IRAP
Small and medium-sized Canadian businesses working on a new or improved product, process or technology.
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What is IRAP?
IRAP (the Industrial Research Assistance Program) is run by the National Research Council of Canada. It pairs innovative small and medium-sized businesses with advisors and can fund part of a technology development project.
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Who it is for
Small and medium-sized Canadian businesses working on a new or improved product, process or technology.
What it covers
Advice from industry experts and, for some projects, funding toward the cost of developing new technology. Run by the National Research Council of Canada.
How we help
We help you prepare for the conversation with IRAP, describe the project clearly and keep the paperwork and reporting on track.
Official information
[PLACEHOLDER: official program link]
Other programs to look at
SR&ED
Canadian businesses that do research or experimental development in Canada, including manufacturers that improve products or processes.
CanExport
Canadian small and medium-sized businesses that want to sell into new international markets.
BC Employer Training Grant
BC employers that want to train new or current staff.
Other programs
Businesses with a project that does not fit SR&ED, IRAP, CanExport or the BC Employer Training Grant.
Common questions
What is SR&ED?
SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) is a federal tax incentive run by the Canada Revenue Agency. It returns part of what a business spends on work that tries to solve technical problems, such as developing or improving a product or process.
Does my company qualify for SR&ED?
You might, if your team tried to solve a technical problem where the answer was not known at the start. Company size does not matter, and many small manufacturers qualify for work they think of as everyday problem-solving. Book a demo and we will look at your projects with you.
Can I claim SR&ED for projects that failed?
Often, yes. SR&ED rewards the attempt to resolve a technical uncertainty, not a successful result. Trials that did not work are frequently the strongest evidence that the work was experimental.
What records do I need for SR&ED?
Records made during the work carry the most weight: test results, design notes, drawings, photos, emails and time records that show who worked on what. We help you set up simple habits so the evidence is there when you claim.
Is there a deadline to claim SR&ED?
Yes. The claim must be filed within a set time after your tax year ends, and late claims are not accepted. Talk to us well before your filing date so there is time to prepare it properly.
What is the difference between a grant and a tax credit?
A grant is usually approved before the work starts, for a specific project. A tax credit like SR&ED is claimed after the work is done, through your tax return. Many companies use both.
Find out if IRAP fits your project.
We work in English, Punjabi and Hindi.
See how we would help
Book a demo and we will walk you through our approach for your project. We reply within 24 hours.
Book a demoCould you qualify for funding?
Answer a few quick questions and see which programs might fit.
Check your grant eligibility