Getting Construction Grants: Solo, With a Consultant, or Through a Platform?

Sommaire

Solution 1 – Applying on Your Own
Solution 2 – Hiring an Independent Consultant
Solution 3 – Using a Platform Like Hello Darwin
Summary

7 min

May 2025

Complex forms, tight deadlines, unclear criteria... Obtaining a grant in the construction sector can quickly become a headache. So, should you handle everything yourself? Hire an independent consultant? Or turn to a specialized platform like Hello Darwin?

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In this article, we compare these three options – highlighting their advantages, limitations, and which profiles they best suit.

Key takeaways

Here are the three main approaches for obtaining a grant:

Applying on your own: It's free, but time-consuming. Without expertise, you might miss out on certain funding opportunities.
Hiring an independent consultant: Personalized support, but quality and expertise vary between providers.
‍Using a platform like Hello Darwin: Turnkey solution with a high success rate, but fees apply.

Sommaire

Solution 1 – Applying on Your Own
Solution 2 – Hiring an Independent Consultant
Solution 3 – Using a Platform Like Hello Darwin
Summary

Solution 1 – Applying on Your Own

This is the most economical option... but also the most demanding. Everything depends on you: researching programs, verifying eligibility criteria, preparing the application, meeting deadlines. It requires time, thoroughness, and comfort with administrative procedures.

Advantages

No direct expenses (aside from time invested)
Complete control over the process
Good way to learn more about existing programs

Disadvantages

Very time-consuming
Added mental load on top of daily operations
Risk of rejection due to lack of structure or oversight

Solution 2 – Hiring an Independent Consultant

The independent consultant acts as a dedicated guide: helping you select the right program, prepare your application, and follow through until submission. This may suit an SME looking for tailored support without engaging with a larger organization.

Advantages

Personalized guidance
Better visibility on relevant programs
Time saved on writing and procedures

Disadvantages

Variable expertise levels (not always easy to verify)
May lack a comprehensive view of all available programs
Sometimes less structured approach, without digital tools or robust processes

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💡 Still hesitant about investing in a digital solution? This article helps clarify things: Investing in Software: Expense or Subsidized Opportunity for Your Construction Business?

Solution 3 – Using a Platform Like Hello Darwin

Hello Darwin offers a structured, specialized approach. With its database of over 3,000 up-to-date Canadian grants, team of 40 advisors, and expertise in the construction sector, it provides end-to-end support to maximize chances of success.

Advantages

Access to an updated catalog of grants (public and sector-specific)
Team of experts dedicated to construction
Streamlined process: from eligibility analysis to application preparation
Rigorous follow-up with digital tools

Disadvantage

Fees apply (often a percentage of the grant obtained)

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Summary

The right choice depends on your resources and context:

Have time but limited budget? Do it yourself.
Looking for flexible guidance? A consultant might be suitable.
Want to maximize your chances of success while saving time? A platform like Hello Darwin offers structured, fast, and secure support.

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If you're using or considering a solution like Civalgo for project management, know that Hello Darwin is an official partner. This partnership gives you access to grants specifically aligned with implementing digital tools like ours.

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Modernizing your business while securing funding is possible — provided you have the right support.

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