: targeting the right programs
Programs exist to finance your innovation. But you still need to know which ones to target and how to put together the case. Public funding for R&D combines tax credits and grants, each with its own criteria, deadlines, and documentation requirements. We identify the right levers according to your project, your stage of development and your company profile, then we take care of the preparation of requests, in support or turnkey.
SR&ED
the largest tax incentive for R&D in Canada. The federal refundable credit reaches 35% of eligible expenses for an SME, but it is by combining it with the Quebec credit that the recovery becomes major: on your eligible R&D salaries, the combined federal and provincial support can exceed 60% depending on the file.
The program has recently been enhanced and capital expenditures are once again eligible. We prepare your claims, structure your technical documentation, and defend your cases before the CRA to maximize the credit to which you are entitled, according to the rules applicable to your tax year and corporate status. See our SR&ED page
RCIC / Quebec R and Pre-Marketing Tax Credit
This provincial credit, separate from the federal SRED, consolidates several former Quebec credits, including the former Quebec provincial SRED credit, since 2025. It covers a wide range of expenses, including some capital and pre-marketing expenses.
The CRIC consolidates four provincial refundable SRED tax credits:
- the SRED tax credit for salaries (internal research);
- the tax credit for university research or research carried out by a public research centre or a research consortium;
- the tax credit for pre-competitive research in private partnerships;
- the tax credit in respect of an eligible research consortium.
NRC-IRAP / IRAP
A strategic program for SMEs developing technologies. We help you clarify your project, present its benefits and build a more convincing application with the responsible advisors.
Mitacs
Funding programs for your research projects with academic institutions. We help you structure the partnership, define the objectives of the project and prepare a file consistent with the expectations of the program.
NSERC
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council supports applied research with partners. We support you in putting together the application in order to better align your work, your partners and the eligibility criteria.
Not sure if your project is eligible for SRED, RCIC, IRAP or a grant? Progrès Conseils can quickly assess your situation, identify the most relevant levers and clearly tell you which steps are worth taking.
Private financing: preparing the case and opening the right doors
Most RD companies are financed primarily by public programs. Private capital is mainly aimed at growth or expansion projects, and it intervenes more rarely, as a complement, when the scale of the project justifies it. When this is your situation, raising money from investors requires a clear case, numbers that hold up and a presentation that inspires confidence. Our experience in business strategy and our knowledge of the investment environment allow us to prepare you solidly and put you in touch with the right people.
Business plans and investor presentations
We structure your business plans, pitches and presentations to make your project clearer, more credible and easier for investors to evaluate.
Financial Preparation
We help you present your assumptions, financing needs and growth prospects in a consistent manner to support your discussions with financial partners.
Connecting with investors
We connect you to investors who are likely to support your project, depending on your sector, your stage of development and your market potential.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SRED and RCIC?
SRED is the federal RD tax credit, administered by the CRA. The CRIC, or Quebec R and Pre-Marketing Tax Credit, is the new Quebec framework that consolidates several former provincial credits since 2025. A Quebec SME can benefit from both, which requires a coordinated arrangement between the two levels.
Can I combine tax credits and grants?
Yes, in many cases, but the rules of interaction are precise: some aid reduces the base of expenses eligible for credits. It is precisely the role of specialized support to optimize this combination without loss.
Can a company with no revenues get RD funding?
Yes. Some refundable credits can represent a cash inflow even without tax payable, depending on the company’s eligibility. Programs such as IRAP are also aimed at start-ups and growing companies.
How long does it take to apply?
It depends on the program and the quality of your documentation. A well-prepared SRED claim accrues continuously over the fiscal year, while a grant follows specific calls and deadlines that we plan with you.
Why entrust your RD financing to Progrès Conseils
Innovation funding is changing rapidly, especially since the recent changes at the federal level and in Quebec. We are monitoring these developments closely so that you don’t have to. You keep your energy for your RD work while we turn your innovation efforts into concrete funding. You can also optimize this financing by improving your operations with our operational performance service.