Thinking about government funding? Read this first.
Many founders see the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) or Alberta Innovates as a starting point. In reality, they’re more like a milestone. ICYMI: a recent Edmonton Unlimited workshop with IRAP and Alberta Innovates challenged some of the most common funding assumptions. (Founders told us it was a valuable conversation, and we’re already planning more sessions to keep the conversation going.)
IRAP supports around 10,000 companies each year, but it’s not for brand-new startups. They’re typically looking for companies with 20 to 100 employees, real technical challenges, and a clear path to commercial growth. They expect you to have skin in the game, often requiring about 50 per cent matching capital from founders or investors.
Alberta Innovates can come in earlier and is more flexible, covering up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs, but even then, it’s not a free-for-all. You can stack funding programs, but not for the same expenses, which means planning matters more than most founders think.
What really separates successful applicants? Customer traction.
Before applying, you should be deep in customer discovery — think 100 to 150 conversations to validate the problem and confirm willingness to pay. Early revenue, even small, is one of the strongest signals that you’re ready.
These programs aren’t one-and-done applications. They’re relationship-driven. Advisors expect you to engage early, iterate, and come back stronger. Showing progress over time can make all the difference.
Finally, don’t overlook strategy. IRAP and Alberta Innovates have overlapping eligibility, but you can’t double-claim expenses. The founders who get the most value are the ones who plan ahead, coordinate openly, and treat funding like part of a broader growth strategy.
Bottom line: Your success shouldn’t depend on non-dilutive funding. It should accelerate what’s already working.
Focus on traction first. The right support will follow.
Interested in workshops like this? Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop about upcoming events!