Small Business Assistance
Get up to 50% of eligible costs covered for expert advice or first-year marketing, with a max of $5,000 in year one. This is a non-repayable grant from Innovation PEI, but funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Verified against the official source on July 3, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
You must submit your application before making any financial or legal commitment to the project; approval is required before spending.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a PEI-based business owner seeking expert advice for strategic planning, operations, or HR efficiency.
- You are in your first year of operations and need support for marketing, signage, or advertising materials.
- You need to create a new website or add e-commerce functionality to an existing site for the first time.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a not-for-profit organization, or your primary activity is fishing, farming, banking, or property development.
- You have a defaulted debt obligation with the Province of PEI.
- You have already started the project or signed a contract before submitting your application.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $2,500 for professional fees in any year, or up to $5,000 total in your first year if you combine professional fees and marketing support.
What may be supported
- Business plan development
- Marketing plan or market research
- Human resource or operational efficiency plans
- Website creation or adding e-commerce for the first time
- New advertising or promotional materials (first year only)
- Signage and branding (excluding clothing/uniforms) (first year only)
What's excluded or restricted
- Not-for-profit organizations or associations (except for website development)
- A business or individual with a defaulted debt obligation with the Province of PEI
- A business whose primary activity is fishing, farming, banking/financing, or property development (including commercial/residential landlords and developers)
- Signage/branding excludes clothing and uniforms
- Costs must be purchased from arm's-length vendors/providers to be eligible
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou need written quotes and a detailed cost estimate from your consultant or vendor before applying.
- 01Confirm your business is registered in PEI and meets the income or employment criteria.
- 02Obtain written quotes and a detailed cost estimate from an arm's-length vendor or consultant.
- 03Submit your application online via the Innovation PEI portal before starting any work.
- 04Wait for approval; do not sign contracts or pay invoices until you receive confirmation.
- 05Complete the project and submit a request for payment with required documentation.
Who to ask: Innovation PEI, 94 Euston Street, PO Box 910, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7L9; Phone: 902-368-6300; Toll-free: 1-800-563-3734; Fax: 902-368-6301; Email: innovation@gov.pe.ca
Documents commonly required
- Business registration number and date of incorporation.
- Description of your business operations.
- Detailed estimated project costs supported by written quotes.
- Consultant's written cost estimate and terms of reference (for professional fees).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website or adds e-commerce to your existing site, turning the grant into a digital storefront that captures customers 24/7.
- BBN designs your storefront signage and branding, coordinating with qualified partners to create the physical presence that draws local customers to your new business.
- BBN creates your first-year advertising and promotional materials, giving your new brand the visibility needed to attract early customers and build market share.
- BBN develops your strategic business plan or marketing strategy, providing the expert guidance you need to boost productivity and compete effectively in your market.
- BBN guides you through the application process and manages deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- Funding is first-come, first-served and limited by budget; meeting criteria does not guarantee approval.
- The grant is taxable income; consult your accountant about the impact on your tax return.
- Total non-repayable government funding for the project cannot exceed 75% of eligible costs.
- Costs must be purchased from arm's-length vendors; you cannot pay yourself or related parties for these services.
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary and budget-dependent; early applicants with clear, compliant documentation have the best chance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get funding for both professional fees and marketing in my first year?
Yes, new businesses can receive up to $2,500 for professional fees and up to $2,500 for marketing, for a maximum of $5,000 in the first year.
Do I have to repay the grant?
No, this is a non-repayable grant. However, it is considered taxable income.
Can I use this for clothing or uniforms?
No, signage and branding costs exclude clothing and uniforms.
What if I am planning to start a business but not yet operating?
PEI residents actively planning to start a business that meets the eligibility requirements may access support for business plans or market research.
What you can combine it with
You can combine this with other grants, but the total non-repayable funding from all government sources cannot exceed 75% of your eligible costs.
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Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 3, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.