Financing

At times, the most significant barrier in the development of a life-sciences-derived product can be the difficulty getting funding. Funding comes from a variety of sources, each with their own specific focus and requirements. The following information is organized according to the type of finance company, and the stage of development of the firm seeking financing. Resources directing users to sources of funding are listed below:

Overview
Venture Capital
Government Funding

Overview

Financing influences the commercialization process at a number of stages.
The diagram below provides examples of what types of financing might be needed at each stage of commercialization.

These stages of financing are described in greater detail below:

The following resources identify initial funding sources, with an emphasis on the pre-commercialization and commercialization stages.

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Venture Capital

The Canadian Venture Capital Association (CVCA)lists Canadian member companies with funds available for investment. There is a broad range of firms listed, offering choices for all stages of financing.

Government Funding

There are numerous programs sponsored by the Government of Canada where firms can compete for research grants and funding opportunities. The following resources will outline some of the available options.

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
• Genome Canada
• National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
• National Research Council - Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP)
• Industry Canada - Sources of Financing
• Industry Canada - Steps to Growth Capital
• Industry Canada - Government Services and Programs - Financing
• Business Gateway Financing Section
• Networks of Centres of Excellence

Learn more about Government Resources for the life sciences sector.

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