Before you apply

On this page

• Get ready to apply
• Elements of a strong application
• Expected results

Get ready to apply

Only projects that best align with program objectives and expected results will be chosen. To prepare a strong application you should:

1. Check eligibility in the Who can apply section
2. Understand what can be funded in the Program information section
3. Review the complete program materials as described on this website and in the expression of interest help guide to understand the application requirements and process
4. Assign a project lead from your organization to be a primary contact that PrairiesCan will engage with for the project
5. 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 application

A strong application is complete, clearly shows the applicant is eligible and includes enough detail for PrairiesCan to thoroughly review and confirm the information.

All applications must demonstrate clear alignment with RDII objectives.

Strong application for commercial (revenue-generating) projects

Will also include the following:

• a clear business plan including an outline on how the project will integrate the business into a defence supply chain
• documentation of defence procurement contracts or discussions with subcontractors holding or bidding for defence contracts (e.g., letters of reference/support, emails)
• confirmation from a defence contractor (e.g., prime, tier 1) of the applicant’s ability to provide goods or services (e.g., site visit summaries conducted by prime contractor, letter/certificate as a confirmed supplier)
• detailed information about the applicant and project management team
• credible financial statements with logical and reasonable financial projections
• demonstrated financial capacity to carry out the project and repay the funding
• well leveraged (more than 50%) by other sources of funding with written proof
• significant expected economic benefits for the Prairie provinces and/or local economy supported by reasonable assumptions and rationale

Strong application for non-commercial projects

Will also include the following:

• evidence of a clear military or defence need, or evidence of demand from businesses within, or positioning themselves in, the defence supply chain
• 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
• well leveraged (more than 10%) by non-PrairiesCan sources of funding with written proof

Expected results

PrairiesCan may prioritize projects demonstrating the strongest potential impacts, such as advancing productivity, competitiveness, and regional economic benefits.

Recipients must measure, substantiate, and report on these expected results during and after the project:

• number of highly qualified personnel (HQP) including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs created in Canada
• number of non-HQP jobs created in Canada
• revenue growth ($)
• export sales growth ($)
• number of technologies to market – where applicable
• value of business expenditures in research and development ($) – where applicable
• number of SMEs assisted (for not-for-profit projects only)
• business sales growth resulting from commercialization ($) – where applicable

PrairiesCan is working to improve the economic participation (e.g. job creation) of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, women, and youth.

Refer to the applicant guide for more information on project indicators and expected results.