Get Ottawa to Pay for Your AI
Canada's $2.3B "AI for All" strategy is designed to lift Canadian business AI adoption from 12% to 60% by 2034. Mapping 130+ programs is a full-time job. We know the ones that fund outside implementation partners, and we help you access them.
BDC Research
~24% more productive
Canadian SMEs that use AI outperform non-users by roughly 24% on productivity metrics, according to BDC research. Government programs exist to close that gap. ReadyIQ helps you get through the door.
Funded Programs
Four programs that can fund your AI project
These are live, active programs that allow an outside AI consultant to be part of the funded work. Each has its own eligibility rules. We help you figure out which combination fits.
Federal + Ontario
SR&ED + Ontario OITC
~43% refundable tax credit on eligible R&D
Canada's largest R&D incentive. Eligible businesses may claim a refundable credit on qualifying labour, contractor, and overhead costs — including work done by outside AI specialists like ReadyIQ.
Cash back on R&DLearn more →National — BDC
BDC LIFT
$25K – $5M AI-adoption loan at a preferential 2.25%
BDC LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology is BDC's $500M AI-adoption financing program, live since April 2026. The preferential 2.25% rate applies when technology solutions come from a Canadian AI supplier — BDC makes the call.
Live programLearn more →Ontario — OCI
OCI DMAP
Up to $15K grant
The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) funds a digital/AI adoption plan produced with a DCC-registered consultant. It's the entry point to Ontario's adoption ladder.
Funds the planLearn more →Ontario — OCI
OCI TDP
Up to $50K grant
After a DMAP, qualifying Ontario SMBs may access Technology Demonstration Program (TDP) funding to implement the plan: tools, integration, and advisory.
Implementation fundingLearn more →Not sure which programs apply to you?
Answer eight questions — get a straight, program-by-program read in two minutes.
How we work together
The ReadyIQ Canada offer ladder
Most clients start with a funded assessment, then stack programs as momentum builds.
AI Readiness Assessment
DMAP-aligned (up to $15K) — via a registered consultant partner while ReadyIQ's OCI registration is in progress
We map your current workflows, identify the highest-ROI AI opportunities, and produce the adoption plan document required for OCI TDP and BDC LIFT applications.
AI Implementation Sprint
Fundable via OCI TDP (up to $50K) or BDC LIFT
We build and deploy the AI system identified in the assessment. Fixed scope, fixed timeline, measurable output — documented to satisfy OCI reporting requirements.
Grant-Backed Transformation
Stack SR&ED + BDC LIFT + OCI TDP
For businesses running a sustained AI program, we stack multiple programs to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket cost. SR&ED credits can offset a significant share of the retainer.
Not sure where to start?
A free 30-minute discovery call is enough to map your situation to the right program — and tell you honestly if the numbers work.
Sources
- SR&ED + Ontario OITC — official program page →
- BDC LIFT — official program page →
- OCI DMAP — official program page →
- OCI TDP — official program page →
Program details last verified June 10, 2026.