We thought we would try something different this year. A lot of really good articles have been written about the 2017 Canadian Federal Budget. Rather than highlighting key points like in previous years, we’ve decided to refer you to those articles that provide a good explanation of key points of the budget. Betakit has done an excellent job itemizing the key funding points in the 2017 budget. http://betakit.com/budget2017-calls-for-950-million-towards-superclusters-national-ai-strategy/ The budget has announced increased funding for accelerators and incubators, somewhat controversially. Here is a great counterpoint on the need for funding more business incubators. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/startups/tech-leaders-question-the-need-for-more-funding-for-business-incubators/article33631229/ Much has been made about the new support for AI and related technologies in the budget. This money will primarily be handled by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). Little known outside of academic circles, heres some more information about how CIFAR will use government money to advance AI, as seen through their pre-budget consultation. http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/HOC/Committee/421/FINA/Brief/BR8398149/br-external/CanadianInstituteForAdvancedResearch-e.pdf Speaking […]
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Entrepreneur A: “Our mobile application is the first of it’s kind, and saves people millions of dollars” CRA: “That’s nice, but sorry, your work isn’t eligible” — Entrpreneur B: “Our system was difficult to build, there was no documentation, and it was a black box” CRA: “Sorry not eligible” — Entrepreneur C: “Our system works faster than our competitors in the field, and it did it in a totally new way” CRA: “Sounds like there might be something, but sorry, not eligible” One of the biggest misconceptions about the SR&ED program is that it is about the products you are developing. While you may be solving problems and use technology to achieve things that were previously not possible, this is actually not what the program is intended to fund. This is easily the biggest problem that entrepreneurs face when describing their work for the purposes of a SR&ED claim. The SR&ED […]
On April 23, 2015 the Ontario government tabled a 2015 budget that proposes significant changes to the programs aimed at supporting film, television and digital media. Ontario Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (OIDMTC) Eligibility criteria for the program will be restricted to supporting entertainment products as well as educational products for children under the age of 12. The list of specifically excluded products will be extended to include products centered on news and public affairs. Exclusions to promotional products will be further strengthened. These changes are effective immediately and will apply to expenditures incurred after April 23, 2015. Products which qualified for the credit under the old rules but are no longer eligible will qualify for relief with respect to expenditures incurred prior to April 24th, 2015. The “all of substantially all” rule requiring that at least 90% of the product be developed in Ontario by the company claiming the […]