The Quebec government and federal government offer dozens of subsidy programs, tax credits, and financial aids for SMEs. The problem: most eligible businesses don’t apply simply because they don’t know they qualify. As an accountant, you’re ideally positioned to close this gap \u2014 and AI makes that task systematic.<\/p>\n
It’s estimated that Quebec SMEs collectively leave millions of dollars on the table each year in unclaimed subsidies and credits. The SR&ED tax credit alone is underutilized by small companies doing R&D without realizing it. Training programs, export aid, innovation, digital transformation \u2014 the list is long and constantly changing.<\/p>\n
For an accountant, tracking all these programs is full-time work. Eligibility criteria change, new programs appear, others expire. This is exactly the type of monitoring AI does better than humans.<\/p>\n
An AI grant monitoring system continuously analyzes available programs at federal, provincial, and municipal levels. For each client, it automatically cross-references the business profile \u2014 sector, size, activities, location, current projects \u2014 with the eligibility criteria of each program.<\/p>\n
Result: a personalized report per client listing programs they likely qualify for, with estimated amounts and application deadlines.<\/p>\n
The SR&ED credit is best-known but remains under-claimed by SMEs who don’t realize their development activities qualify. The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) offers non-repayable funding. The Digital Business Development Tax Credit (DBDTC) is highly relevant for tech businesses. And Economic Development Canada programs vary by region and sector.<\/p>\n
AI monitors these programs and dozens more, including municipal programs and sector-specific funds.<\/p>\n
Imagine calling a client to say: “We’ve identified three programs your business qualifies for, totaling potentially $45,000. Would you like us to prepare the applications?” That’s the type of proactive service that builds client loyalty and justifies premium fees.<\/p>\n
And with AI doing the monitoring and analysis work, your time goes to application preparation and advice \u2014 not government website surveillance.<\/p>\n
AI can also assist grant application preparation by pre-filling forms with available data, identifying missing information, and suggesting project descriptions to maximize acceptance chances.<\/p>\n
At Laeka, we develop AI-powered grant monitoring systems integrated into your accounting practice. A service that pays for itself \u2014 and pays well.<\/p>\n