What This Guide Is and How to Use It

Every year, hundreds of millions in government innovation funding goes unused while founders across Canada talk about the lack of capital.
The problem isn’t availability — it’s accessibility.

IRAP, the Industrial Research Assistance Program, runs a $500 million annual budget to fund R&D, prototyping, and commercialization across Canadian tech. Yet utilization often hovers around 50%. That means half of the money set aside to fund innovation never reaches the companies actually building it.

This guide is written to fix that gap.

IRAP gives founders two main paths to access non-dilutive funding:

• R&D and product development projects (standard IRAP funding)

• Commercialization and go-to-market sprints (via the CMC Management Advisory Services “MAS” program, which can fund up to CAD $7,000 of advisory work — including GetFresh Ventures’ GTM Pod)

Both streams require structure, speed, and the right narrative to move through the system.

This cheatsheet shows you exactly how.

You’ll learn:

• How IRAP actually works — and how to get to “yes” faster.

• What ITAs look for, and how to make your proposal fundable.

• How to use the MAS stream to pay for advisory work that drives pilots and revenue.

Every section is tactical, direct, and written for founders who need outcomes — not policy language.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding IRAP
   What IRAP is, where it came from, how it works, and why it’s the most important funding tool for Canadian founders.

2. Who Qualifies for IRAP
   Eligibility requirements, founder profiles, and project types that align with NRC expectations.

3. What IRAP Funds
   Standard IRAP project funding categories — R&D, product development, prototype testing, and process innovation.

4. How to Engage NRC and Your ITA
   How to find an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA), open the relationship, and build credibility in your first conversation.

5. The IRAP Application Process
   Structure, timeline, and exact components of a successful submission.

6. Building an IRAP-Ready Project
   The four pillars: purpose, structure, people, and outcomes.

7. Writing the Proposal
   The language, framing, and metrics that resonate with IRAP reviewers.

8. Execution and Reporting
   What happens after approval — contribution agreements, claims, timesheets, and audits.

9. Common Mistakes and Fixes
   Where founders stumble and the practical corrections that keep funding flowing.

10. Using IRAP with Other Funding
    How to combine IRAP with SR&ED, customer pilots, or investor capital.

11. IRAP Funding for GFV’s GTM Pod (MAS Program)
    How to get a CAD $7,000 MAS referral through your ITA, select GFV as your Certified Management Consultant, and fund your advisory sprint inside the 6-month GTM Pod.

12. Final Checklist & Quick Actions
    One-page readiness checklist, referral scripts, and GFV contact for MAS coordination.

TLDR for the Scrollers

Part 1 — Understanding IRAP

The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) is Canada’s primary innovation funding mechanism.
It was established in 1947 by the National Research Council (NRC) to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) commercialize research, build prototypes, and hire technical talent.

IRAP’s purpose is simple:

De-risk innovation for Canadian founders by sharing the cost of technical progress.

It funds work that helps your company create new technology, improve existing products, or develop intellectual property.

Why Founders Use IRAP

• It’s non-dilutive — you keep equity and control.

• It pays up to 80% of internal technical salaries.

• It covers 50% of contractor and external R&D costs.

• It’s reimbursable, meaning you spend and then get paid back as you execute milestones.

IRAP doesn’t just hand you money — it pairs you with an NRC Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) who reviews your plan, helps scope your project, and sponsors your application internally.

In many ways, your ITA becomes your first government-funded advisor.

Part 2 — Who Qualifies for IRAP

IRAP is open to almost any Canadian SME that:

• Is incorporated and for-profit.

• Has fewer than 500 employees.

• Is developing or improving a technology-based product, process, or service.

Strong Fit Indicators

• You are building something that doesn’t already exist — or improving an existing product using technical innovation.

• You have at least one employee or founder dedicated to R&D.

• You can show a clear commercial intent (who will buy or benefit once it’s built).

Founder Profiles That Fit IRAP

1. Early-Stage Builders: Prototype in hand, need technical funding to complete or validate it.

2. Growth-Stage Founders: Have a working product, now building advanced features or integrations.

3. Technical Operators: Running a real company with limited capital, focused on IP creation or applied research.

Even pre-revenue startups qualify if the project scope is technically valid and the founder can show execution capacity.

Part 3 — What IRAP Funds

IRAP supports projects that generate new knowledge, intellectual property, or commercial-ready technology.
That includes:

• Core R&D: new algorithms, architectures, or processes.

• Product Development: taking prototypes to market-ready state.

• Testing and Validation: building or refining prototypes and models.

• Technical Hiring: engineers, developers, scientists (up to 80% of salaries reimbursed).

• Contract R&D: consultants or labs (up to 50% reimbursement).

• Process Innovation: internal systems that require genuine R&D.

It does not fund sales, marketing, or operational overhead.

Part 4 — How to Engage NRC and Your ITA

Start by reaching out through the NRC IRAP contact page or by phone at 1-877-994-4727.
You’ll be assigned a regional advisor who conducts an initial fit call. If you qualify, they connect you with an ITA — your key contact for the project.

Your ITA will:

• Evaluate your company and project.

• Help you define milestones and deliverables.

• Review your proposal before submission.

• Submit it internally for approval.

Approach the ITA like a potential investor: clarity, data, and credibility matter.
Have your one-line objective, your project summary, and a simple scope ready.

Part 5 — The IRAP Application Process

A complete IRAP application includes:

1. Company Overview — your structure, product, and market.

2. Project Description — what you’ll build or research.

3. Technical Objectives — the measurable challenges.

4. Work Plan & Milestones — tasks, deliverables, and timeline.

5. Budget — salaries, contractors, materials.

6. Benefits to Canada — new jobs, IP creation, and export potential.

Average approval timeline: 6–10 weeks from first contact.

Once approved, you sign a Contribution Agreement, execute the work, and submit monthly or quarterly claims for reimbursement.

Part 6 — Building an IRAP-Ready Project

Structure your project around four layers:

1. Purpose: Define what new capability you’re creating.

2. Structure: Break it into clear phases (Research → Build → Test → Deliver).

3. People: Assign accountable roles (who builds, who reports).

4. Outcomes: Quantify both technical and business results.

Each milestone should end in a deliverable NRC can verify — code, model, dataset, test report, or prototype.

Part 7 — Writing the Proposal

Keep it clear, specific, and measurable.
IRAP reviewers prefer:

• Plain language over buzzwords.

• Metrics over adjectives.

• Clarity on risk, validation, and value.

Example rewrite:

• Weak: “We will explore AI for better forecasting.”

• Strong: “We will build a predictive model to forecast material demand with 90% accuracy.”

Anchor every claim to an outcome: speed, accuracy, cost reduction, or new capability.

Part 8 — Execution and Reporting

Once funded, you’ll receive a Contribution Agreement outlining cost-share, timeline, and reporting obligations.
Keep records of:

• Timesheets and payroll for IRAP-funded employees.

• Contractor invoices.

• Progress summaries for each milestone.

Submit claims monthly or quarterly, attaching supporting documentation.
If you stay compliant, reimbursements typically arrive within 2–4 weeks.

Part 9 — Common Mistakes and Fixes

• Unclear R&D scope: Define deliverables with technical criteria.

• Overlapping claims: Separate IRAP costs from SR&ED or MAS expenses.

• No progress tracking: Maintain weekly logs.

• Late invoices or timesheets: Upload within one week of submission.

Clarity and organization prevent delays or audit issues.

Part 10 — Using IRAP with Other Funding

IRAP can work alongside:

• SR&ED credits (post-project tax recovery).

• Customer-funded pilots (show traction for follow-on IRAP).

• Equity financing (extend your runway by mixing dilutive and non-dilutive funding).

Use IRAP to de-risk early R&D before raising or scaling.

Part 11 — IRAP Funding for GFV’s GTM Pod (MAS Program)

The Management Advisory Services (MAS) program, administered by CMC-Canada and funded through IRAP, can cover CAD 7,000 of advisory work — including participation in GFV’s 6-month GTM Pod.

This path lets founders use IRAP to pay for hands-on commercialization help — specifically, the advisory sprint that helps convert prototypes into paying pilots.

The Process (Summary)

1. Get an ITA referral — Ask your ITA to submit a MAS referral to CMC-Canada, recommending GFV as your CMC consultant.

2. Receive CMC confirmation — CMC will send three CMC options; select GFV.

3. Sign and start — GFV runs a 40-hour commercialization sprint funded by MAS.

4. Pay only the CAD 200 admin fee — The MAS program reimburses up to CAD 7,000 to cover GFV’s advisory time.

What You Get Inside the GFV MAS Sprint

• Buyer persona mapping and pilot targeting.

• Messaging, playbooks, and sales system setup.

• A live pilot funnel and 90-day commercialization plan.

What to Say to Your ITA

“Hi [ITA Name], we’re looking to use IRAP’s MAS pathway to fund advisory work with GFV as our Certified Management Consultant. Can you submit a MAS referral to CMC recommending GFV? Attached are our Project Summary, MAS SOW, and company registration.”

Once confirmed, GFV Ops handles CMC paperwork, compliance, and invoicing.

Part 12 — Final Checklist & Quick Actions

To start standard IRAP funding:

• Write a one-line objective.

• Prepare a one-page Project Summary.

• Gather company registration and 1-page P&L.

• Contact NRC at 1-877-994-4727 or your local ITA.

To start the MAS route for GFV:

• Prepare the MAS SOW (provided by GFV).

• Email your ITA requesting a MAS referral to CMC recommending GFV.

• Confirm the referral in writing and forward to GFV Ops (grow@getfreshventures.com).

Based on federal application load, you should expect 3-6 weeks before your MAS sprint can be active.

The Main Event

Part 1 — Understanding IRAP

IRAP, short for the Industrial Research Assistance Program, is one of Canada’s most powerful founder tools.
It was created by the National Research Council (NRC) to help small and medium-sized businesses turn technical ideas into commercial results.
Its mission is to make real innovation — not just research — possible for Canadian founders.

IRAP’s structure is straightforward:

• You do the work.

• You document it.

• The NRC reimburses you for part of your technical labour and contractor costs.

The core principle behind IRAP is shared risk. The NRC helps cover the cost of innovation that’s not yet proven, so you can experiment, validate, and ship new IP without the entire financial burden falling on your company.

What IRAP Actually Is

IRAP is a non-dilutive funding program.
That means the NRC gives you money, and you don’t give up equity or ownership.
You receive funds under a Contribution Agreement—a contract outlining what you’ll build, how long it will take, and what milestones you’ll achieve.

Funding is provided as reimbursements for specific eligible expenses (like technical salaries or R&D contractor invoices).
The money isn’t upfront. You submit monthly or quarterly claims backed by timesheets, payroll records, and deliverables.

What Makes IRAP Different

IRAP pairs funding with expert oversight.
You’re assigned an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)—a technical and business expert employed by the NRC.

Your ITA’s job is to:

• Evaluate your project and confirm eligibility.

• Help you scope your milestones and timeline.

• Review and recommend your proposal for approval.

• Oversee reporting and claims during execution.

Many ITAs are former engineers, scientists, or startup operators. They know the technical and business sides of innovation. For many founders, this becomes the first real mentorship relationship inside the Canadian funding system.

Why IRAP Exists

The NRC created IRAP to:

1. Grow Canada’s innovation economy.

2. Keep intellectual property and technical talent inside the country.

3. Help founders turn prototypes into marketable products faster.

The government doesn’t want you to stay small — it wants your company to create jobs, IP, and exports.
IRAP funding is a direct investment in that outcome.

The Scale of Support

IRAP operates in every province and funds thousands of projects each year.
For founders, the numbers that matter are simple:

• Up to 80% reimbursement on technical salaries.

• Up to 50% reimbursement on contractor or consulting costs.

• Projects typically range from CAD 25,000 to CAD 500,000+.

There are two main types of IRAP projects:

1. Standard IRAP Funding: for R&D, prototype builds, and IP creation.

2. MAS Program (via CMC-Canada): for management and commercialization advisory work (including GFV’s GTM Pod).

Both start with your ITA. The funding path depends on whether your project is technical or advisory.

When Founders Should Apply

You’re ready for IRAP if:

• You’ve built a prototype or early MVP.

• You’re planning R&D work that involves risk or experimentation.

• You have a small team and need to hire or contract technical expertise.

• You can describe measurable outcomes (deliverables, performance goals, or pilot readiness).

The earlier you engage, the more your ITA can help you design a fundable project.

Why IRAP Matters for Founders

IRAP is not a grant for ideas.
It’s a growth system built for execution.

When used correctly, IRAP allows founders to:

• Build products faster.

• Fund early hires before revenue or investment.

• Reduce technical debt and reach pilot stage sooner.

• Extend runway without equity dilution.

And when combined with other streams like SR&ED or MAS, it can fund nearly every stage of innovation—from research to commercialization.

Founder takeaway:
IRAP exists to fund the hard work between “prototype” and “product.”
It’s the difference between testing ideas and shipping innovation.

Part 2 — Who Qualifies for IRAP

IRAP is open to almost every Canadian startup or small business building new technology, but the key to eligibility lies in what you’re doing — not just who you are.
The program exists to fund innovation with measurable technical risk and commercial potential.

If your company is solving a problem that doesn’t yet have a clear technical solution, you’re in the right zone.

The Core Eligibility Checklist

To qualify for IRAP, your company must:

1. Be Canadian-incorporated and for-profit.

   • Registered under a Canadian business number.

   • Operate as a legal business entity (not a research lab or nonprofit).

2. Have fewer than 500 full-time employees.

   • Startups with as few as one or two people are fully eligible.

3. Be developing or improving a technology-based product, process, or service.

   • The project must involve research, experimentation, or the creation of new intellectual property.

4. Have the capacity to execute the project.

   • At least one qualified technical team member (employee or contractor).

   • Financial ability to fund your portion of the project before reimbursement.

5. Show commercial intent.

   • IRAP funds businesses that plan to sell, deploy, or license what they build.

   • Your project must lead to a product or process that customers will eventually use.

Who Typically Gets Funded

1. Early-Stage Founders
You have an MVP or prototype and need funding to make it market-ready.
Examples:

• Building a new AI model to automate manual processes.

• Testing hardware prototypes for field deployment.

2. Growth-Stage Founders
You already have customers and are expanding technical capacity or IP.
Examples:

• Developing new product modules.

• Rebuilding architecture for scale or integrations.

3. Deep-Tech or Hardware Teams
You’re conducting applied R&D with complex systems or scientific processes.
Examples:

• Robotics, biotech, or clean-tech experimentation.

• Advanced materials or sensor design.

4. Service-Based Tech Companies Creating Proprietary Tools
Even if you’re not a pure SaaS or product company, IRAP can fund R&D projects that turn internal tools into scalable, commercial assets.

Founder Archetypes That Fit the IRAP Model

Who Does Not Fit

IRAP will likely decline projects that are:

• Purely operational or administrative.

• Focused only on marketing, sales, or advertising.

• Implementation of off-the-shelf software with no new IP creation.

• Designed without technical uncertainty or measurable innovation.

If you’re not building, testing, or creating something new, IRAP is not the right fit.

Financial Readiness

While IRAP reimburses expenses, you need to fund the work upfront.
That means:

• Payroll or contractor invoices must be paid before you claim reimbursement.

• You should have access to capital (cash flow, small grant, or investor support) to manage your share.

For the MAS (CMC) route, your upfront cost is minimal — just the CAD 200 administrative fee when the advisory sprint starts.

Timing and Team Readiness

You can apply for IRAP at any time of the year, but funding cycles align with Canada’s fiscal year (April 1 – March 31).
Projects that start in Q1–Q2 (spring to summer) move fastest since budgets are fresh.

Before applying, ensure you can:

• Define your R&D or commercialization goal in one sentence.

• Identify the people who will execute (internal or external).

• Outline the technical risks you’re solving.

If you can do that, you’re ready for an ITA call.

Founder takeaway:
IRAP funds builders — not planners, not marketers, not researchers working in isolation.
If you’re developing something that has risk, requires talent, and leads to growth, you’re qualified.

Part 3 — What IRAP Funds

IRAP is built to fund work that creates something new, improves something existing, or pushes your technology into a more advanced state.
Think of it as the bridge between idea and commercial success — it covers the most expensive and risky part of the journey: technical progress before revenue.

The NRC doesn’t care about fancy language. It cares about whether your project builds new capability and measurable outcomes for your company and for Canada.

1. Core Research and Development (R&D)

This is IRAP’s foundation.
If your work involves solving a technical challenge with no guaranteed solution, it likely qualifies.

Examples of fundable R&D include:

• Designing and testing a new machine-learning model or algorithm.

• Building hardware or software prototypes.

• Conducting controlled experiments to validate a new process or design.

• Developing new product architectures or integrations that require research and iteration.

What IRAP looks for:

• Technical uncertainty — you don’t yet know what will work.

• Experimentation — your team must test, measure, and refine.

• Knowledge creation — your project must generate new technical insight or IP.

2. Product Development and Commercial Readiness

Once your core technology works, IRAP can fund improvements that get it ready for market deployment.
This is where early-stage R&D turns into tangible, sellable product features.

Examples include:

• Extending an MVP into a production-ready version.

• Refining architecture for scalability and security.

• Adding analytics or automation capabilities.

• Creating integrations that unlock enterprise or partner channels.

This type of project typically sits between R&D and commercialization — the space where IRAP funding is most powerful.

3. Prototyping and Testing

If your innovation needs real-world validation, IRAP can fund prototype builds and field tests.

Examples include:

• Creating proof-of-concept versions of your product.

• Running controlled pilots or simulation environments.

• Conducting usability or performance tests that confirm readiness.

The deliverables must be measurable:
working prototypes, test data, or validation reports that show technical and commercial viability.

4. Process Innovation

IRAP also funds internal innovation if it leads to new IP or technical capability.
If you’re developing tools, automations, or models to improve how your company operates, that can qualify — as long as it’s not just software installation.

Examples include:

• Developing a proprietary automation engine for data management.

• Engineering a new analytics process that improves performance or cost-efficiency.

• Creating new internal systems that could later be commercialized.

5. Technical Hiring and Contractor Support

IRAP is one of the few programs that reimburses real salaries.

• Up to 80% of eligible internal technical salaries.

• Up to 50% of external contractor or consulting costs.

Eligible roles include:

• Developers, engineers, and data scientists.

• UX or systems designers working on R&D components.

• Researchers performing experiments or model testing.

• Technical project leads managing deliverables.

If you’re planning to hire, IRAP’s Youth Employment Program (YEP) can provide up to CAD 30,000 per new STEM graduate hire for one year.

6. Technology Validation, Certification, and Field Readiness

IRAP funds late-stage technical work that prepares your product for deployment, such as:

• Safety, performance, or compliance testing.

• System validation or load testing.

• Field trial setup and performance optimization.

This work demonstrates that your product can operate at commercial scale and meets industry standards.

7. What IRAP Does Not Fund

Avoid framing your project around activities outside IRAP’s scope.
The NRC will not fund:

• Sales or marketing activities.

• Branding, advertising, or customer acquisition costs.

• Business consulting unrelated to R&D or technology.

• Routine operations or admin work.

• Implementation of existing software (without new development).

If your activity doesn’t produce new knowledge, IP, or measurable technical progress, it will be declined.

8. Deliverables and Evidence NRC Expects

IRAP requires tangible proof of work at every stage.
Acceptable deliverables include:

• Source code or build documentation.

• Test results or benchmark data.

• Prototype or demo versions.

• Written reports summarizing outcomes.

• Patent filings or internal technical notes.

You’ll use these as attachments when submitting progress updates and claims.

9. The Two Complementary IRAP Streams

The two can work in parallel — IRAP funds your R&D, while the MAS program funds your go-to-market advisory sprint with GFV.
Both start with your ITA.

Founder takeaway:
If you’re building, testing, or improving something that involves risk, IRAP can likely fund it.
Your goal is to define that technical work clearly and show why it matters to your business.

Part 4 — How to Engage NRC and Your ITA

Every IRAP project begins with one person: the Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA).
This is your point of entry, your guide through the process, and often your biggest advocate once funding discussions begin.

Your ITA isn’t a bureaucrat. They’re usually an engineer, scientist, or former operator who has seen hundreds of projects succeed or fail.
The faster you establish a credible, structured relationship with them, the faster your project moves through the system.

1. How to Find and Contact IRAP

There are three ways to reach the NRC and start the engagement process:

1. Call NRC IRAP directly:
   📞 1-877-994-4727
   Tell them you’re a founder seeking to discuss R&D eligibility or a MAS referral.

2. Submit the “Contact IRAP” form online:
   At nrc.canada.ca, you’ll find a simple form to describe your company and your innovation focus.

3. Ask for an introduction through your network:
   Accelerators, incubators, and advisory firms (including GFV) often have relationships with ITAs and can facilitate warm introductions.

Within a few days, a regional client engagement advisor or ITA will reach out to schedule a discovery call.

2. The Discovery Call (First Interaction)

This call is short — usually 20–30 minutes — but it sets the tone for everything that follows.

Be prepared to answer:

• What does your company do?

• What are you building that’s technically new?

• Why is it difficult or uncertain?

• What’s the business goal of your project?

• Who will work on it, and how far along are you?

Your goal isn’t to impress — it’s to show that you have a real plan and measurable objectives.

If the ITA sees alignment with IRAP’s criteria, they’ll invite you to submit a Project Summary and begin scoping your proposal.

If they see potential but think you’re not quite ready, they’ll tell you what’s missing (e.g., defined milestones, technical risk, or market validation).

3. Building Credibility Quickly

ITA relationships are built on trust and clarity.
Here’s what helps:

• Clarity: Send a one-page summary before the meeting. Use bullets and numbers.

• Evidence: Bring a short demo video, pilot data, or customer interest emails.

• Organization: Name your files cleanly, and show that your team has process discipline.

• Urgency: Make it clear that the work is already in motion or ready to start.

ITA attention is limited. Founders who show structure earn faster responses and stronger advocacy.

4. What Happens After the Discovery Call

If your project is a fit, the ITA will:

1. Request a written Project Summary (you can reuse your one-pager).

2. Help scope milestones and budgets.

3. Draft or approve a Contribution Agreement for internal review.

4. Notify you when the project is approved and ready to start.

Once the agreement is signed, your company can start work immediately and begin submitting monthly or quarterly claims for reimbursement.

5. Engaging an ITA for the MAS (CMC) Program

If you’re pursuing the MAS program to fund your GFV GTM Pod, the engagement process is slightly different but still ITA-led.

You’ll request a MAS referral instead of a standard IRAP project.
This is a separate funding stream that covers advisory sprints (up to CAD 7,000) through certified management consultants — such as GetFresh Ventures (GFV).

Exact phrasing for your ITA email or call:

“Hi [ITA Name],
I’d like to request a Management Advisory Services (MAS) referral through IRAP to fund commercialization support with GetFresh Ventures (GFV).
The MAS sprint will help convert our prototype into pilot-ready assets.
Attached are our Project Summary and MAS SOW. Could we schedule a 30-minute diagnostic to confirm eligibility and next steps?”

If approved, the ITA will submit a referral to CMC-Canada, who will send you three certified consultant options. You’ll then select GFV to execute the MAS sprint.

This process is explained in detail in Part 11 of this guide.

6. Timing and Best Practices

IRAP runs year-round, but funding renews every April.
Advisors often have the most flexibility for new projects between April and September.

If your project is time-sensitive, submit your summary as early as possible and propose a start date two to three weeks out.

7. Quick Checklist Before You Contact NRC

Prepare the following before your first ITA interaction:

• One-line project objective.

• One-page Project Summary.

• Company registration (PDF).

• Proof of technical capability (demo, report, or validation data).

• MAS SOW (if requesting advisory funding).

That’s all you need to open the conversation.

Founder takeaway:
The ITA isn’t an obstacle — they’re your entry point.
The more you make their job easy, the faster you’ll get to “approved.”

Part 5 — The IRAP Application Process

Once you’ve connected with your Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) and confirmed that your project aligns with IRAP’s purpose, the next step is preparing and submitting your project proposal.
This is where you turn your idea into a structured, fundable plan.

IRAP proposals aren’t complex in structure — they’re rigorous in clarity.
Your goal is to give the ITA and NRC reviewers a short, unambiguous picture of what you’re building, who’s doing it, how you’ll measure success, and what economic value it will create.

1. The Core Question Every Proposal Must Answer

“Why should public funding help this company build this specific technology right now?”

Every section of your proposal should reinforce this.
When your answers clearly connect your R&D work to both innovation and economic benefit, your project is fundable.

2. The Six Essential Sections of Every IRAP Proposal

1. Company Overview
Brief background on your company, founders, and what you do.

• Incorporation date and structure.

• Team size and key roles.

• A one-line product summary (“We develop…”).

• Mission and vision in plain language.

2. Project Description
Describe what you’ll build and why it’s innovative.

• What problem are you solving?

• What’s technically new or unproven?

• How will this strengthen your company?

3. Technical Objectives
Outline the specific R&D goals, methods, and success criteria.
Example format:

• Objective 1: Develop a prototype algorithm for automated defect detection.

  • Deliverable: Functional prototype tested on 1,000 samples.

  • Success criteria: ≥90% detection accuracy.

4. Work Plan and Milestones
Break the project into phases.
Example:

• Phase 1 (Month 1–2): Architecture design and data preparation.

• Phase 2 (Month 3–4): Core model build and internal testing.

• Phase 3 (Month 5–6): Field validation and refinement.

Each phase should have:

• Tasks (what’s done).

• Deliverables (what’s produced).

• Timeline (when it’s completed).

5. Budget
Provide an itemized breakdown of your costs.
Typical format:'

6. Benefits to Canada
Describe measurable impact:

• Job creation (new hires or retained roles).

• Intellectual property (patents, trade secrets, data assets).

• Economic impact (export potential, cost savings, new markets).

• Skills development (STEM employment, training for staff).

This section matters more than most founders realize. It’s how the NRC justifies the investment internally.

3. How Long It Takes

Average total: 6–10 weeks from first conversation to funding approval.

4. The Contribution Agreement

Once your project is approved, the NRC issues a Contribution Agreement (CA).
This document defines:

• The approved funding amount.

• Cost-sharing ratios (e.g., 80% internal salaries, 50% contractors).

• Milestones and timelines.

• Reporting and claim requirements.

You sign it electronically. The project officially starts on the date in the CA, and only work performed after that date is eligible for reimbursement.

5. Claiming and Reimbursement

You’ll submit claims either monthly or quarterly depending on project size.
Each claim must include:

• Payroll evidence (timesheets, paystubs, or accounting records).

• Contractor invoices with deliverables.

• Short progress updates for each milestone.

Payments usually arrive within 3–4 weeks after claim submission.

6. Tips for a Fast and Clean Approval

• Write in plain English. Avoid buzzwords and focus on what’s technically new.

• Quantify everything. Turn “better accuracy” into “95% detection vs. 80% baseline.”

• Use numbered deliverables. Make each milestone measurable.

• Align with ITA guidance. Ask your ITA to review each section before submission.

• Show leverage. If you have customer pilots or investor support, mention it. It signals momentum.

7. MAS Program (CMC) — A Simpler, Shorter Process

If you’re applying for the Management Advisory Services (MAS) funding stream to join GFV’s GTM Pod, the process is faster and lighter.

You still go through your ITA, but instead of a full proposal, you prepare:

• Project Summary (1 page): Company, objective, and expected outcomes.

• MAS Scope of Work (1 page): Three milestones, deliverables, and KPIs.

Once your ITA approves and submits the MAS referral to CMC-Canada, you’ll receive three consultant options and select GetFresh Ventures (GFV).
The MAS funding (up to CAD 7,000) covers GFV’s advisory sprint; you pay only the CAD 200 administrative fee.

This process — from referral to kickoff — can take less than two weeks.

8. When to Submit

IRAP projects are accepted year-round, but funding availability peaks between April and August (start of the federal fiscal year).
Submit early for best results.

Founder takeaway:
Your proposal doesn’t need to be long. It needs to be clear, structured, and backed by outcomes.
The NRC funds measurable innovation — not buzzwords.

Part 6 — Building an IRAP-Ready Project

Every funded IRAP project shares the same DNA: a clear purpose, a structured plan, the right people, and tangible outcomes.
You don’t need a large team or a research lab — just clarity, discipline, and the ability to show how your work creates both technical progress and business value.

This section outlines exactly how to structure your project so an ITA can approve it and NRC reviewers can track it.

1. The Four Layers of an IRAP-Ready Project

2. Define the Purpose

Write a single sentence that answers:

“What new technical capability will we build, and what business outcome will it unlock?”

Examples:

• “Develop a predictive analytics module to forecast customer demand and reduce delivery delays by 30%.”

• “Design a low-latency sensor integration layer to enable field-ready robotics for industrial clients.”

That line becomes the anchor for your proposal, milestones, and funding justification.

3. Structure the Project in Phases

IRAP reviewers think in milestones. Break the work into 3–4 logical phases with dates, deliverables, and measurable outcomes.

Example Framework

Each phase should close with a deliverable NRC can verify — a codebase, prototype, dataset, report, or test result.

Avoid open-ended milestones like “Research and development continues.” Always tie milestones to something you can hand in or show.

4. Assign the Right People

List the individuals who will execute the work, their roles, and time allocation.
This turns your plan from abstract to accountable.

Example structure:

• Project Lead: Oversees R&D, manages reporting, ensures milestones are hit.

• Developer / Engineer: Executes technical build and testing (IRAP reimburses up to 80% of salary).

• Contractor / Specialist: Provides focused expertise (IRAP reimburses up to 50% of their fee).

If you plan to hire, note that explicitly. IRAP encourages new Canadian technical hires and youth placements through the Youth Employment Program (YEP).

5. Define Outcomes That Prove Success

Outcomes must be observable and measurable. Use three layers of results:

1. Technical Outcomes — what gets built.

   • Example: “Working predictive module deployed in staging.”

2. Business Outcomes — what improves.

   • Example: “Shorter delivery cycles, enabling expansion to two new clients.”

3. Economic Outcomes — what benefits Canada.

   • Example: “Creation of two full-time technical jobs and one YEP hire.”

When these are stated up front, NRC reviewers can justify your funding easily and you can track progress clearly.

6. Documentation from Day One

From your first week, start a simple R&D log.
A short Google Doc or spreadsheet is enough.
Record weekly progress, decisions, and tests — it becomes both your progress report and your audit trail.

Include:

• Date, milestone, activity, and outcome.

• Screenshots, charts, or commit logs.

• Short notes on what worked or failed.

When you submit claims later, this log will make reporting effortless and credible.

7. Example Snapshot: The IRAP Project Blueprint

8. MAS Program Version: The Advisory Sprint Blueprint

If your project involves commercialization — not R&D — use the MAS structure instead.
This is how you fund your GFV GTM Pod advisory sprint.

You’ll see this structure again in Part 11 when we cover the MAS referral process in full.

Founder takeaway:
IRAP projects get approved when they look like execution plans, not wish lists.
Your milestones, people, and deliverables should read like a product sprint plan — because that’s how NRC measures real innovation.

Part 7 — Writing the Proposal: Language That Lands, Framing That Works

An IRAP proposal isn’t an academic paper or a sales deck.
It’s a technical business case written in plain English.
The reviewer should be able to understand what you’re building, why it matters, and how you’ll prove success — without rereading a single line.

Your job is to make the story frictionless.
Every sentence must move the reviewer closer to “This is fundable.”

1. Write for Technical Business Readers

IRAP reviewers understand engineering and markets, but they read fast.
They’re looking for logic, not style.

Keep these three principles front and center:

1. Use direct, literal sentences.

2. Use measurable statements (numbers, benchmarks, or outputs).

3. Connect every technical activity to a business or economic outcome.

Example Rewrite:

• Weak: “We will explore AI-based solutions for logistics optimization.”

• Strong: “We will build a predictive model that reduces routing errors by 25% and enables customers to complete 20% more deliveries per day.”

2. The “Four-Paragraph Formula” for Each Section

When writing your proposal sections, this repeatable structure keeps everything clean and fundable:

Paragraph 1: The Problem

• What’s broken or inefficient today?

• Why does it matter economically or operationally?

Paragraph 2: The Innovation

• What are you creating that doesn’t currently exist?

• What is uncertain or technically challenging about it?

Paragraph 3: The Approach

• How will you test or validate it?

• What data, prototypes, or metrics will prove success?

Paragraph 4: The Impact

• How will this strengthen your company?

• What jobs, IP, or market growth will it create for Canada?

Each paragraph should be 3–4 sentences, short and factual.

3. Demonstrate Technical Uncertainty Clearly

IRAP funding depends on technical risk — the “unknowns” your team must solve.
If your project has no technical uncertainty, it’s not R&D.

Make those uncertainties explicit.
Examples:

• “We have not yet validated which model architecture will achieve the required speed threshold.”

• “Field conditions may affect performance; we need to test in two environments before optimization.”

• “Data preprocessing requirements are currently unknown and will be established during the prototype phase.”

Showing uncertainty proves that the project meets IRAP’s definition of innovation.

4. Quantify Everything

Metrics make your proposal unambiguous.
Whenever you mention improvement, accuracy, speed, or efficiency — attach a number.

Examples of measurable goals:

• 90% prediction accuracy on validation dataset.

• 40% reduction in processing time.

• 2 new technical hires within 6 months.

• 3 prototype deployments across pilot customers.

Avoid soft claims like “faster,” “smarter,” or “better.”

5. Use Plain Language and Logical Formatting

Don’t bury your message in technical detail or filler.
Reviewers should be able to skim your document and immediately see:

• The innovation.

• The deliverables.

• The proof points.

• The benefits to Canada.

Format matters.
Use:

• Short sentences (under 20 words).

• Bullet points for deliverables and metrics.

• Tables for milestones and budgets.

• Bold headers for clarity.

This isn’t just about readability — it’s how you show operational competence.

6. Match the NRC’s Review Priorities

IRAP reviewers evaluate every project across six consistent categories.
Mirror these in your proposal to make their job easy:

If you structure your proposal sections around these headings, reviewers can map their checklist directly to your content.

7. Reference Evidence, Not Opinion

IRAP reviewers value evidence. Use it to support your claims:

• Mention pilot customers or partners by name.

• Include small data snapshots (e.g., “Initial test accuracy: 82%”).

• Cite public reports if they strengthen your market rationale.

• Attach visuals sparingly — only diagrams or metrics that clarify logic.

Evidence turns your project from a “plan” into a credible, fundable experiment.

8. Founder Voice and Professional Tone

Founders who write IRAP proposals themselves often outperform those who outsource it.
Your ITA can feel authenticity — they know when the voice is real.

Keep the tone confident, factual, and operator-level:

• “Our team has validated early technical feasibility and identified two key risks.”

• “This project will expand our data pipeline capacity by 50%, supporting growth into enterprise accounts.”

Sound like someone who knows the work, not someone selling it.

9. The MAS (CMC) Addendum for GFV Projects

If you’re applying for the MAS referral (to fund the GFV GTM Pod), use the same language principles, just adapted to advisory outcomes.

Replace “build” and “test” with “design,” “implement,” and “validate.”
Example phrasing:

• “GFV will run a structured 8–10 week advisory sprint to convert R&D deliverables into pilot-ready assets.”

• “The MAS-funded milestones will produce a validated buyer map, outbound campaign system, and pilot conversion process.”

The key is to show economic impact and speed to traction — how advisory work will directly generate customers or revenue outcomes.

10. The Golden Test

Before submitting your draft, give it to someone outside your company and ask:

“Can you tell me what we’re building, how it’s new, and what success looks like?”

If they can answer those three questions after one read, your proposal is ready.

Founder takeaway:
IRAP proposals win when they sound like well-run projects, not experiments in theory.
Make every sentence practical, measurable, and connected to value creation.

Part 8 — Execution and Reporting: What Happens After Approval

Getting IRAP approval is only the midpoint of the process.
The second half — execution and reporting — is where founders either create a smooth funding engine or stall in paperwork.
This section explains exactly how to manage your project once it’s approved, get reimbursed quickly, and stay compliant without friction.

1. The Contribution Agreement (CA)

Once approved, you’ll receive a Contribution Agreement from NRC IRAP.
It’s a legal document that outlines:

• The project title, scope, and duration.

• The approved funding amount.

• The cost-sharing ratios (e.g., 80% internal salaries, 50% contractors).

• The reporting schedule (monthly or quarterly).

• The claim documentation requirements.

You’ll sign electronically, and your project officially starts on the effective date listed in the agreement.
Any work performed before that date is not reimbursable.

2. How the Reimbursement System Works

IRAP operates on a reimbursement model.
That means you pay for eligible expenses upfront, then claim those costs from NRC.

Eligible costs include:

• Technical salaries (full-time, part-time, or contractors working directly on R&D).

• External contractors (consultants, labs, or engineers).

• Project-related materials or specialized software licenses.

Non-eligible costs include:

• Sales, marketing, or administrative expenses.

• Travel, entertainment, or general overhead.

• Work completed outside the approved scope or before the start date.

Claim frequency: Monthly or quarterly, depending on project size.

Each claim includes:

• Timesheets showing hours worked per employee per milestone.

• Payroll evidence (e.g., paystubs or accounting system screenshots).

• Invoices for contractors or suppliers.

• Short progress summaries confirming milestone advancement.

Claims are submitted via NRC’s secure IRAP portal, and reimbursements typically arrive within 3–4 weeks of submission.

3. Reporting Rhythm: The Monthly Pulse

Your ITA will expect a steady rhythm of updates — not long reports, just proof that progress matches the plan.

Each reporting cycle should include:

• A 1-page progress summary (tasks completed, milestones achieved, next steps).

• Supporting materials (screenshots, test results, commit logs).

• Notes on risks or delays and how they’re being managed.

You can reuse your internal sprint summaries or stand-ups — IRAP values structure over format.

4. Mid-Project Adjustments

If scope, budget, or timeline needs to shift, don’t hide it.
Email your ITA immediately with a concise update:

• What changed.

• Why the change was necessary.

• What the new timeline or milestone looks like.

They can approve a scope amendment or timeline extension quickly if communication is transparent.

ITAs hate surprises. Keep them looped in.

5. Timesheets and Recordkeeping

This is where most founders lose speed — and funding.
IRAP audits require clean records. Build the habit early.

Simple rule: every hour paid through IRAP must have a matching record.

Setup guide:

• Create a shared spreadsheet or time-tracking tool.

• Columns: Date, Employee, Project Code, Task, Hours, Milestone.

• Total hours weekly; have each employee sign or digitally verify.

Pro tip: Tag each line item by milestone number — it makes claims processing effortless.

6. Invoicing Contractors

If you use external contractors, ensure invoices include:

• Name and contact of contractor.

• Clear description of work tied to milestone.

• Date range covered.

• Total hours and rate.

• Deliverable or file reference.

Attach a short deliverable (PDF, report, or code output) to each invoice to make reimbursement automatic.

7. Managing the ITA Relationship Post-Approval

Your ITA remains your point of contact during execution.
Keep communication consistent and proactive.

Recommended rhythm:

• Biweekly updates: 1-paragraph email with progress and blockers.

• Quarterly reviews: share achievements, data, and lessons learned.

When your ITA sees reliable execution and reporting, they become your internal advocate for follow-on funding or future projects.

8. Project Completion and Final Report

At the end of the project, you’ll submit a final report summarizing:

• Objectives completed.

• Results achieved (quantified).

• Technical and commercial impact.

• Lessons learned and next steps.

Format: 2–4 pages, bullet-heavy, with proof of success (screenshots, test data, outcomes).
This report often becomes the basis for future IRAP renewals or expansions.

9. For MAS (CMC) Projects — Simpler Execution

If your funding is through the MAS program (for example, the advisory sprint inside the GFV GTM Pod), the reporting structure is lighter but follows similar rules.

You’ll have:

• A 40-hour project cap (8–10 weeks).

• Weekly time logs from GFV (signed by you).

• Two short reports (interim and final).

• A Client Agreement and Statement of Work (SOW) that must be uploaded to the CMC portal within one week of starting.

Payments go directly to GFV, and you only pay the CAD 200 admin fee on the first invoice.
GFV manages compliance, timesheets, and reporting, keeping you audit-safe.

10. Staying Audit-Ready

Keep these five things organized from the first week:

1. Contribution Agreement — PDF copy.

2. Timesheets — monthly folders, signed.

3. Payroll & invoices — proof of payment.

4. Progress reports — monthly summaries.

5. Final deliverables — labeled by milestone.

When IRAP calls for review, having this clean structure means zero disruption.

Founder takeaway:
Executing IRAP well isn’t about paperwork — it’s about rhythm.
When you build clean reporting habits early, IRAP becomes a reliable, repeatable funding channel that can power every major build cycle in your company.

Part 9 — Common Mistakes and Fixes

Even great projects can lose momentum or funding if execution and reporting go sideways.
Most IRAP mistakes aren’t about bad ideas — they’re about small process gaps that compound over time.
This section outlines the most common missteps founders make and how to correct them fast.

1. Unclear R&D Scope

The issue:
Founders describe projects too broadly — “We’re improving our product using AI” — instead of defining what will actually be researched, tested, or validated.
That leaves reviewers guessing whether it’s true R&D.

Fix:
Use technical precision.
Each milestone should describe what’s being built and how you’ll know it works.

Example:

• Instead of: “Developing AI to optimize scheduling.”

• Use: “Develop and test scheduling algorithm using reinforcement learning to achieve ≥90% accuracy against benchmark dataset.”

Clarity removes doubt.

2. Overlapping Funding Claims

The issue:
Founders sometimes claim the same costs under multiple programs — for example, IRAP and SR&ED — without separating eligible expenses.

Fix:
Track cost allocation early.
If you’re using both programs:

• Claim IRAP for active salaries and contractors during the project.

• Claim SR&ED later for unclaimed eligible R&D expenses.

Keep a single spreadsheet mapping each cost line to its funding source.

3. Incomplete Timesheets

The issue:
Employees record hours inconsistently or skip weekly entries.
During audits, missing timesheets can invalidate claims.

Fix:
Set a company rule:

“Every Friday by 3 p.m., submit your IRAP hours.”

Use a simple shared doc or software (Clockify, Harvest, or Sheets).
Hours must include:

• Employee name

• Date

• Task/milestone reference

• Hours worked

• Signature or digital confirmation

4. Late Claims

The issue:
Delays in submitting claims create reimbursement bottlenecks and can risk project closure before all funds are used.

Fix:
Create a claim calendar.

• Submit monthly if project <6 months.

• Submit quarterly if longer.
  Set internal reminders for the 5th of each month following the reporting period.

5. Scope Creep During Execution

The issue:
Founders keep adding features or expanding work without telling the ITA.
When deliverables shift, claims can be rejected for misalignment with the approved Contribution Agreement.

Fix:
If something changes, email your ITA immediately.
Keep it short and structured:

“We discovered new requirements in Milestone 2. We propose adjusting scope to include [brief summary]. Timeline extends by [X weeks]. Please confirm amendment procedure.”

Transparency earns trust and flexibility.

6. Missing “Benefits to Canada” Proof

The issue:
Founders complete the work but forget to document outcomes — new jobs, patents, or measurable company growth.

Fix:
Capture data continuously.

• Track hires and roles created.

• Log export sales or partnerships.

• Save technical reports or IP filings.

Include this evidence in your final report.
It strengthens renewal and helps your ITA justify future projects.

7. Poor ITA Communication

The issue:
Founders go silent between claims or updates, leaving ITAs unsure of progress.
Uncertainty makes future approvals harder.

Fix:
Send short biweekly or monthly updates.
Use this 3-line format:

“Progress: Completed [milestone or deliverable].
Next: Starting [next phase].
Notes: [one challenge or adjustment].”

These updates take two minutes and make you look like a professional operator.

8. Weak File Organization

The issue:
At audit time, files are scattered — claims, timesheets, invoices, and deliverables live in different places.

Fix:
Create one folder structure and stick to it:

IRAP_Project_[Name] │ ├── 1_Contribution_Agreement ├── 2_Milestones │ ├── M1_Design │ ├── M2_Build │ └── M3_Test ├── 3_Timesheets ├── 4_Invoices ├── 5_Claims └── 6_Final_Report

Label files with dates:
Timesheet_[EmployeeName]_2025-10-27.pdf
Invoice_[Vendor]_M2.pdf

Clean organization = fast reimbursements.

9. Underestimating Reporting Importance

The issue:
Founders assume “building the product” is enough and treat reports as admin.
IRAP sees reporting as part of the product itself — it’s how the government measures ROI.

Fix:
Treat every report like a lightweight sprint review.
Focus on outcomes, data, and what’s next — not word count.
Attach visuals or evidence (charts, screenshots, commits).

A tight two-page report can secure you for years of future IRAP support.

10. MAS (CMC) Program Missteps

For founders using the MAS program (to fund advisory sprints like GFV’s GTM Pod):

• Mistake: Forgetting to upload the signed Client Agreement and SOW to the CMC portal within one week.

• Fix: GFV handles this upload with you — just sign promptly and keep copies.

Other MAS mistakes:

• Late weekly timesheet approvals.

• Missing interim report at Week 6.

• Forgetting to pay the $200 admin fee.

All of these stall payments.
Use GFV’s provided checklist to stay clean — it’s built from real audit cycles.

Founder takeaway:
Every IRAP issue is solvable with organization and communication.
The ITA’s confidence in your process is your currency — protect it.

Part 10 — Using IRAP with Other Funding

IRAP is powerful on its own, but founders who know how to blend it with other funding sources create a sustainable growth engine.
The smartest Canadian operators use IRAP to de-risk R&D, SR&ED to recover tax credits, and other programs or customer pilots to extend their runway without dilution.

This section shows how to layer IRAP effectively with complementary capital streams — without triggering double-claim issues or audit risk.

1. The Core Rule: IRAP First, SR&ED Second

IRAP funds R&D in real time.
SR&ED (Scientific Research & Experimental Development) is a tax credit program you file after the year ends.

They fund similar work, but at different times:

• IRAP = upfront reimbursement (as you build)

• SR&ED = retrospective refund (after your tax filing)

You can use both — if you separate expenses clearly.

Structure your claims like this:

• Claim IRAP for current payroll and contractor costs during the live project.

• Exclude those same costs from your SR&ED filing.

• Later, claim SR&ED on unclaimed or overhead-eligible expenses (testing, debugging, research documentation).

Pro tip:
Add a “Funding Source” column to your R&D expense tracker: IRAP / SR&ED / Company.
This keeps both claims audit-safe.

2. Combine IRAP with Customer Pilots

IRAP works beautifully alongside early customer funding.
If you have paid or unpaid pilots in progress, IRAP views that as commercial validation — a strong signal that your innovation is market-relevant.

Here’s how to frame it in your proposal:

“We are running pilot projects with [X customers]. IRAP support will accelerate feature delivery and ensure technical validation aligns with commercial feedback.”

Pilots don’t disqualify you — they strengthen your case.

3. Pair IRAP with Equity Investment

For investor-backed startups, IRAP becomes non-dilutive leverage.
Your investors fund the company; IRAP funds the technology engine.

In pitch terms, you can show that each invested dollar generates 1.5–2x technical output because of IRAP’s cost-sharing.

If you raise new capital while your IRAP project is active, notify your ITA.
They may approve a larger follow-on project to match your expanded capacity.

4. Integrate the MAS (CMC) Program for Advisory Work

The MAS (Management Advisory Services) program, run through CMC-Canada, is an IRAP-aligned stream designed for commercialization and advisory services.
It’s not R&D — it’s business acceleration.

You can use MAS to fund up to CAD 7,000 in advisory work.
This is the pathway founders use to fund the GFV GTM Pod (see Part 11).

The MAS program pays certified management consultants (like GFV) to help you:

• Translate R&D outcomes into pilot-ready offers.

• Build your go-to-market plan and sales systems.

• Turn prototypes into revenue-generating customer engagements.

This route is ideal once your IRAP project delivers a functioning product, and you need strategic help to commercialize it.

5. Combine IRAP with Provincial and Sector Grants

IRAP is national, but many provinces have additional programs that can layer with it.
Examples include:

• Alberta Innovates, Innovate BC, or Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI) for matching funds.

• Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) for clean-tech.

• NGen and MITACS for manufacturing and research partnerships.

Always declare to your ITA if you’re receiving other government funding — they’ll help ensure you don’t breach stacking limits (the total public contribution usually cannot exceed 75–80% of total costs).

6. Build a Funding Sequence

Here’s a proven, repeatable order for founders:

This sequence aligns technical progress, funding efficiency, and investor confidence.

7. Real Founder Example: Hybrid IRAP + MAS Path

A SaaS startup in Vancouver used IRAP to fund product build and MAS to fund go-to-market.

• IRAP Project: $90,000 total (80% salary + 50% contractor reimbursement).

• MAS Sprint: $7,000 funding through CMC for GFV advisory work.

• Result: 3 paying pilots, 2 new hires, and a 3x valuation lift before raising seed.

This hybrid model — technical funding + commercialization sprint — is now the blueprint for founders scaling responsibly in Canada.

Founder takeaway:
IRAP is your technical engine. MAS is your acceleration lane.
Used together — plus SR&ED and customer pilots — they create a self-reinforcing growth loop that keeps your company building, validating, and selling without constant capital pressure.

Part 11 — IRAP Funding for GFV’s GTM Pod (MAS Program)

This section walks you through how to use IRAP’s Management Advisory Services (MAS) stream to fund your participation in GetFresh Ventures’ (GFV) GTM Pod — a 6-month commercialization sprint designed to turn prototypes into pilot-ready revenue systems.

If your company is ready for customers, not just code, this is the most direct path to fund the help you need to get there.

1. What the MAS Program Is

The Management Advisory Services (MAS) program is a specialized IRAP funding channel managed through CMC-Canada (Certified Management Consultants of Canada).
It’s designed to connect founders with certified advisors who can help them commercialize innovation — not build it.

The program provides up to CAD 7,000 in non-repayable funding for short, structured advisory projects.
The NRC assigns the MAS project through a referral from your Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA).

You pay a flat CAD 200 administrative fee, and CMC covers the rest.

2. How GFV Fits

GetFresh Ventures is a certified management consulting firm within the CMC network.
GFV’s GTM Pod — a six-month program — integrates a 40-hour MAS-funded advisory sprint during its first phase.

That sprint is laser-focused on commercialization outcomes:

• Defining your ideal buyer and pilot targets.

• Building your repeatable outbound and inbound sales system.

• Creating the SOPs, playbooks, and messaging to secure pilots.

• Delivering a live CRM pipeline with measurable KPIs.

The MAS funds that initial sprint; the GTM Pod continues with deeper execution, pilot conversion, and early scale-up work.

3. Eligibility for the MAS Path

You qualify if:

• Your company already meets IRAP eligibility (Canadian, for-profit, under 500 employees).

• You have a functioning prototype or validated product.

• You’re preparing to commercialize or launch your GTM system.

You do not need a current IRAP R&D project, but you do need to connect through an ITA who can issue the referral.

4. The MAS Funding Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Contact or Reconnect with Your ITA

If you already have an ITA, email them directly.
If not, call 1-877-994-4727 and ask for an ITA to discuss a MAS referral for commercialization support with GFV.

Sample Email:

Subject: Request for MAS Referral — [Company Name]

Hi [ITA Name],
I’m seeking a Management Advisory Services (MAS) referral through IRAP to fund commercialization support with GetFresh Ventures (GFV).
GFV will run a focused advisory sprint to convert our prototype into pilot-ready assets.
Attached are our Project Summary and MAS Scope of Work.

Can we schedule a 30-minute diagnostic to confirm eligibility and next steps?

Best,
[Your Name, Title, Contact Info]

Step 2 — The 30-Minute Diagnostic Call

This call determines if your ITA will issue the MAS referral.
Come prepared with:

• One-line project objective (“Convert prototype into three paid pilots in six months”).

• One-page Project Summary (your company, problem, solution, R&D progress).

• MAS Scope of Work (SOW) (three milestones, deliverables, KPIs).

• Company registration and one-page P&L.

At the end of the call, ask your ITA for the confirmation line:

“I will submit the MAS referral for [Company], recommending CMC assign the MAS project to GetFresh Ventures (GFV).”

That sentence unlocks the process.

Step 3 — CMC Intake

Once your ITA submits the referral, CMC-Canada contacts you directly.
They’ll send you three certified consultant profiles.
Select GetFresh Ventures (GFV) as your consultant.

CMC then issues a Client Agreement and a Statement of Work (SOW) for signature.
Upload both to the portal within one week to activate funding.

Step 4 — Pay the Admin Fee

CMC requires a CAD 200 administrative fee from the client (you).
GFV invoices this fee on the first MAS invoice.
It’s paid once — not per milestone.

Step 5 — Start the GFV MAS Sprint

The MAS sprint runs approximately 8–10 weeks and covers 40 advisory hours.
All time and deliverables are logged weekly in compliance with CMC rules.

Typical MAS Sprint Milestones:

GFV handles reporting, interim and final documentation, and compliance with CMC’s audit rules.

5. Founder Checklist for MAS Referral

Before your ITA call:

• Write a one-line project objective.

• Complete a one-page Project Summary.

• Complete the MAS SOW.

• Gather company registration + 1-page P&L.

• Prepare the ITA email (template above).

After the call:

• Confirm the ITA’s referral in writing.

• Forward the confirmation email to GFV Ops (grow@getfreshventures.com).

• Await CMC contact and consultant selection form.

• Sign the Client Agreement and SOW within one week.

• Pay the CAD 200 admin fee.

6. Timeline Snapshot

From start to finish, most founders complete the full process in under three weeks before the sprint begins.

7. What You’ll Leave With

At the end of the MAS sprint (first phase of the GTM Pod), you’ll have:

• A validated GTM strategy anchored in customer reality.

• Messaging, CRM, and outbound systems you can scale.

• Pilot-ready offers and signed early customers.

• A clear path to ARR growth and readiness for follow-on IRAP or SR&ED cycles.

This is the commercialization bridge IRAP built the MAS program to fund.

Founder takeaway:
The MAS referral isn’t paperwork — it’s the unlock for structured, funded growth advisory.
With one call and two documents, you can turn government funding into hands-on expertise that drives your company from prototype to pilot to revenue.

Part 12 — Final Checklist & Quick Actions

This last section condenses the entire playbook into one operating checklist.
If you’ve read everything above, this is your “print and execute” guide — the minimum viable system to start your IRAP or MAS-funded project with confidence.

1. Quick Eligibility Check

If you can check all boxes, you’re IRAP-ready.

2. Documents to Prepare Before Contacting NRC

Keep these in one folder: IRAP_Application_[Company]_[YYYYMMDD]

3. IRAP Engagement Steps

1. Contact NRC

   • Call 1-877-994-4727 or fill out the online contact form.

   • Ask for an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) to discuss your project.

2. Run the Discovery Call

   • Be ready to describe your one-line objective and project scope.

   • Follow up with your Project Summary and SOW.

3. ITA Alignment

   • Confirm project eligibility.

   • Work with your ITA to refine milestones and budgets.

4. Submit Proposal

   • ITA sends your proposal for internal NRC review.

   • Receive Contribution Agreement (CA) for signing.

5. Start Execution

   • Begin work after CA effective date.

   • Track time and deliverables weekly.

6. Submit Claims & Reports

   • Monthly or quarterly claims with timesheets and progress updates.

   • Maintain one central folder for all IRAP documentation.

7. Final Report

   • Summarize technical results, business outcomes, and benefits to Canada.

4. MAS (CMC) Path for GFV GTM Pod

If you’re joining GFV’s 6-month GTM Pod, follow this shortcut checklist:

Step 1 — Prep the Pack

• Project Summary (1 page)

• MAS SOW (1 page, provided by GFV)

• Company Registration

• 1-Page P&L

Step 2 — ITA Email
Use this subject and message:

Subject: MAS Referral Request — [Company Name]

Hi [ITA Name],
I’d like to request a Management Advisory Services (MAS) referral through IRAP to fund commercialization support with GetFresh Ventures (GFV).
GFV’s MAS sprint will help us convert our prototype into pilot-ready systems.
Attached are our Project Summary, MAS SOW, and company registration.

Can we schedule a 30-minute diagnostic to confirm eligibility and next steps?

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Step 3 — During ITA Call

• Ask for the confirmation line:

“I will submit the MAS referral for [Company], recommending CMC assign the MAS project to GFV.”

• If confirmed, forward the ITA’s email to GFV: grow@getfreshventures.com.

Step 4 — CMC Process

• Select GFV as your consultant when CMC sends three options.

• Sign the Client Agreement and SOW within one week.

• Pay the $200 admin fee on the first invoice.

Step 5 — Execute the Sprint
GFV runs the 8–10 week MAS sprint (40 hours) with weekly logs and interim/final reports.

Deliverables include:

• Buyer persona map and pilot criteria

• Campaign playbook and CRM funnel

• Pilot contract template and 90-day scale plan

5. Ongoing Best Practices

6. Renewal and Follow-On Projects

IRAP isn’t one-and-done.
Founders who deliver cleanly often renew or scale their projects:

• Second IRAP Project: deeper R&D or scaling phase.

• MAS Renewal: another 40-hour sprint with the same or new consultant.

• Follow-On Funding: pairing IRAP with SR&ED or provincial programs.

After project close, ask your ITA directly:

“What’s the next project we could scope together based on these results?”

They will often help you design it on the spot.

7. Final Ready-to-Send Checklist

Founder takeaway:
You don’t need a consultant to navigate IRAP — you need a system.
This cheatsheet is that system.

Whether you’re building deep tech or running the GFV GTM Pod, IRAP can fund your next stage of growth — if you approach it like an operator, not a grant applicant.

Next Step:
If you’re ready to start the MAS referral process for GFV’s GTM Pod, email grow@getfreshventures.com with “MAS Referral — [Your Company]” in the subject line.

GFV will help finalize your documents and coordinate with your ITA to start the sprint.