NoviaFond primarily supports established SMEs that already have revenue and employees in pursuing non-dilutive funding opportunities.We work on projects involving research and development, automation, digital transformation, productivity improvements, training, export development, and investment.We also assist companies in determining whether work already completed may qualify for SR&ED tax credits.Each project is assessed based on the company’s specific situation, stage of development, and the requirements of the applicable programs. We generally do not work with companies that are still at the start-up stage and have no revenue or employees.

A grant generally supports a future project. The application often needs to be prepared before the project begins or before certain expenses are incurred. The company presents its project, objectives, timeline, and budget according to the criteria of the specific program.The SR&ED tax credit, on the other hand, generally relates to research and development work already carried out during a fiscal year. The assessment focuses on the work performed, the technological uncertainties encountered, the process followed, and the eligible expenditures.The main difference therefore lies in the timing: a grant is generally planned before the project or related expenses are undertaken, while an SR&ED claim is prepared based on work that has already been performed and documented.Eligibility, however, depends on the specific requirements of each program and the company’s particular circumstances.

As early as possible, ideally before starting the project, signing contracts, ordering equipment, or incurring significant expenses.Some programs require an application to be submitted before activities begin or before the company makes certain commitments. We also need sufficient time to understand the project, verify the applicable criteria, and prepare a strong application.If your project has already started, you should still contact us. We will assess whether any opportunities may still be available, without making assumptions about the project’s eligibility.

Yes. For work that has already been completed, NoviaFond primarily assesses whether it may qualify for SR&ED tax credits.Unlike grants, which generally support future projects and often require an application to be submitted before the project begins or expenses are incurred, SR&ED applies to work performed during a specific tax year.For a corporation, the federal filing deadline is generally 18 months after the end of the relevant tax year. It is therefore not simply a matter of counting back 18 months from the date you contact us.We assess the work performed to determine whether it includes the elements required for SR&ED, including scientific or technological uncertainty, a systematic investigation or search, and the pursuit of scientific or technological advancement.We also review the related expenditures and available documentation. When necessary, we work with your teams to reconstruct the project timeline, hypotheses, tests, results, and challenges encountered.If the claim is sufficiently well supported, we prepare the SR&ED claim and remain involved throughout the review process, including in the event of an examination by the tax authorities.However, simply developing or improving a product, process, or technology does not, on its own, establish SR&ED eligibility.

SR&ED stands for Scientific Research and Experimental Development. It is a tax incentive program for businesses that carry out certain eligible research or experimental development activities in Canada.In practice, a company may be conducting SR&ED when it seeks to resolve scientific or technological uncertainty through a systematic process that includes hypotheses, testing, analysis, and conclusions.The program may allow businesses to claim tax deductions and investment tax credits for certain eligible expenditures.However, not every innovation, product improvement, software development project, or problem-solving activity automatically qualifies as SR&ED. Eligibility depends on the nature of the work actually performed and the documentation available to demonstrate the process followed.

Yes, this may be possible, but the combination of funding sources should be assessed before making a decision.Each program has its own rules regarding the stacking of government assistance, eligible expenses, and the maximum level of public funding.The same expense cannot necessarily be claimed in full under multiple programs.In addition, a grant or other form of government assistance received in connection with SR&ED activities may affect the calculation of eligible expenditures and tax credits.NoviaFond therefore assesses the various funding sources as a whole to help prevent one application or expense from negatively affecting another funding opportunity.