Small Project Accelerated Review Process (ARP)

National Research Council - Industrial Research and Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)

What is it?

The Small Project Accelerated Review Process (ARP) provides grants of up to $50,000 to allow small and medium-sized businesses to address technology, business and market-oriented needs. The grants cover 75 per cent of consulting costs and 100 per cent of internal labour.

How will my company benefit?

Support of up to $50,000 will help your business grow by addressing a wide range of technology, business and market-oriented needs, covering 75 per cent of consulting costs and 100 per cent of internal labour costs. A streamlined application process provides rapid turnaround.

Who qualifies?

Eligible firms must be:

• incorporated and for-profit with 500 or less full-time employees;
• have a separate legal status and operate in Canada; and
• have the objective to grow and generate profits through the adoption, development and commercialization of innovative or technology-driven products, services or processes.

What qualifies?

Eligible projects include:

• small research and development projects limited in scope and nature
• assessment of technology needs for adoption of technology
• lean manufacturing/productivity systems
• technical feasibility studies
• product design, engineering design, design for manufacture
• prototype engineering
• engineering process analysis
• productivity enhancement studies
• development of business, sales and marketing plans, and image creation (branding)
• development of e-commerce enabled website (or website upgrading)
• development of international strategies or supply chain strategies
• competitive market research and competitive intelligence studies
• feasibility study/assessment for new service or product venture
• financial/corporate restructure for improved growth potential
• Intellectual Property (IP) assessment, planning and strategy assistance
• first patent application (not CIPs nor other country filings)
• licensing and commercialization strategy
• research- or technology evaluation-related travel and living expenses
• diagnostics (business or technical)
• other projects not entirely technical in nature

How do I apply?

To apply, contact your local Industrial Technology Advisor, or contact NRC-IRAP at 1-877-994-4727 (toll free).

Where can I find more information?

For information on NRC-IRAP, or to reach an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) please contact the NRC-IRAP regional office nearest to you by calling the toll-free number (1-877-994-4727) which will automatically connect you with the appropriate regional office.

We're here to help

To find out how the Business Development Branch at OMAFRA can provide you with knowledge, connections and resources to help grow your business, call us toll-free at 1-888-466-2372, Ext. 63486 or email us at foodinvest@ontario.ca. For information about this program and others, as well as our branch, visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/