Running a startup is hard and can be financially straining for many entrepreneurs, therefore I’ve compiled a list of resources for government funding for sales and marketing initiatives that your organization can make use of. It can help you get an extra employee!

If you are a startup company in Canada you are probably aware of programs like SR&ED and IRAP. If you are not aware of these programs you might want to get a new accountant (I’m half kidding).

There are a few programs that can help organizations with sales and marketing initiatives that are less well known.

Here is a list of the ones that we are aware of:

Small Business Intern Program

• Financial support towards the employment of post-secondary students who will work on e-business projects. The program will reimburse up to 75% of the eligible wages and related expenses such as statutory employee benefits, to a maximum of $10,000
• Canadian organizations with less than 500 people, have been in business for a year, and are incorporated
• It is to be used to support businesses on-line activities to improve their competitiveness with e-business practices and technologies
• Venture Accelerator Partners used this program for some marketing, social media, and sales research initiatives

Export Market Access Program

• Export Market Access is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises increase their access to global markets. Generally the EMA program will cover 50% of the eligible costs in four specified areas. Non-repayable contributions generally range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000 (with the exception of capital bidding projects which generally would not exceed $35,000)
• Ontario based organization targeting a new or emerging market, minimum of five employees to a maximum of 500 employees, annual sales of $500,000 or more, and registered federally or provincially for minimum of two years
• Many possible activities including participation in international trade shows, marketing, market research, and Foreign Bidding Project
• VA Partners knows of many organizations that have taken part in this program

Youth Employment Program

• Up to a maximum contribution is $30,000 towards the salary costs of a post-secondary graduate
• Canadian organizations with less than 500 people and are incorporated
• Graduates work on innovative projects within the small and medium-sized enterprise environment and may participate in research, development and commercialization of technologies
• I am not as familiar with this program, but we have a client that has an application in for this program.
  These programs are excellent ways to add new sales and marketing capabilities. VA Partners Part-Time Sales and Marketing offerings could also help to provide additional cost effective support. If you are aware of any other sales and marketing programs please let us know

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