CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 02/28/13 -- Canadian manufacturing organizations have embraced workflow and resource management software to eliminate bottlenecks and maximize productivity across their company structure. However, implementing, customizing, and upgrading Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems can be very resource intensive, both in terms of human and financial resources. Fortunately, grant funding for small business exists to help minimize the financial burden by covering a variety of costs, including internal labour, subcontractor fees, training, and documentation.

The Canadian government funding programs available to SME's support in-house and popular ERP platforms, including Microsoft Dynamics (aka Microsoft Great Plains), Epicor, Infor, Oracle, and SAP. Four of the top Canadian government funding programs for ERP Implementation are detailed below.

The IRAP Accelerated Review Process (ARP): $50K Grant

This government funding for small business program is available for incorporated Canadian companies that conduct some form of research and development in-house. Under these conditions, this small business grants program will support 80% of direct labour costs and 50% of subcontractor fees, up to $50,000. Companies often carry out these products to enhance data integrity and optimize workflow before implementing their new or existing ERP system. Projects related to the integration of an ERP system with another business system, such as a CRM or accounting software suite are also suitable project themes. IRAP funding is available across Canada and the program runs from April 1st to March 31st annually.

The IRAP Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program (DTAPP): $100K Grant

Grant funding for business provided through this program is aimed at supporting Canadian companies that are looking to increase internal efficiencies by adopting new forms of technology. ERP projects are eligible for up to $100,000 in small business funding grants which covers up to 80% of direct labour and 75% of subcontractor costs associated with the ERP adoption or upgrade project.

The Graduate Enterprise Internship (GEI), iSTEM: $15K Hiring Grant

GEI, or "iSTEM", provides small business funding grants for hiring recent grads. SME's are able to hire graduates from any of the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math). This Ontario government funding for small business hiring program covers 50% of a recent graduate's wages up to $10,000 for a recent graduate of a Bachelor's degree program, and up to $15,000 for a Master's or PhD graduate for a six-month work term. Recent graduates hired through this program can help the recipient firm with their ERP project.

The Yves Landry AIME Initiative: $50K Training Grant

Companies in the manufacturing sector can also take advantage of a fourth Canadian small business grants program that will cover 50% of trainer expenses and direct labour hours of trainees, up to $50,000 in small business funding grant towards all training activities related to your ERP system, as well as documentation and SOP creation.

Canadian Government Funding Updates and Support

Mentor Works Ltd. provides SME's with Canadian government funding for business advice to help with the selection and application processes. To stay up to date on the available small business funding grants and loans, please subscribe to our Canadian Government Funding Weekly E-Newsletter. For more information regarding the above programs or to learn more about business funding grants that can accelerate your strategic growth initiatives, please contact a Small Business Funding Grants & Loans Expert or visit us on www.mentorworks.ca.