Insights · British Columbia
AI grants available to BC businesses in 2026
As of 2026, the old Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) “buy a website” grant is closed. BC SMBs adopting AI usually look to NRC IRAP / AI Assist, SR&ED tax credits, Innovate BC programs when open, and BDC financing — not a single $15K digital cheque.
What closed (and why people still ask)
CDAP helped many Canadian SMBs fund websites and basic digital tools. That low-friction stream is gone. Searching “AI grant BC” in 2026 usually lands on older CDAP articles — treat those as historical. Funding that remains is narrower and often tied to real R&D, pilots, or commercialization — not buying ChatGPT seats.
Practical options for Victoria / Island SMBs
- NRC IRAP (incl. AI Assist pathways) — advisor-led support for technical R&D and AI integration. Start by connecting with an Industrial Technology Advisor. Strongest when you are building or deeply integrating technology, not only buying off-the-shelf tools. nrc.canada.ca / IRAP
- SR&ED tax credits — refundable credit path for Canadian-controlled private corporations doing qualifying experimental development (including some AI work). Talk to an accountant who does SR&ED; this is not a “fill a form, get cash for a chatbot” program.
- Innovate BC — cyclical programs (e.g. commercialization / pilot-style intakes when open). Check innovatebc.ca/programs for current windows — intakes open and close.
- BDC / conventional financing — when a grant is not a fit, many shops fund automation and AI agents as an operating investment. Compare the cost of missed calls and admin hours to a productized Site Wise tier.
Adoption vs building AI
Most trades and professional services in Victoria, BC need adoption — agents that answer phones, chase leads, and cut admin — not a research lab. Grants favour builders; adoption projects often self-fund because ROI is immediate. See missed-call cost math and AI receptionist vs front desk.
How Site Wise can help (and what we are not)
We implement AI agents, workflow automation, and custom AI systems for local businesses. We are not a grant writer and we do not guarantee funding. If your project is true R&D, we can help you describe the technical work clearly for advisors and accountants.
Programs change. Always verify eligibility and open intakes on government and Innovate BC sites before you plan around a dollar amount. This page is orientation, not advice.