Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit (SBVCTC)
Also known as: SBVCTC
A 45% non-refundable Manitoba tax credit offered to investors in eligible early-stage Manitoba companies, helping a business raise up to $10 million in equity capital. Investors earn the credit on a minimum $5,000 to a maximum $500,000 investment per company, up to a maximum credit of $225,000 in a calendar year (claim up to $120,000 in a tax year), with unused credits carried forward 10 years or back 3 years. Enhancements effective April 15, 2026 lowered the minimum qualifying investment to $5,000, allowed investment through Manitoba limited partnerships (Manitoban general partner), and let Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs) qualify. Companies must be pre-approved before issuing eligible shares.
Who qualifies
- Issuing company: a Canadian-controlled private corporation with a permanent establishment in Manitoba, pre-approved before issuing shares
- Company generates revenue from an active business; at least $25,000 cash equity already invested; not a Reporting Issuer under The Securities Act (Manitoba)
- Company annual revenues below $15 million, or fewer than 100 full-time-equivalent employees (company and affiliates combined); at least 25% of employees resident in Manitoba
- Certain principal activities are ineligible (regulated professional services; management/financial/administrative services; real estate; oil/gas/mineral extraction; farming/fishing/hunting; franchises; restaurants/bars without a brew-pub endorsement; performing arts/gaming; education/health/social services)
- Investor earns a 45% non-refundable credit on a $5,000–$500,000 investment per company; must not be a Specified Shareholder (>35% of a share class) and must hold the investment at least three years
Typical applicant
An early-stage Manitoba CCPC raising private equity (and its Manitoba-taxpaying individual or corporate investors), outside the ineligible activity list
Verified against the official program page as of 2026-07-15. Programs change — always confirm current details with the program office before committing project spend.