How to apply

If you are seeking funding towards Capital Costs (i.e. equipment, working capital) then you must contact a participating AFI regarding required commercial financing (at least 50 percent of Capital Costs). 

If you apply to one of the participating AFIs, you do not need to complete a separate AIC application. AIC will recognize the application to the AFI and will await their recommendation on funding.

The advantage applying to a participating AFI is that AIC will recognize the AFI date of receipt of the application as the earliest eligibility date. This also ensures the AFI and AIC work together as early as possible on assessing the needs of your business and project. The AFI will assess the viability of your business and feasibility of your project and make a recommendation to AIC. 

Please note that individual AFIs may have their own application form and information requirements.

If your project does not include Capital Costs (for example, project includes marketing, business planning or business support):

Send the application, supporting documents and signed copy of AIC's Privacy Code Agreement directly to AIC.  AIC will assess your eligibility, the viability of your business and feasibility of your project. Once AIC completes its assessment, it will seek the concurrence (agreement) of the local AFI. If the AFI agrees that the project should be funded, and if funds are available, AIC will issue a contract (Letter of Offer) for the project.