Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program (PrairiesCan): How to Apply

Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program (PrairiesCan): How to Apply

If your Prairie-based business is growing fast but lacks the capital to expand, the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program may help. Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) delivers BSP, offering large, interest-free repayable funding. This support is for high-growth businesses to scale, modernize, and commercialize. The program accepts Expressions of Interest (EOIs) at any time.

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What the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program Funds

The BSP Program supports projects that help established businesses grow and boost productivity in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Key program features:

• Funding type: Interest-free repayable contribution (not a traditional grant)
• Administered by: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
• Status: Open; EOIs accepted on an ongoing basis
• Geographic focus: Prairie provinces (AB, SK, MB)

BSP is not for small projects. It is meant for large-scale growth initiatives. Funding amounts are not listed publicly. Instead, PrairiesCan reviews each project and decides the amount based on its size and impact.

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BSP Program Eligibility

PrairiesCan is selective about which businesses receive BSP support. The program targets companies that are already growing and want to expand further.

You may be eligible if your business:

• Is incorporated and for-profit
• Operates in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
• Is a high-growth business with a record of revenue or job growth
• Is scaling innovative goods, services, or technologies
• Has strong management and financial systems
• Helps build a stronger and more inclusive Prairie economy

Early-stage startups and lifestyle businesses usually do not qualify. PrairiesCan looks for projects with clear results, such as new jobs, higher productivity, or more exports.

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Eligible and Ineligible Costs Under BSP

BSP funding supports activities that directly help a business scale or improve productivity.

Eligible costs include:

• Capital equipment and machinery
• Technology adoption and automation
• Commercialization and market expansion
• Productivity improvement efforts
• Some labour costs tied to the project

Ineligible costs include:

• Routine operating expenses
• Refinancing existing debt
• Real estate purchases not linked to productivity
• Costs from before project approval

If you are unsure about your expenses, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher let you filter programs by province and project type in seconds.

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How to Apply for the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program

The BSP application process involves several steps and close contact with PrairiesCan.

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Start by sending an EOI through PrairiesCan. This document describes your business, growth plans, and project.

Step 2: Speak with a PrairiesCan officer
If your EOI matches program goals, a PrairiesCan officer will reach out. You will discuss your financials, project goals, and your ability to repay.

Step 3: Full application and review
If invited, submit a detailed application. This includes:

• A project budget and timeline
• Financial statements and forecasts
• Proof of matching funds or other financing

Step 4: Funding decision and agreement
If approved, you receive funding under a repayable contribution agreement. Repayment terms are set before you get the funds.

There is no deadline, but funding is competitive and can run out.

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Repayment Terms: Is BSP a Grant or a Loan?

BSP funding is interest-free but must be repaid. Repayment terms depend on your project and are discussed with PrairiesCan. While you pay no interest, you must repay the full amount based on your agreement.

This program is not a grant. It is more like a government-backed growth loan.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying too early
   PrairiesCan wants proven businesses. If you have no revenue or growth, your EOI is unlikely to move forward.

2. Weak economic impact story
   You must show clear benefits, such as new jobs, better productivity, or more exports.

3. Missing financial details
   PrairiesCan checks your cash flow, forecasts, and ability to repay. Missing or weak financials slow your application.

4. Thinking BSP is non-repayable
   BSP is not a grant. Be ready for repayment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can you get from the BSP Program?
The amount depends on your project. There is no public cap. BSP supports large projects with strong economic impact.

Q: Is the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program a grant?
No. BSP gives interest-free repayable contributions. You must pay the money back.

Q: Who should apply for PrairiesCan BSP funding?
Established, incorporated, high-growth businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba that are scaling new products or services.

Q: Are startups eligible for BSP?
Most early-stage startups do not qualify. BSP is for businesses with proven growth and scaling potential.

Q: How long does the BSP application process take?
It varies. From EOI to approval, it can take several months depending on your project and PrairiesCan’s review.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and repayable funding programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile.

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Next Steps

The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program is best for Prairie businesses ready for major growth. If you are planning a big expansion, modernization, or commercialization project, consider this program early.

To compare BSP with other options, see also:

• What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?
• How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
• What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

GrantHub helps you find federal and regional programs that fit your growth plans before you apply.