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Government grants and tax credits for manufacturers

Most grants and tax credits for manufacturers pay for training, advice, equipment or research. A few pay for software. We read the official page for each of 53 programmes. Where a LeanSuite rollout may qualify, the card gives the condition and a question to ask.

  • 53Listedprogrammes in 7 regions, each with an official link
  • 1Good fitthe published scope covers business software
  • 52May qualifycould help, with a condition to check

General information, not tax or legal advice. LeanSuite does not file claims or apply for programmes. The programme office or your adviser decides eligibility, so ask them early.

Last checked .

Pick your country or region Questions to ask your advisor

What programmes usually pay for

A LeanSuite rollout is a subscription, set-up by our team and training for your people. Advice and training programmes fit most often. Research credits can apply when a project includes development work.

  • Advice and assessments

    Advisers help you scope a lean or digital project. The software is bought separately.

    For example: US MEP centers, Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, Mittelstand-Digital

    Can fit the planning

  • Training of your staff

    Pays for teaching people the new way of working. Rules vary on what counts as training.

    For example: State training grants in Texas, Illinois, North Carolina and others

    Can fit the training

  • Technology and capital projects

    Can cover software or setup inside a larger project. Often needs approval before you buy.

    For example: Made Smarter, Singapore EDGE, Ontario AMIC, Queensland manufacturing grants

    Sometimes, as part of a bigger project

  • Research and development credits

    Rewards work with real technical uncertainty. It can apply when a project includes custom development, integration or process R&D.

    For example: SR&ED, US research credit, UK R&D relief, Australia R&D Tax Incentive

    May apply to development work

Pick your country or region

See all 53 programmes in one list

United States

Canada

United Kingdom

Europe

India

Australia and Singapore

Grants and tax credits for US manufacturers

Federal tax rules and the NIST MEP network, then what your state offers.

Federal · Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Credit for Increasing Research Activities (Research Credit, IRC section 41)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if your project includes custom development or process R&D, not set-up alone.

May qualify if your project includes new or custom software or process work with real technical uncertainty and a process of experimentation. Ask your tax adviser which wages, supplies and contract costs count. Setting up an existing product is routine, so keep any development work and its records separate.

Ask your adviser: Which of our costs, if any, count as qualified research, and what records should we keep from the start?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
US taxpayers with qualified research expenses in the US. The work must pass a four-part test, including a process of experimentation, applied to each business component.
What it pays for
A credit on wages, supplies and contract costs of qualified research. Adapting an existing product or process to a customer's need, duplicating a product, and surveys or studies are excluded.
Amount, as published
Regular credit is 20% of the credit base (15.8% if the reduced-credit election is made), per the Form 6765 instructions.
Deadline or intake
Claimed on the annual tax return with Form 6765. No application window.
Start here (official page for Credit for Increasing Research Activities (Research Credit, IRC section 41), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with state MEP centers

NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Subsidised advisers who can scope a lean or digital-ops rollout; software itself is not paid for.

May qualify for advice and training from your local center, which can help plan and support a rollout. Centers set their own fees and services, and software is bought separately.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
US small and medium-sized manufacturers, served through a state or regional MEP center.
What it pays for
Consulting, assessments and training from a local MEP center, which can include lean, continuous improvement and technology adoption projects.
Amount, as published
No fee schedule on the NIST page; each center sets its own fees. Varies by center, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. Contact your local center. NIST ran new centre-award competitions in 2026 (awards announced 15 Sep 2026).
Start here (official page for NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · US Department of Energy

Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (formerly Industrial Assessment Centers)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Free energy and waste assessment that can show where a lean project should look first.

May qualify for a free assessment from a nearby center, which looks at energy and waste in your plant. Ask the center whether your plant fits its rules. The assessment guides the work, and software is bought separately.

Ask your adviser: Does our plant fit a nearby center's rules, and when could an assessment happen?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Small and medium-sized manufacturers. The DOE page does not give size thresholds, so ask the local centre.
What it pays for
Free energy assessments with a report on savings. Implementation grants cover acting on the recommendations.
Amount, as published
Assessments are free. Implementation grants of up to $300k per qualified recommendation, as stated by DOE.
Deadline or intake
No fixed deadline. Contact a centre. DOE is separately taking applications for new centres.
Start here (official page for Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (formerly Industrial Assessment Centers), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

100% bonus depreciation and section 179 expensing (software)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May speed up the tax deduction on purchased software or a perpetual licence.

May help if part of your order is purchased software, which the IRS lists as eligible property. Subscriptions are usually treated as ordinary service expenses, so your tax adviser decides what, if anything, is capitalised.

Ask your adviser: Is any part of this order capital rather than an ordinary expense?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Businesses that buy qualifying property, including computer software depreciated under section 167(f)(1), acquired after 19 Jan 2025.
What it pays for
A faster tax write-off on qualifying purchased software, instead of spreading the deduction over several years. It is a deduction, not a payment.
Amount, as published
100% first-year allowance for qualified property acquired after 19 Jan 2025. Section 179 maximum for 2025 is $2,500,000, reduced above $4,000,000 of purchases, per the Form 4562 instructions.
Deadline or intake
Claimed on the annual return with Form 4562. No application.
Start here (official page for 100% bonus depreciation and section 179 expensing (software), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · US Small Business Administration (SBA), through approved lenders

SBA 7(a) loans

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: A loan that may cover working capital for a software rollout.

May qualify as financing if a lender accepts a software rollout as an eligible use such as working capital. It is a loan to repay, so ask the lender how it would treat a subscription and set-up.

Ask your adviser: Would the lender finance a subscription and set-up services, and on what terms?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
For-profit US small businesses that meet SBA size standards, cannot get reasonable credit elsewhere, and can show repayment ability.
What it pays for
Working capital, equipment (the page names AI-related expenses) and other business purposes. The page does not list software on its own line.
Amount, as published
Loans up to $5 million, as published.
Deadline or intake
No fixed deadline. Apply through an SBA lender.
Start here (official page for SBA 7(a) loans, opens in a new tab)Last checked

By state

Illinois

Illinois · NIST MEP centre for Illinois (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Local MEP advisers for lean, workforce and technology projects.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Illinois manufacturers, mainly small and medium-sized.
What it pays for
Consulting and training on operations, workforce, technology and data-driven decisions.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. NIST listed Illinois in a 2026 centre competition that closed on 5 Jan 2026, so the operator could change.
Start here (official page for Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Illinois · Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP), Strategic Sectors Single Company Grant
May qualifyOpen now

What it could cover: Cost-shared training grant that may cover training staff on new systems.

Ask your adviser: Does training on a new operations system count, and can a smaller project apply?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if training staff on a new digital operations system fits the program, which funds training and expects cost sharing. Awards are large and need pre-qualification, and DCEO decides fit.
Who can apply
The page says the applicant must be pre-qualified; other criteria are in the NOFO supplement it links to.
What it pays for
Workforce training to help Illinois employers raise technological skills and adopt efficient business practices. Cost sharing is required.
Amount, as published
Awards of $150,000 to $10,000,000, with about 7 awards and about $24.8 million total expected, as listed.
Deadline or intake
Rolling, no fixed deadline. Posted 14 Nov 2025 (FY26).
Start here (official page for Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP), Strategic Sectors Single Company Grant, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Ohio

Ohio · NIST MEP award to the Ohio Manufacturers Association Educational and Industrial Development Institute (per NIST news, 15 Sep 2026)

Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP)
May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Ohio's MEP service is being re-set up; confirm who delivers it.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training once Ohio's new delivery arrangement is confirmed. Check which organization runs the center now; software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Ohio small and medium-sized manufacturers.
What it pays for
Consulting, training, lean and technology advice through MEP centre partners.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
The new award period starts around Oct 2026 and the delivery structure is not confirmed. NIST's old Ohio MEP page is marked archived.
Start here (official page for Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Ohio MEP), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Michigan

Michigan · NIST MEP centre for Michigan (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Michigan's MEP centre: lean, quality and technology advice for plants.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Michigan manufacturers, mainly small and medium-sized.
What it pays for
Consulting and classes on operational excellence, lean, Industry 4.0 and training.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. Contact the centre.
Start here (official page for Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Michigan · Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)

Going PRO Talent Fund
May qualifyIntake closed

What it could cover: Pays for employee training, possibly including training on a new operations system.

Ask your adviser: Does training on a new operations system count, and must we apply before training starts?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if training on a new system fits the state's rules. The program funds staff training rather than software fees. Intake is closed now, and the next opportunity is stated as early 2027.
Who can apply
Michigan employers applying for employer-directed, short-term training of permanent, full-time workers, with local Michigan Works! help.
What it pays for
Training costs for new and current employees (classroom or customised training, registered apprenticeship, on-the-job training).
Amount, as published
Average award of $41,316 and average training cost of $1,619 per person across 2014 to 2026 awards, as stated by the state. Individual award limits not read.
Deadline or intake
The 2027 application dates have not been announced; the next opportunity is stated as early 2027.
Start here (official page for Going PRO Talent Fund, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania · NIST MEP centre for Pennsylvania (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

Pennsylvania Manufacturing Extension Partnership (PA MEP)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Statewide MEP advisers for productivity and technology projects.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Pennsylvania small and mid-sized manufacturers.
What it pays for
Consulting and training on productivity and technology use, delivered by regional affiliates.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. NIST page last updated 26 Mar 2026; a Sep 2026 NIST award went to the Pennsylvania IRC Network.
Start here (official page for Pennsylvania Manufacturing Extension Partnership (PA MEP), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Pennsylvania · Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

WEDnetPA
May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Reimburses worker training; could cover learning a new operations system.

Ask your adviser: Does training on a new operations system count, and must we apply before training starts?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if training on a LeanSuite rollout fits an approved training provider and the guidelines. The program covers employee training rather than software fees.
Who can apply
Pennsylvania employers with permanent, full-time-benefit employees who live in PA and earn at least $17.31 per hour.
What it pays for
Incumbent worker job-skills training for the current job or an advancement.
Amount, as published
Up to $2,000 per employee in job-skills training, as published.
Deadline or intake
The page links FY 2026-27 guidelines (revised 1 Jul 2026) but does not say whether applications are open.
Start here (official page for WEDnetPA, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Texas

Texas · NIST MEP centre for Texas (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

TMAC (Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Texas MEP centre for operations and technology projects.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Texas manufacturers, mainly small and medium-sized.
What it pays for
Business management, technology and operations support, and training.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. Contact the centre.
Start here (official page for TMAC (Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Texas · Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

Skills Development Fund
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Customised worker training funded through a college partner; could cover system training.

Ask your adviser: Does training on a new operations system count, and must we apply before training starts?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if training delivered through a college or similar partner is designed around the new system. TWC decides fit. The fund pays for training, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Businesses working through an eligible partner such as a community or technical college, TEEX, TEES or a workforce board. Trainees must be full-time W-2 employees.
What it pays for
Customised training for new hires or upgrades for current workers.
Amount, as published
Up to $500,000 per business, more for consortia; average cost $2,400 per trainee, as published.
Deadline or intake
TWC says it accepts proposals throughout the year; subject to state appropriations.
Start here (official page for Skills Development Fund, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Texas · Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Franchise tax credit for research and development activities (Subchapter T)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if research in Texas meets the federal definition of qualified research.

Ask your adviser: Which of our costs, if any, count as qualified research, and what records should we keep from the start?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if the Texas-based work meets the federal definition of qualified research, such as custom development with real technical uncertainty. Setting up an existing product is routine. Ask your tax adviser.
Who can apply
Taxable entities that file IRS Form 6765 for the year; the research is the Texas-attributable part of the federal qualified research expenses.
What it pays for
A franchise tax credit tied to federal qualified research expenses for research done in Texas.
Amount, as published
The Comptroller page does not state a rate; see the page and Form 05-182.
Deadline or intake
Claimed with the franchise tax report; effective for reports from 1 Jan 2026.
Start here (official page for Franchise tax credit for research and development activities (Subchapter T), opens in a new tab)Last checked

North Carolina

North Carolina · NIST MEP centre for North Carolina, administered by NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: NC's MEP centre for productivity and technology projects.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
North Carolina manufacturers, mainly small and medium-sized.
What it pays for
Technical assistance on productivity, innovation and technology performance.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. Contact the centre.
Start here (official page for North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP), opens in a new tab)Last checked

North Carolina · North Carolina Community College System

NCEdge customised training
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Free customised staff training from community colleges, including on new technology.

Ask your adviser: Does training on a new operations system count, and must we apply before training starts?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for customised staff training from community colleges around a new operations system, subject to the eligibility rules. The page says the services come at no additional cost to the business.
Who can apply
North Carolina businesses in nearly every industry. The page links to separate eligibility requirements that were not read.
What it pays for
Customised training to upskill staff, including training on new technology and efficiency improvements, on site, online or through colleges.
Amount, as published
The page says services come at no additional cost to the business; no dollar figure given.
Deadline or intake
No deadline stated. Get started through the contact form.
Start here (official page for NCEdge customised training, opens in a new tab)Last checked

South Carolina

South Carolina · NIST MEP centre for South Carolina (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: SC's MEP centre for reviews and systems planning projects.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
South Carolina manufacturers, mainly small and medium-sized.
What it pays for
Advisory support such as competitiveness reviews, systems planning and compliance guidance.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. Contact the centre.
Start here (official page for South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), opens in a new tab)Last checked

South Carolina · South Carolina Technical College System

readySC
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Free training design and delivery for companies adding jobs.

Ask your adviser: Does our new or expanded plant fit readySC's rules, and when would training start?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if you are adding jobs: readySC can help design and deliver training on the systems used in a new or expanded plant.
Who can apply
Companies creating permanent jobs with competitive pay and health insurance, in enough numbers to train cost-effectively.
What it pays for
Recruiting, training design and delivery, instructors and project management for new jobs. Existing worker training goes through college continuing education, which has a charge.
Amount, as published
Little or no direct cost per the FAQ; the site says it is not a grant programme.
Deadline or intake
No deadline stated. Contact readySC.
Start here (official page for readySC, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Wisconsin

Wisconsin · NIST MEP centre for Wisconsin (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (Wisconsin MEP / WMEP network)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Wisconsin MEP advisers for process, training and technology projects.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Wisconsin manufacturers; the UW-Stout centre serves 33 northwestern counties, and WMEP (Madison) is a separate NIST-listed affiliate.
What it pays for
Process improvement, workforce training and technology implementation support.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. NIST listed Wisconsin in a 2026 centre competition that closed on 5 Jan 2026, so the operator could change.
Start here (official page for UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center (Wisconsin MEP / WMEP network), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Wisconsin · Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)

WisTRAIN (Wisconsin Training for Resilient Advanced Industry Needs)
May qualifyIntake closed

What it could cover: Reimburses training for advanced manufacturing and digital skills; first round now closed.

Ask your adviser: Does training on a new operations system count, and must we apply before training starts?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify when a later round opens, for staff training in digital manufacturing topics. The first round has closed, and the program funds training rather than software fees.
Who can apply
Employers of any size operating in Wisconsin, or consortia of Wisconsin employers, training Wisconsin-based workers.
What it pays for
Employer-driven training in advanced manufacturing or AI, for example robotics, digital twins, predictive maintenance and data analytics.
Amount, as published
Up to $330,000 per grantee or consortium, as published on the DWD page.
Deadline or intake
The initial round closed 13 Jul 2026 and is being processed. Rolling applications are not yet confirmed; the page says more information is coming.
Start here (official page for WisTRAIN (Wisconsin Training for Resilient Advanced Industry Needs), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Indiana

Indiana · NIST MEP centre for Indiana (listed on the nist.gov MEP directory)

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Indiana MEP centre with lean and digital transformation advisory.

Ask your adviser: What can the center do to scope a lean or digital rollout, and what does it charge?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for advice and training that can help scope and support a rollout. The center sets its own services and fees, and software is bought separately.
Who can apply
Indiana manufacturers, mainly small and medium-sized.
What it pays for
Consulting and training in lean, digital transformation, quality systems, workforce development and related areas.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page.
Deadline or intake
No application window. Contact the centre.
Start here (official page for Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Back to all regions

Grants and tax credits for Canadian manufacturers

SR&ED and IRAP are the best-known names, and both can apply when a project includes development work. Loans and provincial programmes can cover technology adoption.

Federal · Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if your project includes custom development or experimental work.

May qualify if your project includes custom development, integration or process work that tries to resolve a real technological uncertainty. The CRA looks at the work itself, so keep records of any development separately. Setting up an existing product is routine work.

Ask your adviser: Which of our costs count as SR&ED work, and should we ask the CRA for pre-claim advice before we start?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Corporations, individuals, trusts and partnerships doing SR&ED work in Canada. The work must seek new scientific or technological knowledge and follow a systematic investigation that deals with technological uncertainty.
What it pays for
Qualifying experimental development and supporting work (including computer programming that directly supports it). Excluded: quality control or routine testing, commercial production, training, and hiring experts to apply existing knowledge.
Amount, as published
Basic investment tax credit rate is 15%; some corporations can claim an enhanced 35% rate and part may be refundable. The CRA page does not say which corporations qualify.
Deadline or intake
No intake window. Claimed with the income tax return. Optional pre-claim approval is available before starting the work.
Start here (official page for Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · National Research Council Canada (NRC)

NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Advisor access and possible funding if you are developing a new technology-based product or process.

May qualify if your company is developing and commercializing an innovative, technology-driven product, service or process. An IRAP advisor decides whether your project fits. The funded activity would be that development work.

Ask your adviser: Does any project we are running count as innovation work an IRAP advisor could back?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Incorporated, for-profit businesses operating in Canada with up to 500 full-time-equivalent employees that develop and commercialize innovative, technology-driven products or services. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee support.
What it pays for
Advice, connections and, in some cases, project funding for R&D and other innovation activities. Day-to-day operating costs, purely commercial activities and work outside Canada are excluded.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page. The pages read do not list amounts.
Deadline or intake
No fixed deadline stated. Funding usually follows an initial period of advice and referrals from an advisor.
Start here (official page for NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

BDC LIFT: Digital transformation and AI financing

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Financing plus a required digital plan; covers systems, integration and training.

May qualify as a loan if BDC accepts a continuous improvement platform in your digital plan. The named examples are ERP, CRM and cybersecurity, and an advisory plan comes first. It must be repaid.

Ask your adviser: Would BDC include a continuous improvement platform and its set-up in the digital plan?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Canadian businesses with at least $1M in annual revenue, demonstrated profitability and a solid credit history, investing in digital, data, AI or cybersecurity. A BDC Advisory Services digital plan is mandatory.
What it pays for
Listed items include ERP and CRM systems, system configuration, data infrastructure, AI use-case development, cybersecurity tools, and training and integration costs. Financing can exceed base costs to include eligible implementation expenses.
Amount, as published
Loans of $25K to $2M, amortized up to 6 years with capital payments postponed up to 12 months. It is a loan at BDC rates, not a grant.
Deadline or intake
No intake deadline stated. Approval is subject to BDC's standard criteria.
Start here (official page for BDC LIFT: Digital transformation and AI financing, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Ontario · Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream

May qualifyOpen now

What it could cover: Large capex projects (from $500k) that adopt technology and upskill staff; loans mostly.

May qualify if a LeanSuite rollout is one piece of a bigger technology and training project of $500,000 or more, and the ministry accepts software costs. Talk to a regional advisor first.

Ask your adviser: Do software and set-up costs count inside a $500,000 project, and can it be combined with other funding?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Advanced manufacturing firms in Ontario with at least 3 years of operations and at least 10 employees. The project must cost at least $500,000 and create at least 5 new jobs or upskill existing ones. It cannot be combined with other provincial program funding.
What it pays for
Capital equipment, technology adoption and skills development. The program page does not list software; the guidelines send applicants to an appendix of eligible costs.
Amount, as published
Up to 15% of eligible project costs, usually as an interest-free loan up to $5 million with part forgivable; grants only in specific cases (up to $500,000 for small rural firms, up to $1.5 million for strategic projects). Combined federal and provincial funding is capped at 50% of the project.
Deadline or intake
Intake period eight closes 5 November 2026 (decisions expected 3 February 2027). Period nine runs 28 January to 27 April 2027.
Start here (official page for Regional Development Program: Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) Stream, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · Regional development agencies (CED for Quebec; FedDev Ontario for southern Ontario; others by region)

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), AI adoption support

May qualifyOpen now

What it could cover: Repayable support for SMEs adopting AI; fits the AI parts of a rollout.

May qualify for the AI-assisted parts of a rollout, such as AI help for SOPs, time studies or root cause, if the agency accepts the project as AI adoption.

Ask your adviser: Would the agency treat our AI-assisted steps as an AI adoption project?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
On the CED page: SMEs ready to adopt AI, SMEs that develop or commercialize AI, and non-profits that support SMEs. Municipalities and public bodies are not eligible. Other agencies set their own detail.
What it pays for
Projects that support AI adoption by SMEs. The CED page lists no cost categories, and costs count from the date the application is submitted.
Amount, as published
CED page: repayable support up to 50% of authorized costs for SMEs. Total federal funding for the initiative is stated as $700 million.
Deadline or intake
Open now at CED (ongoing). For southern Ontario, the government release says applications are accepted until 19 January 2027, and by 24 November 2026 for projects with eligible costs before 31 March 2027.
Start here (official page for Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII), AI adoption support, opens in a new tab)Last checked

By province and more

Federal

Federal · Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

REGI: Business Scale-up and Productivity (CED, Quebec regions)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Regional agency support for adopting advanced technology; Quebec here, other regions have their own.

Ask your adviser: Would the agency count software and set-up in a productivity project, and how do we apply?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if CED accepts the rollout as a technology adoption and productivity project. The page does not say whether software subscriptions count. Other regions have their own agencies: FedDev Ontario, PrairiesCan, PacifiCan and ACOA.
Who can apply
Example clients on the page include SMEs, not-for-profits, support organizations and knowledge institutions in Quebec; contact CED to confirm eligibility. The Business Scale-up and Productivity component supports adopting, adapting and demonstrating advanced technologies.
What it pays for
Technology adoption and productivity projects, plus commercialization and market expansion. The page lists no eligible cost categories.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page. The page gives no funding type or amount.
Deadline or intake
Listed as accepting applications on an ongoing basis as of the page date.
Start here (official page for REGI: Business Scale-up and Productivity (CED, Quebec regions), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Ontario

Ontario · Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF)
May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Tariff-hit Ontario firms; may cover setup labour and training inside a $200k+ project.

Ask your adviser: Is our firm eligible as tariff-affected, and would set-up labour and training count?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if your firm is tariff-affected and the rollout sits inside a project of $200,000 or more. Set-up labour and training may count at the ministry's discretion. Confirm with an Ontario Advisor.
Who can apply
For-profit Ontario businesses with at least 5 FTE employees and 3 years of operations that are affected by U.S. tariffs (for example a heavily targeted sector or a revenue loss of about 30%). Projects must invest at least $200,000 in eligible costs and finish within 2 years.
What it pays for
Categories include equipment and machinery, one-time labour to set up or commission new technology or systems, specialized expertise (software development is named), and training. Off-the-shelf software is not addressed.
Amount, as published
Typically grants or loans of 10 to 20% of eligible costs up to $5 million; up to 75% only for projects with exceptional benefit to Ontario.
Deadline or intake
Page says intake is continuous while the program is open (opened 23 April 2025) but does not state whether it is open today. Last updated 10 December 2025.
Start here (official page for Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Quebec

Quebec · Investissement Quebec, for the Quebec government

ESSOR, Volet 2: productivity and expansion projects
May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Quebec loans for productivity projects of $100k+, software and cloud/AI transitions included.

Ask your adviser: Is intake open, and would software and set-up count as part of a $100,000 project?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if the rollout is part of a Quebec modernization project of $100,000 or more. Software and technology transition are named in the program. Check whether intake is open.
Who can apply
For-profit or social economy businesses registered in Quebec with a project of at least $100,000 in eligible spending aimed at more capacity, modernization or a technology transition. Sectors such as finance, health, public administration and real estate are excluded.
What it pays for
Capital spending, including buying and implementing equipment or software, and major technology transition costs such as cloud, business intelligence and artificial intelligence. Working capital is allowed up to 20% in some cases.
Amount, as published
Loan with a repayment guarantee that can cover up to 70% of the net loss; a non-repayable contribution is possible in some cases. Combined government aid cannot exceed 50% of project cost. Minimum fees apply.
Deadline or intake
The page gives no closing date, and the ministry and Investissement Quebec can suspend applications without notice. The wider ESSOR programme is reported by Investissement Quebec to end 31 March 2027.
Start here (official page for ESSOR, Volet 2: productivity and expansion projects, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Quebec · Investissement Quebec, for the Quebec government

ESSOR, Volet 1B: digital diagnostic and system selection
May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Up to $20,000 toward a digital plan and picking systems, before buying them.

Ask your adviser: Is intake open, and can a consultant-led diagnostic include choosing a CI platform?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify for the planning stage: consultant fees for a digital diagnostic and system selection, if intake is open. Software is bought separately.
Who can apply
For-profit or social economy businesses registered in Quebec, in any sector, with 250 employees or fewer and revenue of at least $2.5M.
What it pays for
Digital diagnostic, digital plan, implementation plan and system selection, including AI where relevant. Eligible spending is external consultant fees, specialised information and travel.
Amount, as published
Non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at $20,000 for the duration of the programme.
Deadline or intake
Page states the programme ends 31 March 2027; it does not say if it is accepting applications today and intake can be suspended without notice.
Start here (official page for ESSOR, Volet 1B: digital diagnostic and system selection, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Alberta

Alberta · Government of Alberta, delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG)
May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Up to $30,000 matching grant for Alberta manufacturers' technology and equipment upgrades.

Ask your adviser: Do software subscriptions count as technology upgrades, and is intake open?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if CME accepts the rollout as a technology upgrade. The government page does not name software, so check with CME before you plan around it.
Who can apply
Small and medium manufacturers with a physical location in Alberta that make, refine, refurbish or process a product or material, with 5 to 750 employees. The funded technology or equipment must be used in Alberta.
What it pays for
The page says technology upgrades and new machinery and equipment, plus advice and expertise. It does not mention software specifically.
Amount, as published
Matching funding up to $30,000 per business, from a pool of over $4 million for about 130 businesses (two-year pilot from mid-2025).
Deadline or intake
The alberta.ca page shows no application window; applications go through CME, so confirm current intake there.
Start here (official page for Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG), opens in a new tab)Last checked

British Columbia

British Columbia · BC Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth

BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund
May qualifyIntake closed

What it could cover: Capital project funding for BC manufacturers; intake closed, renewed round coming.

Ask your adviser: When does the renewed round open, and will software count?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify when the renewed round opens, if software counts. The page says details will follow in the coming weeks.
Who can apply
Manufacturing companies in BC modernizing, innovating and growing, with a focus on communities affected by economic downturns. The page lists no detailed criteria.
What it pays for
Funding for capital projects. The page does not say whether software is eligible.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page. The page announces an additional $30M for a renewed fund, with details to come.
Deadline or intake
Closed as of 21 Oct 2026. The page says details on the program and intake will be posted in the coming weeks.
Start here (official page for BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Manitoba

Manitoba · Manitoba Finance, administered by the Canada Revenue Agency

Manitoba Research and Development Tax Credit
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if your project includes work that meets the federal SR&ED definition.

Ask your adviser: Which of our Manitoba costs count under the SR&ED definition?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if your project includes development work that meets the federal SR&ED definition, which Manitoba's credit uses. Keep the same records as for SR&ED. Setting up an existing product is routine.
Who can apply
Corporations carrying out scientific research and experimental development, as defined federally, in Manitoba.
What it pays for
Eligible SR&ED spending in Manitoba, on the same definition as the federal SR&ED program.
Amount, as published
15% of eligible expenditures made after 11 April 2017. Partly refundable; the page does not give the current refundable share beyond earlier years.
Deadline or intake
No intake window; claimed with the corporate tax return, with a 20-year carry-forward.
Start here (official page for Manitoba Research and Development Tax Credit, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Back to all regions

Grants and tax relief for UK manufacturers

Made Smarter is the closest fit. It covers English regions, and funding depends on the region.

UK-wide · HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

UK R&D tax relief (merged scheme)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if your project seeks an advance in science or technology.

May qualify if your project seeks an advance in science or technology by resolving real technical uncertainty, for example custom development around the rollout. Setting up existing software is routine. Your adviser can tell you which costs count.

Ask your adviser: Does any work around this project resolve technical uncertainty, and how do we document it?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Trading companies chargeable to UK Corporation Tax that run a project meeting the HMRC definition of R&D (an advance in science or technology that resolves a technological uncertainty). The enhanced support for loss-making SMEs also needs R&D spend of at least 30% of total spend.
What it pays for
Qualifying R&D staff, materials and similar costs of an R&D project.
Amount, as published
Merged scheme credit rate is 20% of qualifying R&D spend (taxable); the loss-making R&D-intensive SME payable credit is 14.5% of the surrendered loss, as published.
Deadline or intake
No intake window. Applies to accounting periods starting on or after 1 April 2024; claimed on the company tax return.
Start here (official page for UK R&D tax relief (merged scheme), opens in a new tab)Last checked

England (delivered by region) · Department for Business and Trade, delivered through regional partners

Made Smarter Adoption

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Up to 50% matched grant (max £20,000) for digital tech, software and advice, English SMEs.

May qualify if your company meets the size limits and the project comes out of the advisor assessment. The hub says the grant covers hardware and software, and the South West page names new software. It is not automatic, and funding is limited by region.

Ask your adviser: Does our project fit the programme's digital areas, and is funding open in our region now?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
SME manufacturing or engineering companies with 249 or fewer employees and either turnover under £36 million or a balance sheet under £18 million. A significant part of operations must be in England. You register, then an advisor assesses the business to confirm eligibility.
What it pays for
Matched grant toward equipment or software and specialist advice, for projects that come out of the digital assessment. Some regions also offer digital roadmap support, intensive technical support and funded digital interns.
Amount, as published
Up to 50% match funding, maximum £20,000 per company (South West page quotes 1,000 to £20,000). Grants are often paid retrospectively and the business funds the other half.
Deadline or intake
No national deadline shown. Nine English regions are listed as active (North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, London). East Midlands programme runs to 31 March 2027; South West is delivered from April 2026. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not covered. Funding per region is limited, so check the regional page.
Start here (official page for Made Smarter Adoption, opens in a new tab)Last checked

UK-wide · HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

Capital allowances: annual investment allowance (plant and machinery)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Tax deduction on capital spend; a purchased software licence may count.

May help with the capital part of a deployment, such as purchased hardware or a perpetual licence. Your accountant decides whether a LeanSuite subscription is capital or an ordinary expense. It reduces tax and is not a grant.

Ask your adviser: Is any part of this order capital rather than an ordinary expense?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
UK businesses (companies and unincorporated) that buy plant and machinery for the business. Business cars and items given to the business or already owned do not qualify.
What it pays for
HMRC treats computer software as plant when the spend is capital, so a one-off purchased software licence may qualify. Subscription fees that are revenue expenses are normally deducted as ordinary costs instead.
Amount, as published
AIA lets a business deduct up to £1 million a year of qualifying plant and machinery from profits (pro-rated for periods not 12 months).
Deadline or intake
No intake. Claimed in the tax return for the period the item was bought.
Start here (official page for Capital allowances: annual investment allowance (plant and machinery), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Scotland · Scottish Enterprise

Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Free Industry 4.0 review and CI support for Scottish manufacturers.

May qualify for free advice, a digital roadmap review and continuous improvement support around a rollout. Software is bought separately.

Ask your adviser: Is our plant eligible for the Industry 4.0 review, and how soon can it start?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Manufacturing businesses of all sizes and sectors in Scotland, across the supply chain. The Business Improvement Academy is aimed at growing firms that want to embed continuous improvement.
What it pays for
Advice and structured reviews: an operational review, a two-day Industry 4.0 (Manufacturing 4.0) readiness review that produces a digital roadmap, a 10-day continuous improvement academy and resilience support. It does not pay for software.
Amount, as published
The Industry 4.0 Review is described as fully funded. The page gives no price for the other services.
Deadline or intake
No closing date shown; enquiry forms are live.
Start here (official page for Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Wales (south east) · Welsh Government

Tech Valleys Business Productivity Enhancement Programme

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Free diagnostic then £10,000 to £50,000 capital grant for south east Wales manufacturers.

May qualify if your business is in south east Wales: a free diagnostic first, then a capital grant for projects it supports. The announcement does not say software is eligible, so ask the programme team.

Ask your adviser: Would the diagnostic cover a digital operations project, and does software count for the capital grant?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Small and medium-sized engineering and manufacturing companies in south east Wales.
What it pays for
A free business diagnostic first. Companies that qualify can then apply for a capital grant plus a support package covering skills and export advice. The announcement does not say software is eligible.
Amount, as published
Capital grant of 10,000 to £50,000, within £2.2 million of new funding, as published.
Deadline or intake
Announced 18 February 2026 as a three-year programme. No application window or end date is given on the page.
Start here (official page for Tech Valleys Business Productivity Enhancement Programme, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Back to all regions

Grants and loans for manufacturers in Europe

Described for information. National loans and hubs differ by country.

Germany · KfW (German state development bank), applied for via the applicant's house bank

KfW ERP-Foerderkredit Digitalisierung (loans 511 and 512)

Good fitNo set window

What it could cover: Low-rate loan from KfW covering ERP, CRM, digital transformation and staff training for German SMEs.

Good fit as a loan: the published scope covers digital transformation measures such as business software, ERP and CRM, digital training and ongoing costs. Apply through your house bank after a digitalisation check. The bank decides on credit.

Ask your adviser: Which KfW level fits our rollout, and will our house bank take the application?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Small and medium businesses with fewer than 250 employees and annual revenue of at most 50 million euros, and freelancers. A Digitalisierungs-Check must be completed first.
What it pays for
Three levels: basic digitalisation (standard software, cloud migration), LevelUp (ERP and CRM systems, digital networking, IT security concepts, digital training of staff) and HighEnd (big data, AI integration). The page says ongoing costs of the measures can also be financed.
Amount, as published
Loans up to 7.5 million euros (basic) or up to 25 million euros (LevelUp and HighEnd). A grant of up to 200,000 euros (3% or 5% of the disbursed loan) is listed for the upper levels.
Deadline or intake
No closing date or budget limit stated on the page; applied for through the house bank.
Start here (official page for KfW ERP-Foerderkredit Digitalisierung (loans 511 and 512), opens in a new tab)Last checked

EU-wide · European Commission (Digital Europe Programme) with Member States

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Local EU hubs offering test-before-invest, training and digital advice to manufacturing SMEs.

May qualify for local advice, test-before-invest and training from your nearest hub. Services differ by hub, and software is bought separately.

Ask your adviser: What does our local hub offer manufacturers, and at what cost?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
SMEs, mid-caps and public bodies in EU Member States and associated countries, served through a local hub chosen by location.
What it pays for
Local one-stop-shop services: test before invest, financing advice, training and skills, with a growing AI focus. Software licences are bought separately.
Amount, as published
Varies by hub and service, see official page. Hub funding is split 50% Digital Europe Programme and 50% national, regional or private sources.
Deadline or intake
No application window. In October 2025 the Commission selected 83 hubs for renewed funding; services are requested from the local hub.
Start here (official page for European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Germany · Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), administered by DLR Projekttraeger

Mittelstand-Digital Zentren

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Vendor-neutral digital and AI guidance centres for German SMEs; existing centres wind down by end of 2026.

May qualify for neutral advice and workshops on digitalisation before you choose software. Existing centre funding ends in stages by December 2026, so check the current centre list.

Ask your adviser: Which centre serves us now, and what is on offer?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Small and medium businesses in Germany, served by regional Mittelstand-Digital centres that offer vendor-neutral knowledge and technology transfer.
What it pays for
Information, demonstrations, workshops and guidance on digitalisation and AI. It is guidance rather than an investment subsidy, and software is bought separately.
Amount, as published
Varies by project, see official page. Centre services are published as vendor-neutral support rather than grants to companies.
Deadline or intake
The ministry notice of 15 December 2025 says funding of the existing centres ends step by step by the end of December 2026; the new funding notice runs to 30 June 2027. Check the current centre list.
Start here (official page for Mittelstand-Digital Zentren, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Germany · Bescheinigungsstelle Forschungszulage (BSFZ) with the German tax authorities

Forschungszulage (R&D tax allowance)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if your project includes certified R&D work.

May qualify if your company has an R&D project that the BSFZ certifies, such as custom development with real technical uncertainty. The allowance covers the R&D work itself.

Ask your adviser: Does any work around this project count as R&D, and should we apply for a certificate?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Any company with a tax seat in Germany, any size or sector, with an R&D project in basic research, industrial research or experimental development, certified by the BSFZ.
What it pays for
Personnel and other costs of qualifying R&D projects, including a flat 20% overhead for projects starting after 31 December 2025.
Amount, as published
25% of the cost base, 35% for SMEs. Cost base up to 12 million euros a year for expenses from 1 January 2026, so up to 3 million euros (4.2 million for SMEs) of allowance per year, as published.
Deadline or intake
No intake window; apply for the certificate, then claim through the tax return.
Start here (official page for Forschungszulage (R&D tax allowance), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Ireland · Enterprise Ireland

Lean Business Offer (LeanStart and LeanPlus)

May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Irish lean coaching grants (up to EUR 5,000 start-up, up to EUR 50,000 larger project).

May qualify for lean coaching grants that fit the improvement work around a rollout. The pages do not say software costs are eligible. Confirm availability with Enterprise Ireland.

Ask your adviser: Is the offer open to us, and does coaching tied to a software rollout count?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Tagged for SMEs and large companies; LeanStart is for companies new to lean. The pages list no further criteria; contact Enterprise Ireland for client status and eligibility.
What it pays for
LeanStart covers hiring a lean coach. LeanPlus covers an external lean coach and implementing lean process innovations. Software is not mentioned.
Amount, as published
LeanStart: up to 80% of eligible costs, maximum grant EUR 5,000. LeanPlus: grant of up to EUR 50,000; the percentage is not stated on the page read.
Deadline or intake
Pages give no deadlines or validity dates; confirm availability with Enterprise Ireland.
Start here (official page for Lean Business Offer (LeanStart and LeanPlus), opens in a new tab)Last checked

By province and more

France

France · French Ministry of Economy and Finance (entreprises.gouv.fr, impots.gouv.fr)

Credit d'impot recherche (CIR) and credit d'impot innovation (CII)
May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if you do qualifying research or design a prototype of a new product.

Ask your adviser: Does any of our work count as research or prototype design?

How it may qualify, eligibility and deadline
How it may qualify
May qualify if your company does qualifying R&D, or an SME designs a prototype or pilot installation of a new product. The credits reward that research or prototype work itself.
Who can apply
Companies taxed on corporate or income tax with industrial, commercial or agricultural activity doing qualifying R&D. CII is for SMEs designing prototypes or pilot installations of new products.
What it pays for
Research staff, equipment depreciation, outsourced approved research and related costs. CII covers prototype or pilot design for new products. Neither covers production-phase costs.
Amount, as published
CIR: 30% of eligible R&D spend up to 100 million euros, 5% above. CII: 20% of eligible expenses for SMEs (the page states no cap), eligible until 31 December 2027.
Deadline or intake
No intake window; claimed through the tax return. CII expenses eligible until 31 December 2027.
Start here (official page for Credit d'impot recherche (CIR) and credit d'impot innovation (CII), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Back to all regions

Incentives for manufacturers in Mexico

Faster tax deductions on new hardware and bank-delivered financing. No federal software grant was found on an official page.

Federal · SHCP (Hacienda) and Secretaria de Economia; published in the Diario Oficial de la Federacion; applied through the SAT annual return

Plan Mexico tax decree: immediate deduction on new equipment

May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Faster tax deduction on new plant hardware such as computers, servers and machinery, with Comite approval.

May help with the hardware side of a rollout, such as shop-floor computers and servers, as new fixed assets with a faster first-year deduction. It needs a Comite certificate and the budget is limited. A software subscription is not a fixed asset.

Ask your adviser: Does our hardware qualify as eligible new assets, and is the Comite certificate still available?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Companies and individuals with business activity taxed under the general rules, registered with SAT with a positive tax-compliance opinion, who present an investment project and receive a compliance certificate from the Comite de Evaluacion. The decree says it applies without distinction of sector and encourages micro, small and medium firms.
What it pays for
A bigger first-year tax deduction on new fixed assets used in the business, including computers and servers (88% in 2025-2026 per the decree table) and molds, tools and machinery. The extra 25% deduction on increased training spend needs a dual-education agreement with the SEP. A software subscription is not a fixed asset.
Amount, as published
Deduction percentages in the decree table run from 41% to 91% depending on asset type for 2025-2026 and are lower for 2027-2030. Total benefit is capped at 30 billion pesos, of which 28.5 billion for asset investment and 1.5 billion for training and innovation.
Deadline or intake
Assets acquired through 30 September 2030. The Comite certificate is required first and the total budget is limited, so availability must be checked with SHCP before relying on it.
Start here (official page for Plan Mexico tax decree: immediate deduction on new equipment, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Federal · Nacional Financiera (Nafin), with Bancomext

Nafin financing and guarantees for Pymes (including Plan Mexico lines)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Pyme loans and guarantees for working capital, machinery and modernising facilities.

May qualify for a loan through a partner bank for machinery, working capital and modernising facilities. No Nafin page names software as a financed use, so ask the bank. It is a loan to repay.

Ask your adviser: Would the bank finance software and set-up as part of modernising the plant?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Legally established micro, small and medium businesses, applied for through partner banks. First-time borrowers can use Tu primer credito.
What it pays for
Working capital, machinery and modernising or expanding facilities (Micronegocio Pyme) and energy-efficient equipment (Eco Credito). The pages do not list a dedicated software or digitalisation credit.
Amount, as published
Tu primer credito: up to 5 million pesos, fixed rate up to 14.50%, up to 60 months. Nafin and Bancomext announced up to 120 billion pesos for Mipymes in February 2026, with 70% guarantees on loans up to 20 million pesos in priority sectors and 80% on first-time loans up to 5 million pesos.
Deadline or intake
No closing date; products are open through partner banks.
Start here (official page for Nafin financing and guarantees for Pymes (including Plan Mexico lines), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Back to all regions

Schemes for manufacturers in India

India's lean scheme subsidises approved lean consultants who can support the improvement work around a rollout.

Federal · Ministry of MSME, with Quality Council of India (QCI) and National Productivity Council (NPC) as implementing agencies

MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme

May qualifyConfirm status

What it could cover: Subsidised lean coaching for Indian MSMEs (5S, SOPs, kanban, TPM).

May qualify if you are an Udyam-registered MSME. The scheme subsidises approved lean consultants, which fits the improvement work around a rollout. The pages do not say software is covered, and the end date should be confirmed.

Ask your adviser: Is the scheme still taking registrations, and can the coaching support our rollout?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
All MSMEs registered on the Udyam portal can take part. Common Facilities Centres under SFURTI and MSE-CDP are also covered.
What it pays for
Hands-on lean coaching from approved consultants across three levels (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced), after taking a Lean Pledge. The published subsidy is on consultant implementation fees, not on software licences.
Amount, as published
Page states a 90% subsidy on the consultant fees for implementation, plus an extra 5% for units registered through an industry association or OEM after completing all levels.
Deadline or intake
The portal is live and shows 2026 activity and registration counts, but the pages read give no end date. Earlier validity was reported as 31 March 2026 by a third party, so confirm the scheme period with QCI or NPC before relying on it.
Start here (official page for MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Back to all regions

Grants and tax offsets in Australia and Singapore

Singapore replaced its old grants on 30 September 2026. Australia relies on tax offsets and state schemes.

Singapore · Enterprise Singapore

EDGE Grant (replaces EDG, PSG and MRA)

May qualifyOpen now

What it could cover: Singapore's single business grant; can part-fund digital systems for SMEs, up to S$30,000 for that area.

May qualify as an SME for part-funding of digital systems. Digital solutions are tied to listed solution types, so check that a LeanSuite subscription fits one. Apply before work starts.

Ask your adviser: Does a LeanSuite subscription fit a supported solution type, and can we apply before signing?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Businesses registered in Singapore with at least 30% Singaporean or PR ownership. Not open to non-profits, societies or government bodies. SMEs have group sales up to S$100 million or up to 200 staff.
What it pays for
Supports digitalisation and automation, including single-function digital solutions, integrated enterprise systems (ERP with at least three listed functions) and pre-scoped equipment, plus standards, sustainability and other areas. Professional services can be supported if they matter for adoption.
Amount, as published
FAQ states up to 50% for SMEs and up to 30% for non-SMEs, higher for internationalisation and sustainability; the grant page cites up to 70% for SMEs and 50% for non-SMEs. Annual cap of S$100,000 per company, with up to S$30,000 of that for digital solutions and equipment. Reimbursement only.
Deadline or intake
Launched 30 September 2026. No closing date stated. Apply before work starts or any deposit is paid; no retrospective applications. The cap year runs 1 April to 31 March.
Start here (official page for EDGE Grant (replaces EDG, PSG and MRA), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Singapore · Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)

Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS)

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: 400% tax deductions in Singapore for qualifying training, innovation projects and AI adoption.

May help through tax deductions on eligible staff training, innovation projects and, for 2027 and 2028, AI adoption. A general operations software fee counts only if it fits a listed activity, and AI spend already covered by a grant is excluded.

Ask your adviser: Which parts of this project fit an EIS activity?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Businesses that incur qualifying spending in Singapore. The cash payout option needs at least three full-time local employees with CPF contributions.
What it pays for
Enhanced tax deductions for R&D, IP, SSG-funded Skills Framework training, innovation projects with approved partners, and (YA 2027 and YA 2028 only) AI adoption. Qualifying AI spend covers AI system subscriptions, excluding hardware.
Amount, as published
400% deduction. Caps per year of assessment: S$400,000 for R&D, IP and eligible training; S$50,000 for partner innovation projects and for AI adoption. Cash payout of 20% on up to S$100,000 of spend (S$20,000 maximum), not available for AI.
Deadline or intake
Applies for YA 2024 to YA 2028; the AI activity covers YA 2027 and YA 2028 only.
Start here (official page for Enterprise Innovation Scheme (EIS), opens in a new tab)Last checked

Australia · Queensland Government (business.qld.gov.au)

Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program

May qualifyOpen now

What it could cover: Matched grants for Queensland manufacturers adopting advanced technology; Round 2 open to 25 Nov 2026.

May qualify if your Queensland project counts as moving to advanced manufacturing. The pages do not say whether software or process projects count, so read the Round 2 guidelines and talk to the program team.

Ask your adviser: Do software and process projects count in Round 2, and is the project large enough?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Small to medium Queensland manufacturers. The official page sends applicants to the Round 2 guidelines for full criteria; those guidelines could not be opened.
What it pays for
Described as investment in innovation, advanced technology and job creation. The pages read do not list which project types or costs are eligible, so software or process projects are unconfirmed.
Amount, as published
Up to A$1.5 million in matched funding per business in Round 2, from a A$12.5 million round pool within a A$79.1 million program.
Deadline or intake
Round 2 is open and closes 25 November 2026 at 1pm, with no late applications; new rounds open about every six months.
Start here (official page for Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Australia · AusIndustry (Department of Industry, Science and Resources) with the Australian Taxation Office

R&D Tax Incentive

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: May apply if your project includes core R&D with an experimental process.

May qualify if your company carries out core R&D activities: new knowledge, an outcome that cannot be known in advance, and a systematic experimental process, for example custom development. Setting up existing software is routine work.

Ask your adviser: Does any work around this project count as core R&D, and when must we register?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Companies that meet the definition of an R&D entity and carry out eligible R&D activities, in any sector.
What it pays for
A tax offset on eligible R&D spending. Core activities must generate new knowledge, have an outcome that cannot be known in advance, and follow a systematic experimental process.
Amount, as published
For turnover under A$20 million: a refundable offset equal to the company tax rate plus an 18.5% premium. Spending is counted up to A$150 million. Budget 2026-27 changes start 1 July 2028.
Deadline or intake
Registration is due within 10 months after the end of the income year in which the R&D took place.
Start here (official page for R&D Tax Incentive, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Australia · Australian Taxation Office, with Treasury and business.gov.au

Small business instant asset write-off

May qualifyNo set window

What it could cover: Immediate tax deduction on qualifying assets under A$20,000.

May help if a purchase is a qualifying depreciating asset under the threshold. A plain subscription is usually an ordinary expense, and we could not read the ATO software rules, so ask an Australian accountant.

Ask your adviser: Would any part of this purchase count as an asset under the threshold?

Eligibility, amount and deadline
Who can apply
Businesses with aggregated turnover up to A$10 million (as stated on the business.gov.au page).
What it pays for
An immediate tax deduction for eligible assets costing under the threshold, in the year they are first used. Whether a given software licence or implementation cost counts as such an asset was not confirmed, because the ATO pages could not be opened.
Amount, as published
Threshold of A$20,000 per asset, stated as permanent from 1 July 2026. It is a deduction, not a cash grant.
Deadline or intake
Permanent from 1 July 2026 per the business.gov.au page of 9 June 2026. Claimed in the tax return for the year the asset is first used.
Start here (official page for Small business instant asset write-off, opens in a new tab)Last checked

Back to all regions

Questions to ask your advisor

Bring these to your accountant or the programme office before you sign anything. Eight questions, in the order that tends to matter.

  1. How does this programme treat a software subscription, a one-time licence, hardware, training and set-up services? Are they all eligible, or only some?
  2. Do I have to apply, or get approval, before I sign an order or pay anything? What happens if I buy first?
  3. Does it pay up front or reimburse later, and can we carry the cash until it does?
  4. Is there a minimum project size, and does a software rollout have to sit inside a bigger project to count?
  5. Can we combine it with other public funding for the same costs, or does one rule out the other?
  6. Do our size, location and ownership meet the programme's limits, such as employee numbers, turnover or the state or province the plant is in?
  7. If we also build or customise software ourselves, does that work need its own project records for a research credit?
  8. What records will the programme office want, who keeps them, and when are the intake and claim deadlines?

General information, not tax or legal advice. LeanSuite does not file claims or apply for programmes. The programme office or your adviser decides eligibility, so ask them early.

How we checked, and what we left out

On we opened the official government or agency page for each of the 53 programmes above and read it. Amounts and rates are quoted as the programme publishes them. If a page did not load, was not official, or showed a programme had ended, we left it out. Programmes change, so the date on each card is the date that page was last read. Nothing here is a promise of a refund, a payment or a saving.

Looked at, and not listed

  • Singapore Enterprise Development Grant and Productivity Solutions Grant

    Both ended on 29 September 2026. Enterprise Singapore replaced them with the EDGE Grant, which is listed.

  • Germany: Digital Jetzt and go-digital

    Both ended, per the ministry's own notices. The KfW loan and the Mittelstand-Digital centres are listed instead.

  • Canada Small Business Financing Program

    The government page would not load for us, so we could not confirm its current terms.

  • Ohio TechCred

    We could not confirm the current window on an official Ohio page.

  • Michigan Business Development Program

    The official page blocked our check.

  • Section 179D and section 48C (US)

    They cover buildings and clean-energy manufacturing property, so they are aimed at plant rather than software.

  • Innovate UK Innovation Loans

    Paused until January 2027, and aimed at new products, not adopting existing software.

  • Wales SMART capital equipment call

    The call closed on 25 September 2026 and funds machinery.

  • Australia Industry Growth Program

    Paused to new applications, and aimed at commercialising new products.

  • Italy Transizione 5.0, Netherlands MIT

    We could not load the official pages, so we did not list them.

  • Malaysia Industry4WRD and South Korea smart factory support

    We could not confirm a current programme on an official page.

  • Canada Digital Adoption Program

    Closed to new applicants since 19 February 2024. Only businesses with an earlier signed agreement can still use it.

  • Ontario and BC manufacturing investment tax credits

    They cover capital property such as buildings and machinery, and software is not named.

  • India ZED certification and SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0

    ZED subsidises certification and cleaner-technology upgrades. SAMARTH funds demonstration centres, not companies.

FAQs

Grants, credits and software, answered

  1. It may, if your project includes eligible work. SR&ED rewards work that tries to resolve a real technological uncertainty, such as custom development or integration that raises a genuine technical problem. Setting up an existing product is routine work, so keep records of any development work separately. Ask an SR&ED adviser or the Canada Revenue Agency which of your costs count.

  2. BDC says the Boost Your Business Technology stream has stopped taking new applications, and only businesses with a signed grant agreement from before 19 February 2024 can still use it. We could not read the government's own CDAP page when we checked, so confirm there. Programmes that are still taking applications are listed above, including BDC digital financing and provincial grants.

  3. NIST's page lists no fee. Each state or regional MEP center sets its own, so ask the center that serves your plant. MEP centers provide advice, assessments and training, and software is bought separately.

  4. It may, for the right work. A manufacturer that builds new or custom software, or solves a real technical problem around a rollout, may qualify in part. Configuring an existing product is routine and is not research under the US credit, which also excludes adapting an existing product to a customer's needs. Your tax adviser can tell you which costs count, so keep records from the start.

  5. Made Smarter Adoption offers match funding of up to 50 percent, with a maximum of £20,000 per company, toward digital technology and advice. It covers nine English regions, with a business assessment first and funding that depends on the region. Scotland and Wales have their own support, listed above. Check your region's page for the current window.

  6. Yes. In the US, the Department of Energy's Industrial Training and Assessment Centers offer free energy assessments, and DOE states implementation grants of up to $300,000 per qualified recommendation. An assessment can show where a lean project should look first. Energy incentives pay for energy measures, and software is bought separately. For how LeanSuite relates to waste, energy and paper, see the sustainability page.

What to read next

Plan the rollout first. Then ask what can help pay for it.

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