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Only projects that best align with program objectives and expected results will be chosen. To prepare a strong application you should:
- Check eligibility in the Who can apply section
- Understand what can be funded in the Program information section
- Review the complete program materials as described on this website and in the EOI help guide to understand the application requirements and process
- Assign a project lead from your organization to be a primary contact that PrairiesCan will engage with for the project
- Gather all the documentation that PrairiesCan is requesting for the application
Should you have any questions regarding or during the application process, please contact a PrairiesCan office.
Elements of a strong proposal
A strong proposal is complete, clearly shows you’re eligible and includes enough detail for PrairiesCan to thoroughly review and confirm the information.
All applications must demonstrate clear alignment with RAII objectives.
Elements of a strong proposal for repayable projects
Will also include the following:
- Comprehensive and well-written business plan
- Independent market assessment and/or evidence of unmet market demand
- Clearly defined market size and opportunity
- Direct competitors identified and assessed
- Detailed description of both the applicant organization and project management team
- Credible financial statements accompanied by logical and reasonable financial projections
- Demonstrated financial capacity to execute the project and the ability to repay
- Clear alignment with at least 1 priority area
- Significant expected outcomes supported by reasonable assumptions and rationale
- Demonstrated understanding of the current and anticipated AI regulations in Canada (e.g., Bill C-36 to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act) and other countries (e.g., the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the U.S. Voluntary AI Risk Management Framework), and potential requirements to ensure the security of data and the responsible use of AI.
- Well-defined IP strategy (if applicable)
- Clear explanation as to how productivity or efficiency savings will enable the company/organization to grow and expand (if applicable)
Elements of a strong proposal for non-repayable projects
Will also include the following:
- strong market/industry demand (such as the project addresses a significant gap in the market or there is a demonstrated industry demand for the project)
- measurable economic benefits for the prairie provinces
- effective governance measures and management team in place to carry out the project
- strong, evidence-based rationale for the project
- financial statements that demonstrate the organization is financially self-sustaining
- leveraged funding from provincial governments, the private sector, and other non-government sources (typically 50% or more)
- demonstrated understanding of the current and anticipated AI regulations in Canada (e.g., Bill C-27 to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act) and other countries (e.g., the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the U.S. Voluntary AI Risk Management Framework), and potential requirements to ensure the security of data and the responsible use of AI.
- non-PrairiesCan funding is confirmed with written proof.*
*Written proof, confirmed or conditional upon PrairiesCan’s funding, will be considered acceptable confirmation of non-PrairiesCan funding. Examples of written proof include current bank statements detailing existing cash balances or the unused portion of lines of credit. If third parties are included in project funding, letters of intent or funding agreements from third parties, may be acceptable.
Only submissions demonstrating the highest merit and fit with RAII objectives will be considered for funding. Many good projects will not receive support under RAII.
Expected results
Applicants must quantify, substantiate and later report on the following expected results:
- number of highly qualified personnel (HQP) jobs created in Canada
- number of non-HQP jobs created in Canada
- revenue growth ($)
- export sales growth ($)
- incremental private sector investment attracted ($)
- number of technologies to market, where applicable
- business sales growth resulting from commercialization or adoption ($), where applicable
- number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assisted
- value of business expenditures in research and development ($), where applicable
PrairiesCan is working to improve the economic participation (e.g. job creation) of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, women, and youth. Applicants are encouraged to report on efforts to support inclusiveness. Refer to the Government of Canada’s Inclusive Innovation Agenda.
Refer to the applicant guide for more information on project indicators and expected results.