Housing demand is rising quickly across the Prairies. Builders face labour shortages, higher material costs, and slow construction timelines. The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII) is a federal program that helps tackle these challenges. It funds new ways to build homes faster and on a larger scale. If your business works with modular, panelized, or technology-driven housing, this guide explains how to apply for RHII and what PrairiesCan wants in a strong proposal.
RHII is part of PrairiesCan’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. It gives repayable, interest-free contributions to businesses that are scaling up new housing solutions in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
The federal government is investing $50 million over two years (2024–25 to 2025–26) to boost housing supply by making homebuilding faster and more productive.
To apply for RHII, your organization must meet all the main requirements.
You must be:
RHII supports projects that:
You must show your project will clearly improve productivity and increase housing output in the Prairies.
Your business must pay for at least 50% of total project costs with non-government money. This can come from private capital, retained earnings, or loans. You can combine RHII with other government funding, but there are limits.
For more details, see How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules.
RHII applications are open on a continuous basis until all funds are committed or until March 31, 2026.
Before you apply, make sure you have:
PrairiesCan suggests starting early because RHII funding is in high demand.
Start by filling out the RHII Expression of Interest form on the PrairiesCan website. This helps PrairiesCan decide if your project fits the program before asking for a full application.
You will need to describe:
If your EOI is approved, you will be invited to send a full application. This includes:
A tool like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if RHII or other housing programs fit your business before you spend time on a proposal.
PrairiesCan reviews projects based on:
Funding is competitive and based on program demand.
Submitting a regular construction project
RHII only funds projects that are new and scalable. Regular builds will not qualify.
Not meeting the 50% funding requirement
You must prove you have non-government funding, not just say you plan to get it.
Missing the March 31, 2026 deadline
Projects must finish on time to be eligible, no matter how strong the idea is.
Forgetting about repayment
RHII funding must be paid back. PrairiesCan will check if you can do this.
Q: Is RHII a grant or a loan?
RHII is a repayable, interest-free contribution, not a non-repayable grant.
Q: Can startups apply for RHII?
New startups may have trouble qualifying. RHII is for businesses that are growing and can show they have the skills and money to finish the project.
Q: Can I use RHII with other federal programs?
Sometimes. Total government help cannot go over program limits, and you still need at least 50% non-government funding.
Q: What expenses can I include?
You can include costs for equipment, adopting technology, and special labour needed for the project. See What expenses are eligible under regional economic development grants?.
Q: Is RHII only for the Prairies?
RHII is a national program, but it is run by different agencies in each region. This article covers the PrairiesCan stream.
If your business is working on new ways to build housing faster in the Prairies, you could receive up to $5 million in repayable support from RHII. GrantHub lists hundreds of grant and contribution programs across Canada, so you can find the right options for your project and location before you apply.
The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative gives strong support to businesses that want to grow housing supply with new methods and technology. By preparing a clear plan, showing your non-government funding, and focusing on innovation, you can improve your chances of success. For more on RHII and other housing programs, GrantHub can help you stay up to date and find the best fit for your business.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.