Write clear, honest answers

When you write, Innovation Canada’s experts say: avoid marketing language. These programs are funded by Canadian taxpayers, so officers need a clear picture they can explain to someone who does not know your work. Use everyday words. Say what you will do, who will benefit, and how you will know it worked.

Answer the questions that are asked. After a long writing session it is easy to describe your whole organization and forget the question. Have a colleague read the draft and check that each question has a direct answer. Innovation Canada also says less is more: give what they ask for so every applicant is judged on the same information.

Prepare common documents early. Innovation Canada notes that many business applications ask for a description of the organization, the number of employees, the past three years of financial statements, and incorporation documents. For a project they often want a description, a detailed expense breakdown, risks, and the benefits for Canada. Keep a folder of facts you can reuse — then tailor the last part to this program. Do not copy and paste without updating.

Alberta’s CIP Project page (as of November 2026) shows how specific a document list can be: a board member list with positions and contacts; recent financial statements signed by two signing authorities; current bank statement(s); a signed grant agreement from the portal; an Application for Electronic Payment and a void cheque; and quotes or estimates for project costs. Other items apply only in some cases, such as letters for donated in-kind support. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Use honest numbers. If you need help writing short, plain sentences, see the LearnHere course on workplace writing and grammar. This lesson is not Outlook or email training.