Funding & programs · · By Stratechno
Cybersecurity funding and support for SMEs in Canada, Ontario and Quebec
In-Sec-M, Mitacs, NRC IRAP, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst: an overview of the programs that can help Canadian SMEs finance and accelerate their cybersecurity efforts.
Why look for support?
Cyberattacks keep growing every year for Canadian businesses, and the cost of a breach - financial and reputational - can put an SME at risk. Several public and non-profit programs help small and medium-sized organizations assess their posture, train their teams and finance cybersecurity projects. Here is an overview of the main options.
Across Canada
In-Sec-M
In-Sec-M, a not-for-profit cybersecurity cluster based in Gatineau, relies on a network of mandated Canadian experts to support SMEs. In partnership with the National Research Council (NRC), it offers NRC IRAP clients personalized consulting - including 25-hour engagements - covering protection against cyberattacks, compliance with security and privacy laws and standards, and the development of new cybersecurity solutions.
Mitacs Accelerate
Mitacs funds research internships that pair for-profit and not-for-profit organizations with graduate students and postdocs. Accelerate provides leveraged funding of $15,000 per four- or six-month internship - a cost-effective way to advance a cybersecurity R&D project (AI-based detection, post-quantum cryptography, etc.). Mitacs also runs targeted calls, such as the Defence and Security call that included cyber.
NRC IRAP
The Industrial Research Assistance Program supports innovative SMEs with advice and funding for technical projects. Being an IRAP client is also the gateway to In-Sec-M’s cybersecurity support.
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and CyberSecure Canada
The Cyber Centre offers free training, including “Course 625: Cyber Security for Small and Medium Organizations”. The CyberSecure Canada certification is now administered by the Standards Council of Canada.
In Ontario
Cyber Roadmap - Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
A free program fully funded by the Government of Ontario: a self-assessment based on NIST CSF 2.0, a personalized report and a one-on-one consultation with a senior advisor, for SMEs (under 500 employees) in key sectors such as automotive, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, smart infrastructure, mining and agri-food.
Cyber Integration for Businesses
Free sector-specific webinars and six-week bootcamps for professionals responsible for cybersecurity, digital risk or procurement, part of the Ontario Cybersecurity Excellence Initiative.
In Quebec
Mitacs and In-Sec-M
Both programs above are available to Quebec organizations, and In-Sec-M was founded in the Outaouais.
Prompt
Prompt funded dozens of cybersecurity innovation and certification projects. The funds of that program have been fully allocated; new projects can apply through Prompt’s collaborative innovation program while a new cybersecurity program is being considered.
MaLoi25 (ended)
The MaLoi25 program, which helped SMEs comply with Law 25, ended on March 31, 2025. Compliance obligations remain, however.
How Stratechno can help
Programs change often and eligibility criteria vary. Stratechno can help you identify the right program, prepare your project and carry out the work - maturity assessment, awareness, privacy compliance or quantum resilience.
Information verified on October 15, 2026 from the programs’ official websites. Check the conditions with each organization before applying.