Webinar – Scaling Smarter: Grant Funding for Canadian Manufacturers

Unlock government grants to fund automation, AI, and productivity initiatives while reducing costs and boosting competitiveness.

In today’s manufacturing environment, rising costs, labor shortages, and increasing pressure on margins are making it more difficult for Canadian manufacturers to invest in automation, artificial intelligence, and operational modernization. Yet significant government grant programs are available to support these strategic investments , provided companies know where to find them and how to secure them.

This practical webinar will help manufacturers understand how to turn government grants into a powerful lever for productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

What you will learn: 

Who is this webinar for?

Webinar agenda:

• • Manufacturing landscape and key drivers for grant funding
• • Where grants arise: automation, AI, supply chain, skills, and sustainability
• • Industry challenges: rising costs, labor shortages, and capital constraints
• • Grant strategies to fund automation, AI, and workforce upskilling
• • Common barriers and how to overcome them
• • Manufacturing grant case studies
• • Live Q&A session

Questions and Answers

Below you will find the answers to the questions raised during the webinar, prepared by our expert Nadim Jaberi.

Please note that these answers are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.

If you have questions related to your specific situation or that of your organization, we encourage you to contact us directly.

Do companies need to be 100% Canadian-owned to access these grants?

No. In most cases, companies do not need to be wholly Canadian-owned. As long as the company is incorporated in Canada, has a business and financial history in Canada, and the project is carried out in Canada, it is generally eligible. Ownership rules may vary by program.

Can we apply if we already have some sales in the target export market?

Yes. Under the CanExport SMEs program, a market is considered “new” if sales are below $100,000 or represent less than 10% of total sales in the last fiscal year. If those conditions are met, the company may still apply.

How do we know which grant is the best fit if we qualify for several?

This depends on the activities and costs you want funded. A grant advisor can assess your project, identify which program covers the majority of eligible costs, and then recommend complementary grants to maximize funding without double-dipping.

How long does the application process take, and how does disbursement work?

Applications typically take 2–3 weeks to prepare and submit. Once submitted, agencies usually provide a response within 30–60 business days, though delays may occur during high-demand periods. Disbursement depends on the specific agency and program.

Are there penalties if a project underperforms or timelines change?

Generally, no penalties apply if the project remains materially aligned with the approved plan. Changes must be explained during reporting. Major changes require discussion with the funding agency.

Can we apply if the project has already started?

It depends on the program. Most grants are forward-looking. Some programs (like RTRI) allow retroactive costs, but most do not. Often, funding can apply to a new phase of an ongoing project.

How does Leyton charge for its services?

Leyton offers flexible fee structures, usually either: 

• Success-based fees, or
•  Fees upon submission 
• The model depends on the grant and client needs. 

Can we apply for a Phase 2 grant to finish a project already underway?

Yes, if the funding is framed as supporting a new phase of the project. Previous phases are generally not eligible for retroactive funding unless explicitly allowed.