Frequently Asked Questions About Deedz (GENERAL)
A few questions to help you understand more about us.
Deedz is a federally incorporated, Canada-first not-for-profit initiative that supports startups, SMEs, and individuals building businesses in Canada and creating jobs for Canadians.
No. Deedz is independent and not affiliated with any government department.
Deedz operates as a not-for-profit organization. It is not positioned as a traditional charity.
It means businesses must be headquartered in Canada, contribute to the Canadian economy, and prioritize employment for Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Deedz was founded in 2018.
Deedz exists to create a fair, transparent way to support Canadian businesses without bias, favoritism, or influence.
Deedz operates with anonymous leadership to protect fairness and integrity.
To prevent bribery, favoritism, and influence, and to ensure decisions are merit-based.
No. Deedz is a not-for-profit organization.
No. Deedz facilitates support but does not invest or take equity.
No. Deedz does not offer loans.
No. Deedz does not take ownership or equity.
Yes. Deedz supports businesses across all provinces and territories.
No. Businesses must be based in Canada.
No. Deedz is non-political and non-partisan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deedz (APPLICATION & ELIGIBILITY)
A few questions to help you understand more about us.
Canadian startups, SMEs, individuals, and community initiatives.
Not always. Requirements depend on the application type.
Yes, for approved individual or community initiatives.
No. Applying to Deedz is free.
No. Funding is never guaranteed.
Most industries that do not cause harm to Canadians.
Gambling, cannabis, tobacco, adult entertainment, crypto speculation, and other harmful sectors.
Founders must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Yes, if they are permanent residents and meet requirements.
At least 70% of employees must be Canadian citizens or PR holders.
Yes, when actively engaged.
Yes, if you provide a clear plan to reach 70%.
Yes, if aligned with Deedz’s mission.
Yes, under the individual/community category.
Yes, in future cycles.
Yes, after AI pre-screening.
Yes, identities are hidden during evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deedz (FUNDING & FINANCIALS)
A few questions to help you understand more about us.
Up to $10,000 in the first round.
No. Deedz covers up to 70%.
To ensure responsibility and commitment.
Yes, up to $100,000 based on progress.
Directly from sponsor to recipient or service provider.
Yes, if invoices or quotes are provided.
Sometimes, depending on use of funds.
In certain cases, yes.
Applicants should consult their accountant.
Yes, repayment may be required.
Yes, for non-compliance.
Yes, based on merit and availability.
Every two months.
Approximately 60 days.
Yes, by email.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deedz (SPONSORS & PARTNERS)
A few questions to help you understand more about us.
Corporations, SMEs, individuals, foundations.
Only from approved applicants.
Yes, $100 per month.
To support operations and independence.
Service providers, institutions, nonprofits, educators.
Yes, $500 per month.
Yes.
Yes, against approved invoices.
Yes, for misconduct or misalignment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deedz (TRANSPARENCY, COMPLIANCE & ETHICS)
A few questions to help you understand more about us.
Through verification, compliance checks, and audits.
Yes, sometimes unannounced.
Repayment and blacklisting may apply.
Yes, internal and partner-shared.
Only authorized reviewers under NDA.
Yes, under PIPEDA compliance.
Yes, for fairness and compliance.
Decisions are final for each cycle.
Yes, with notice.
Yes, aggregated and anonymized.
Operational and compliance audits are conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deedz (CONTACT & COMMUNICATION)
A few questions to help you understand more about us.
Via email or website chat.
To keep costs low and ensure fairness.
3–5 business days.
Only through official communications.
applicant@deedz.ca
On the Deedz website only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deedz (Extended Clarity & Edge Cases)
A few questions to help you understand more about us.
Yes. Deedz accepts applications from businesses at the idea or validation stage, provided the applicant can demonstrate a clear plan, a defined use of funds, and a meaningful benefit to the Canadian economy.
Early-stage applicants must show seriousness, feasibility, and commitment rather than traction alone.
No. Revenue is not mandatory.
However, applicants without revenue must clearly explain their path to sustainability, market demand, and how the requested support will help move the business forward responsibly.
Yes. Home-based and family-run businesses are eligible, as long as they meet Deedz’s Canada-first criteria and operate as legitimate, compliant businesses.
Yes. Deedz actively supports businesses and initiatives in rural, remote, and underserved communities across Canada.
Economic contribution is measured by impact, not location.
Yes. Indigenous-led businesses and initiatives are welcome and encouraged to apply, provided they meet Deedz’s eligibility and Canada-first requirements.
Yes, in certain cases.
Applicants must clearly outline how the research or development contributes to job creation, commercialization, or long-term economic benefit in Canada.
No. Deedz funding cannot be used to pay down personal or business debt, credit cards, or loans.
No. Funding must be used directly for the applicant’s approved business or initiative.
Yes. Social enterprises are welcome, provided they demonstrate measurable economic contribution and employment impact in Canada.
Yes. Previous funding does not disqualify an applicant.
However, applicants must disclose other funding sources and clearly explain how Deedz support would be used responsibly without overlap.
In some cases, yes.
Deedz reserves the right to conduct virtual or in-person verification to ensure compliance and responsible use of funds.
Yes. Where possible, confidentiality preferences are respected, and sensitive information is shared only on a need-to-know basis after approval.
Yes, as long as the business is legally compliant and does not fall into excluded categories.
Applicants must demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Yes. In exceptional circumstances, funding timelines may be adjusted with written agreement and transparency.
Due to volume, detailed feedback is not guaranteed.
However, applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and reapply in future rounds with improvements.
Yes. Applicants may withdraw their application at any time by contacting Deedz in writing.
Yes. Joint applications may be considered if roles, responsibilities, and economic impact are clearly defined.
Any changes to the approved use of funds must be requested in writing and approved before implementation.
No. All support is assessed on a per-cycle basis and is not guaranteed beyond the approved scope.
If a sponsor withdraws before funding is completed, Deedz may attempt to realign the approved application with another sponsor, but this is not guaranteed.