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

There is no deadline to submit an EOI. If invited to complete a full application, a PrairiesCan officer will be available to work with you and respond to any questions you may have.

Submitted applications undergo a due diligence process where we further assess them against the following criteria:

• alignment to program objectives
• 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 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)
• 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 RIE objectives will be considered for funding. Many good projects will not receive support under RIE.

Expected results

The RIE program is expected to result in an enhanced and strengthened economy across the Prairies. On a project-by-project basis, examples of outcomes include (but are not limited to):

• 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 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assisted
• business sales growth resulting from commercialization or adoption ($) – where applicable
• value of expenditures in research and development ($)
• number of technologies to market
• incremental private sector investment attracted ($)

PrairiesCan is working to improve the economic participation 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.