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We support collaboration between SMEs and a range of service providers, academia, government, health authorities, and users for product development.

Note Well

Prospective SMEs and industry partners should have necessary resources, sufficient revenues in the market, and products close to commercialization.


As an innovation hub, our funding programs do not support early-stage companies and are distinct from similar programs provided by incubators and accelerators across BC.

Projects are based on cost sharing between Circle and an SME where Circle co-funds development activities based on eligible expense. This support is provided on a quarterly eligible cost reimbursement basis. The company must have access to sufficient working capital to cover the monthly costs. Eligible expenses vary between programs but contracts with external resources are the primary focus.

  • SMEs in the sector supported by the specific program
  • Full-time employees between 5 and 500 (T4s issued)
  • SME is a Canadian controlled private corporation incorporated in BC (or Canada for certain programs). SME must have an office or headquarters located in BC and paying taxes in BC.
  • SME in continuous operation for at least two years.
  • Demonstration of cashflow to cover project
  • Preferably with products or services already in the market


Other eligibility requirements may apply for specific programs.

The scope of Circle Innovation’s role depends on the project structure and needs – project management, R&D support, relationship brokering, and media relations messaging amplification. Determined during an iterative scoping phase with Circle innovation, the specifics of the project are developed collaboratively with Circle and its partners. The program offers agile support to serve an SME’s evolving needs.

  • The project involves proprietary technology at TRL 7-9 (with some lower TRLs permitted).
  • Several stakeholders collaborating on project (e.g. other industry partners, universities).
  • Total cost of the project in eligible expenses in the range $50,000 – $500,000.
  • Co-funding ranges from 15-50% depending on the program
  • Typical project duration: 6-12 months.
  • Measurable KPIs generated from the project (new products/services, jobs, projected revenue).
  • Collaborators (vendors, contractors, consultants) must be external to qualify as eligible costs.
  • Costs for stakeholder/collaborator over the course of the project exceeding $45,000 require additional documentation and justification.
  • BC stakeholder/collaborator are preferred, although any Canadian supplier can be considered.
  • Foreign stakeholder/collaborator may be considered only when documented that no Canadian stakeholder/collaborator is available or feasible.

Project Application

Circle Innovation de-risks the development and commercialization of services and products enabling client SMEs to overcome barriers, launch their products, and reach business growth.

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Training Application

Circle Innovation provides access to talent, reskilling and upskilling, micro-credentials, and experiential learning for tech works, students, and HQP.

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