ABOUT
The Canadian Foundation for Innovation and Research (CFIR) is a non-profit organization that provides financial support to Canadian entrepreneurs. Our goal is to make high-level business education accessible and to help new businesses grow by offering direct funding.
We focus on three main areas:
• Scholarships – Helping entrepreneurs cover tuition at CFIR recognized business schools and incubators across Canada.
• Research Grants – Supporting studies that contribute to practical advancements in entrepreneurship.
• Seed Grants – Providing early-stage funding to help startups launch and grow.
CFIR recognizes business schools that provide hands-on learning, real-world experience, and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. These institutions are led by instructors who are both successful entrepreneurs and academics, offering a unique blend of business and academic acumen alongside real-life experience. By prioritizing practical education and mentorship, these schools empower future business leaders to innovate and thrive.
The Canadian Foundation for Innovation and Research (CFIR) is dedicated to building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Canada. By supporting CFIR, you help fund education, research, and startup development—creating opportunities for the next generation of business leaders. Your contributions enable aspiring entrepreneurs to access world-class education, launch successful ventures, and drive economic progress across the country.
Why Support CFIR
Drive Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of a thriving economy. CFIR funds research initiatives that explore new business models, market trends, and strategies for entrepreneurial success. Through our research grants, we support academics, industry leaders, and policymakers in identifying the most effective ways to foster sustainable businesses. By contributing to CFIR, you help advance knowledge that shapes the future of entrepreneurship, ensuring that Canadian startups remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.
To be eligible for any of our scholarships, research grants, or seed funding, applicants must have graduated from one of our approved institutions. CFIR partners with select business schools, incubators, and research programs that meet our standards for entrepreneurial education. Only graduates from these institutions are eligible to apply, ensuring that recipients have the necessary foundation to effectively use the funding and contribute to Canada’s business landscape.
Boost Economic Growth
Small businesses and startups are a driving force behind job creation and economic stability. By supporting CFIR, you are investing in a future where more businesses succeed, more jobs are created, and more communities thrive. When entrepreneurs have access to education, funding, and mentorship, they are better positioned to scale their businesses, expand their impact, and generate long-term economic benefits. Your contributions don’t just support individuals—they help strengthen the entire Canadian economy by fostering innovation and business growth.
Make a Real Impact
Supporting CFIR is about turning potential into reality. Many aspiring entrepreneurs have groundbreaking ideas but lack the financial support to pursue them. By funding scholarships, research grants, and startup initiatives, you help transform ideas into thriving businesses that make a lasting impact. Your support enables entrepreneurs to bring innovative solutions to market, improve industries, and create businesses that drive positive change in Canada and beyond.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
Your support makes a difference. Whether you are an individual supporter, a corporate sponsor, or a philanthropic organization, partnering with CFIR is an opportunity to invest in the future of Canadian entrepreneurship. Together, we can break down barriers, empower innovators, and build a stronger, more resilient economy.
Be a part of this change—support CFIR today.
CFIR Mission & Vision
MISSION
The Canadian Foundation for Innovation and Research (CFIR) is committed to making high-quality business education accessible to Canadian entrepreneurs. By providing scholarships, research grants, and seed funding, we support aspiring business leaders in gaining the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to build and grow successful ventures. Through partnerships with CFIR recognized business schools, incubators, and research institutions, we help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent promising entrepreneurs from accessing the education and opportunities they need to thrive.
VISION
CFIR envisions a Canada where entrepreneurship is driven by knowledge, innovation, and opportunity. Our long-term goal is to create a sustainable support system where educated and well-equipped entrepreneurs lead the growth of businesses that contribute to a stronger economy. By funding education, research, and early-stage startups, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning, responsible business practices, and economic development, ensuring that Canadian entrepreneurs remain competitive and impactful in an evolving global market.
Support Entrepreneurs
Every successful business starts with an idea, but turning an idea into reality requires knowledge, resources, and support. CFIR provides scholarships and seed funding to entrepreneurs, helping them develop the skills and networks needed to grow their businesses. Many promising founders face financial barriers that prevent them from accessing top-tier business education or securing early-stage funding. With your support, we remove these barriers, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build sustainable companies that contribute to Canada’s economic future.