SMB Engagement Strategy
Building Canada’s Defence Capability, Together
Discover & Engage
01
Transparent Path to Engagement
We establish simple, predictable pathways for engaging with Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem. A single digital interface and identifiable points of contact guide industry, particularly small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), to opportunities, requirements, and decision-makers across the Department of National Defence (DND), the CAF, and partner departments.
02
Scout & Signal
We proactively identify and engage Canadian sovereign capabilities and clearly communicate defence needs, timelines, and priorities. Through early market engagement and collaboration with industry partners, we connect high-potential subject matter experts (SMEs) to real operational challenges sooner.
03
Mission-Driven Selections
We select solutions based on operational effectiveness and value to Canada, not company size, geography, or incumbent status. Transparent, challenge-led processes with clear evaluation criteria, constructive feedback, and fair competition levels the playing field and prioritizes innovation, agility, and outcomes for the CAF.
Contract
04
Proportionate Partnerships
We adopt a risk- and value-proportionate commercial approach, including simplified contracting where appropriate, aligned to work scope and maturity. Intellectual property is respected, through flexible licensing models that preserve Canadian company value, support domestic growth, enable future export success, and protect Canada’s sovereign interests.
05
Cashflow Confidence
We provide predictable payments to strengthen the financial resilience of Canadian suppliers, particularly SMEs. By meeting or exceeding federal payment targets, we ensure transparency and reliability, enabling companies to invest confidently in talent, infrastructure, and research and development.
Validate & Pull Through
06
From Sandbox to Operations
We expand access to ‘sandboxes’ that enable low-burden experimentation, rapid integration, and validation. These environments support safe collaboration, accelerate learning, and shorten the path from prototype to operational deployment.
Build & Scale
07
Embedded Expertise
We build capability on both sides by sharing practical expertise through mentoring, targeted training, and temporary exchanges. This hands-on collaboration helps Canadian SMEs navigate defence standards, security requirements, and procurement pathways, while enabling government teams to better leverage industry innovation.
08
Investment and Scaling Pathways
We actively support the growth of high-potential Canadian SMEs by working with partners to pilot and align financial instruments, including co-investment and innovation funding. Our goal is to bridge the gap from demonstration to production, crowd-in private capital, and anchor growth and manufacturing capacity in Canada.
Industry Ecosystem
09
Inspiring Future Generations
We champion defence and security as a high-tech, purpose-driven sector that contributes to Canada’s safety, sovereignty, and global responsibilities. We support initiatives that attract youth, underrepresented groups, Indigenous communities, and regional talent, strengthening the long term sustainability and diversity of Canada’s defence industrial base.
Govern & Improve
10
Accountability & Transparency
We embed this strategy’s principles across our organization and publicly track progress where possible. This is our living commitment, meant to be measured, refined, and improved over time, demonstrating our dedication to a strong, innovative, and collaborative Canadian defence ecosystem.