​About Event

​Join us for a virtual Lunch & Learn tailored for YSpace founders looking to leverage the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program. With the tax year underway and significant expansions announced in the recent Federal Budget, understanding how to maximize your claim is more critical than ever.

​Funding your innovation roadmap requires a smart strategy, especially when it comes to non-dilutive capital. This session will provide you with the specific tactical knowledge needed to secure the funding you are entitled to, ensuring you don't leave money on the table this tax year. The session will cover:

• ​Introduction to the SR&ED Program: Get a comprehensive overview of the program, its purpose, and the specific benefits for your company.

• ​Strategic Tips and Tricks: Receive expert advice on submitting successful claims, including industry-specific best practices and how to avoid common errors.

• ​Audit Preparation and Defense: Gain insights on how to prepare for potential Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) audits and strategies for defending your claims.

• ​Common Pitfalls: Learn to identify industry-specific mistakes and overlooked aspects of the application process that can impact your success.

• ​Maximizing Benefits: Understand the relationship between SR&ED and other government support programs (such as grants) and how to maximize your total benefits.

• ​Program Enhancements: Get a crucial update on the significant enhancements and SR&ED program changes announced in the November 4 Federal Budget.

​About the Speaker

​Naren Balakrishnan Partner, R&D and Government Incentives

​With over 20 years of experience in information technology, professional services, and consulting, Naren specializes in tax incentive advisory and compliance. Since 2008, he has focused specifically on helping clients across all industries including biotechnology, engineering, software/IT, aerospace, and health sciences; file maximized and substantiated Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit claims.

​As a Partner in the R&D and Government Incentives group, Naren’s mission is to simplify complex government programs, granting companies access to the financial incentives they need to grow. Beyond advisory, he is heavily involved in business development, helping scale-up ventures reach the next level and assisting international companies in entering the Canadian market.

​Naren is an active member of CPA Canada’s SR&ED committee and serves as a mentor and partner to numerous tech accelerators and incubators. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.

​About YSpace

​YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub supporting startups and entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and communities. Our programming spans across scaling innovative technologies through customer and investor capital to scaling agri-food businesses into mass retail to diversity-focused initiatives like **ELLA powered by Desjardins** for women-led businesses and Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. Additionally with our Start-Up Visa program, we are building a robust ecosystem, driving positive change and empowering entrepreneurs to shape the future. We are also home to two physical hubs in the City of Markham and the Town of Georgina.

​About Doane Grant Thornton

​Grant Thornton is a global network of independent accounting and consulting firms providing assurance, tax, and advisory services to businesses, known for combining local market insight with international reach, helping clients with growth, risk, technology, and strategy across over 130 countries. In Canada, it's known as Doane Grant Thornton LLP, a major player offering personalized, quality-focused solutions for dynamic private and public organizations.