Where to find government innovation assistance programs for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada
Are you a Canadian small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) seeking information about programs and other resources to pursue technological innovation? Do you need help accessing these services?
The Government of Canada's Concierge Service may be able to help. The Concierge Service, delivered by the National Research Council Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, is a direct response to the 2011 Jenkins expert panel report titled Innovation Canada: A Call to Action that recommended a more focused approach to facilitate SME's access to available programs, services and funding to help them grow and prosper through innovation.
The Concierge Service is part of the Government of Canada's efforts to help SMEs identify and access the most appropriate business innovation assistance and programs and reflects the Government's aim of bringing services from various departments and organizations together in a way that collectively responds to SME challenges.
Accordng to the Concierge Service website, they can help Canadian firms from any and all industry sectors
- Firms undertaking Research and Development
- Firms in all phases of product and service development
- Firms seeking productivity gains through the adoption or adaptation of technologies
Initially, you will be asked regarding your innovation need; i.e.
- Product, Process, or Technology Development
- Improving Productivity
- Acquiring Equipment
- Acquiring or Adopting Existing Technology
- Finding or Hiring Technical Staff / Student / Consultant
- Finding or Hiring Business Staff / Student / Consultant
- Finding a Strategic Partner
- Intellectual Property / Patents
- Market Research, Market Development, Exporting
- General Business Guidance / Support
In an article titled " Research and Development within Reach", Corinne Pohlmann, vice-president of national affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business states " This one-stop shop for small businesses seeking information and guidance on R&D-related activities at federal, provincial and municipal levels of government will help ensure small businesses receive the support they need in a timely and efficient manner."
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