How to Get IRAP Funding: First Call to Proposal
People search for how to apply for IRAP, but there is no open application form. You connect with NRC IRAP, work with an Industrial Technology Advisor, and may be invited to develop a project proposal.
How do you get IRAP funding?
You get IRAP funding by connecting with NRC IRAP at 1-877-994-4727 or through NRC’s website. If IRAP can help, you are referred to an Industrial Technology Advisor, who assesses your business and project. If it fits, the ITA invites you to develop a project proposal. Approved projects receive a contribution paid through monthly claims.
What are the steps?
The process has five steps, in NRC’s own terms. Timing varies by region and project size; NRC’s service standards give targets for responses, decisions and payments, so you can plan your hiring and cash flow around each step.
- Connect with NRC IRAP. Call 1-877-994-4727 or use the website. NRC aims to respond within 5 business days.
- Referral to an ITA. If IRAP support could benefit you, NRC refers you to an Industrial Technology Advisor.
- Business assessment. The ITA meets you to understand your strategy, challenges and plans.
- Invitation to propose. If the project fits, the ITA invites you to develop a project proposal.
- Decision, agreement and claims. NRC assesses the proposal, and if successful you sign a contribution agreement and submit monthly reimbursement claims.
Steps described in NRC IRAP financial support; timings from NRC IRAP service standards.
What should you prepare before the first call?
Prepare a short description of your company, the technical problem and why it’s hard, what you’ve built so far, the team, your target customers and market, and the project you have in mind with a rough budget and timeline. You don’t need a full proposal yet.
- One paragraph on the technical challenge.
- What exists today: prototype, product, customers.
- Who will do the work, and their background.
- The market and how you’ll sell.
- Rough project scope, timeline and budget.
How long does it take?
From first contact to funding usually takes weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly the ITA relationship develops and how complete your proposal is. Once submitted, NRC’s decision standards range from 20 business days for contributions of $50,000 or less to 65 for the largest.
Start the relationship before you need the money.
The ITA needs time to know your company. Founders who call early get to funding faster than those who call when cash is short.
What slows the process down?
The process slows when the project isn’t clearly defined, the budget is vague, work has already started, or the company can’t show it can fund its share and deliver. Writing the proposal is on the IRAP project proposal, and working with your advisor on working with your ITA.
This page is general information, not financial or tax advice. Confirm details with your ITA and your accountant.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for IRAP funding?
There’s no open application form. You connect with NRC IRAP at 1-877-994-4727, and an ITA may invite you to develop a proposal.
How long does NRC take to respond?
NRC’s standard is to respond to enquiries within 5 business days.
What do I need before calling IRAP?
A short description of the technical challenge, your team, market, and a rough project scope and budget.
How long does it take to get IRAP funding?
Usually weeks to a few months from first contact. Decisions after submission take 20 to 65 business days by size.
Can I get IRAP funding for work already done?
Costs incurred before a contribution agreement are generally not reimbursed. Connect before you start.
Is an invitation to propose a guarantee?
No. NRC assesses every proposal, and funding depends on the project and available budget.
Sources & further reading
Program rules, timings and figures come from NRC and CRA pages, checked on the date shown. Your contribution agreement and ITA have the final word.