4 Powerful Grant Programs to Unlock Growth: Market Expansion, Training & AI Implementation in Canada

For Canadian businesses striving to scale, tap into international markets, invest in employee training, investing in sales and leadership training, or accelerate digital transformation with AI, funding can often be the biggest barrier. Fortunately, there are several grant programs available in Canada that can significantly reduce the financial burden of these strategic initiatives. 

Whether you’re looking to diversify your customer base, build an AI-enabled workforce, or develop leadership capacity, several key grant programs can supercharge your efforts and take your initiatives further. Below, we explore four high-impact programs that support market expansion, AI implementation, and workforce development—critical pillars of long-term growth.

1. Canada Job Grant – Build Skills and Boost Performance

The Canada Job Grant (CJG) supports employers in training new or existing staff through third-party providers. It’s an excellent tool for funding sales enablement, leadership development, and technical upskilling, This grant covers up to two-thirds of training costs, capped at $10,000 per employee.

What makes CJG particularly attractive is its simplicity: training must be delivered by an external provider and aligned with business goals, such as improved productivity or operational expansion. In a competitive talent market, CJG helps bridge the skills gap while supporting retention and performance.

Eligible areas for funding include:

• Sales training and enablement

• Leadership and management development

• Technical certifications and AI-related education

• Digital tools and process efficiency courses

For companies planning strategic change, CJG ensures you’re not just hiring talent—but nurturing it.

2. CanExport (CanEx) – Expand into Global Markets

If you're planning to diversify into new international markets, the CanExport program is a game-changer. Administered by Global Affairs Canada, this grant supports export readiness and global growth by reimbursing up to $50,000 per applicant, or 50% of eligible international expansion expenses.

Eligible activities include:

• International market research and competitive analysis

• Trade shows and industry-specific events abroad

• Legal and intellectual property protection (IP)

• Consultant services for export strategy and GTM (go-to-market) planning

This program is especially valuable for SMEs that are entering markets for the first time or launching new products/services internationally. It lowers risk while opening doors to new revenue channels—a strategic lever for international market expansion.

3. Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) – Responding to Trade Disruptions

For Ontario-based SMEs affected by U.S. trade disruptions, tariffs, or global supply chain shocks, the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) offers substantial support. Eligible businesses can receive grants or loans that cover up to 75% of project costs, with funding reaching up to $5 million per project.

Project examples that qualify:

• Sales and marketing strategies for non-U.S. markets

• Investments in product adaptation or localization

• Facility upgrades to enhance export capability

• Consulting services to support diversification or restoring

To qualify, businesses must demonstrate:

• A minimum of 3 years of operations

• At least 5 full-time employees

• Direct impact from U.S. trade or tariff-related disruptions

This fund isn’t just about protection—it’s about positioning Ontario businesses for long-term export resilience and growth.

4. Scale AI – Supporting AI Implementation Projects

As one of Canada’s five superclusters, Scale AI focuses exclusively on helping organizations adopt and integrate artificial intelligence solutions into real business operations. The program offers up to 50% co-investment on eligible project costs, supporting everything from early-stage consulting to full deployment.

Key funding areas include:

• AI roadmap development and strategic planning

• Workforce training for AI tools and platforms

• Deployment of customized AI software or platforms

• Enhancing supply chain, logistics, or customer experience via AI

Whether you're a manufacturer digitizing production or a consultancy scaling predictive analytics, Scale AI reduces the financial risk of innovation and connects your project to a national AI ecosystem.

More Opportunities Available

These four programs are powerful tools for advancing training, market expansion, and AI transformation—but they are only a starting point. Other federal and provincial grants can support:

• E-commerce adoption

• Digital transformation

• Technology upgrades

• Clean technology and sustainable innovation

Staying proactive with your funding strategy helps your business remain agile, competitive, and investor-attractive.

Need Help Navigating the Options?

Navigating the world of government funding can be overwhelming. At ALTA Consulting, we guide Canadian businesses through:

• Identifying the most relevant grant programs

• Aligning your initiatives to meet eligibility requirements

• Crafting compelling applications that stand out

Our grant specialists work closely with your team to translate strategic goals into fundable proposals—ensuring you’re not leaving money on the table.

📩 Contact us at info@altaconsulting.ca or visit www.altaconsulting.ca to unlock funding support and fuel your next big move.