Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative

The first application intake period for WINN begins at 12:01 a.m. (MST) on November 9, 2013 and closes at 11:59 p.m. (MST) on December 8, 2013.

Our Government remains focused on Canadians’ top priority – our economy. In a global economy increasingly driven by innovation, our Government recently announced the Western Innovation (WINN) Initiative.

WINN is a $100 million five-year federal Initiative that offers repayable contributions for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with operations in Western Canada to move their new and innovative technologies from the later stages of research and development to the marketplace.

Through this Initiative, Western Economic Diversification Canada will support our entrepreneurs in bringing their ideas from the work bench and into the marketplace.

By helping to seize opportunities for innovation, we will support the creation of jobs and growth while ensuring that new opportunities for success are realized and new products, processes and services are brought to market. We listened to what western businesses had to say and designed WINN as a concrete step forward to help address this gap identified in the Canadian innovation process.

Under WINN, eligible western Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises can apply for funding to support a wide range of commercialization activities.

Objectives of WINN
• Commercialize innovative technology-based products, processes and services;
• Stimulate greater private sector investments in commercialization activities;
• Increase the number of jobs for highly qualified personnel in Western Canada; and
• Assist in industry growth.

How it Works
WD will accept applications The first application intake period for WINN begins at 12:01 a.m. (MST) on November 9, 2013 and closes at 11:59 p.m. (MST) on December 8, 2013.

Only the strongest applications demonstrating the highest merit and best fit with WINN objectives will receive funding.

Please see How to Apply for more information on the application process.

Inquiries – Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information, or contact one of our offices by email, telephone, fax, or mail.