If you’re planning a growth or innovation project outside Canada’s largest urban centres, Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) programs are often the first place to look. These federal programs fund business expansion, productivity, and commercialization projects that strengthen regional economies. The challenge is eligibility: REGI funding is delivered through multiple regional agencies, each with slightly different rules.
This checklist breaks down the core eligibility requirements shared across REGI programs, so you can quickly assess whether your business is a fit before investing time in an application.
REGI is a federal funding framework delivered through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). These agencies include:
While program names and streams vary by region, the eligibility logic is consistent nationwide because REGI funding flows from the same federal policy objectives.
Use this section to see whether your business meets the baseline requirements most REGI programs apply.
Most REGI programs are open to:
Your organization must be legally registered and operating in Canada. Sole proprietors may be eligible in some regions but are less common.
REGI funding is region-specific. Your project must take place in the territory covered by the regional agency delivering the program.
Examples:
Head office location matters less than where the funded activities occur.
REGI programs do not fund day-to-day operations. Eligible projects usually involve:
Projects must show clear economic benefits, such as revenue growth, job creation, or export readiness.
REGI funding is typically repayable or conditionally repayable, and rarely covers 100% of costs.
Most programs require:
Having funding secured before applying is a common requirement.
You will likely need to provide:
REGI funders assess whether your business can complete the project and repay funding if required.
See also: How to Prepare Financial Statements for Grant Applications in Canada
Commonly eligible expenses include:
Ineligible costs often include:
Expense rules vary by region. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and project type in seconds.
Related reading: What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?
REGI programs are outcomes-driven. You may need to track and report:
If your project outcomes are vague or hard to measure, approval is less likely.
Applying before securing matching funds
Most REGI programs expect your contribution to be confirmed at application time.
Submitting an operations budget instead of a project budget
REGI funding is for defined projects, not general business survival.
Ignoring regional priorities
Each RDA sets sector and innovation priorities. A strong project in the wrong sector may still be declined.
Underestimating reporting requirements
REGI funding comes with ongoing reporting. Missing milestones can delay payments.
Q: Are REGI programs grants or loans?
Most REGI funding is repayable or conditionally repayable, not non-repayable grants. Repayment terms vary by region and project outcomes.
Q: Can startups apply for REGI funding?
Yes, but startups must usually show commercial traction, revenue, or strong financing. Early-stage ideas without validation are rarely approved.
Q: How much funding can a REGI project receive?
Funding amounts vary widely by region and stream. Awards often range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, depending on project scope and economic impact.
Q: Can I apply to multiple REGI programs at once?
You can apply to different programs if they fund separate project components, but double-funding the same expense is not allowed.
Q: How long does approval take?
REGI approvals commonly take several months, especially for larger projects that require federal review.
Q: Where can I find REGI programs for my region?
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active federal and regional economic development programs across Canada, including REGI streams. You can use GrantHub to compare options for your business and location.
If your business meets most items on this REGI eligibility checklist, the next step is identifying which regional program and stream best fits your project. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active federal and regional economic development programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile and location.
You may also want to explore:
Understanding eligibility upfront saves time — and puts you in a stronger position when REGI intakes open.
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