Small and medium size enterprises (SME’s) are one of the main driving forces of the Canadian economy. Success in these firms is achieved not only by desire, hard work and business skill, but also by effectively adapting technologies to the firms’ needs. Canada has substantial scientific and engineering expertise in government laboratories, specialized research centres, universities and consulting engineering companies, which these companies may be able to utilize.

Through the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), the National Research Council aims to help Canadian businesses put this technical expertise to work. Technology can stimulate their productivity, profitability and international competitiveness. IRAP assists manufacturing, resource, construction and service industries.

SME’s (under 500 employees) in the Lanark-North Leeds area can access the family of services offered by IRAP and the entire IRAP Technology Network through one of IRAP’s Industrial Technology Advisors (ITA’s). The following is a summary of the main services IRAP provides:

The IRAP Advisor can assist a business to: define its technical needs; identify technical opportunities; obtain technical information and assistance; solve product and production problems; access or acquire technology and expertise from Canadian or foreign sources; access financial assistance programs; and refer the firm to other assistance.

Cost-shared financing of research projects is available through IRAP. IRAP supports 2 types of Research & Development financial assistance:

• Smaller Scale Projects: These projects are often preliminary in nature and funding is available for up to 40% of eligible project costs, depending on the project (e.g. costs associated with labour, travel, feasibility studies, sub-contracting and consultant fees). Contributions of these smaller scale projects are limited to a maximum of $15,000.

• Larger Scale Projects: These are more complex research and development activities carried out over a longer period. Funding is available for up to 40% of eligible project costs, depending on the project. Contributions to these larger scale projects range from $15,000 up to $200,000, over a period of up to 36 months. This program emphasizes advancing unproven technology to the point of performance testing and the various validation stages prior to commercialization.

This funding assistance is often complemented by the Community Futures Development Corporation community loan program (see "community loans" in the menu bar. Both services are available at the Regional Centre for Business Development and Innovation, 91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, Ontario.