Founder roadmap
The sequence, stage by stage
Readiness before opportunity. Programs before procurement. Partners before bids. Each stage funds and de-risks the next.
0
Months 0–1
Foundations
Incorporate, register, and open your compliance files.
Actions
- Incorporate in Canada; confirm CRA Business Number
- Create CanadaBuys / SAP Business Network account; complete Q3–Q8 minimum, Q9 recommended, Q12 for defence
- Select product/service categories; enable saved-search notifications
- Assess Controlled Goods applicability in writing
- Run the CPCSC Level 1 self-assessment on the Cyber Centre portal
1
Months 1–12
Funded Development
Non-dilutive R&D dollars. Keep the IP.
Actions
- Call the IRAP hotline (1-877-994-4727); get matched with an ITA; raise Defence Industry Assist
- Scope a Mitacs Accelerate unit — Defence & Security Call closes Aug 17, 2026
- Monitor and respond to ISC and IDEaS challenges that match your technology
- Subscribe to the IDEaS newsletter and DND/DIA announcements
- Keep the IP Canadian-owned — it's a priced asset under ITB
Programs to line up
2
Months 6–18
Validation
Sandboxes, test drives, prototypes with a real customer.
Actions
- Pursue a sandbox demonstration, IDEaS Test Drive (TRL 7+), or ISC Phase 2 slot
- Prepare for the next NATO DIANA cohort call
- If work touches protected or controlled material, initiate DOS and CGP well in advance
- Build a demonstrable reference — this is the currency of the next stage
Programs to line up
3
Months 12–24
Supply-Chain Entry
Prime relationships on ITB-literate terms.
Actions
- Identify primes holding or pursuing major Canadian contracts in your lane
- Approach them with an ITB-literate value proposition (multipliers, Canadian IP, SMB status, TBI relief)
- Join CADSI; attend CANSEC in Ottawa — the sector's central meeting point
- Apply to RDII for scaling costs while your region's intake is open
- Scope CPCSC Level 2 if protected-information work is in view
Programs to line up
4
Months 18–36+
Market Participation
Bid as a prime; scale production; export via allies.
Actions
- Enter standing offers and supply arrangements
- Bid as a prime where you hold references, clearances, and certified systems
- Pursue allied opportunities through SAFE-linked programs and NATO DIANA
- Track BOREALIS calls and DIA engagement mechanisms as they come online
Programs to line up
Not sure which stage you're in?
Take the ten-question readiness check. You'll get a stage placement plus a prioritized list of next moves.
Start the assessment