Nova Scotia Business Grants: What’s Available and How to Apply
Looking to start or grow your business in Nova Scotia with the help of non-repayable funding? This article outlines the business grants available in the province, who offers them, what they can be used for, and how to qualify.
Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or rural entrepreneur, this guide will help you find relevant grant opportunities and make informed funding decisions.
✅ What is a Business Grant?
A business grant is non-repayable funding provided by government departments, non-profits, or development agencies to support specific business goals. Unlike loans, grants don’t have to be repaid — but they do come with application requirements, eligibility criteria, and conditions. In Nova Scotia, business grants are often used to support innovation, job creation, export development, and economic growth in key sectors and regions.
✅ Types of Business Grants in Nova Scotia
Grants in Nova Scotia are typically grouped by what they support, who they’re for, or where the business is located. The most common types include:
◾ Activity Grants
These grants help fund specific business initiatives such as hiring, training, product development, digital upgrades, or expanding into new markets.
◾ Audience Grants
Some grants are designed to support equity and inclusion by targeting women, youth, Indigenous entrepreneurs, newcomers, and persons with disabilities.
◾ Industry Grants
Nova Scotia offers grant programs that support its strategic sectors, including ocean technology, aquaculture, clean tech, tourism, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
◾ Regional Grants
Many programs are available specifically to businesses in rural or underserved areas of Nova Scotia, including Cape Breton and Northern Nova Scotia. These often come through regional development agencies or municipal partnerships.
✅ What Can a Business Grant be Used for in NS?
Business grants in Nova Scotia can support a wide range of business goals. Common uses include:
- Hiring and workforce training
- Research, development, and innovation
- Export development and market expansion
- Process improvements and equipment upgrades
- Digital adoption or e-commerce integration
- Environmental sustainability or clean technology projects
Programs vary in scope — some cover all eligible costs, while others require businesses to contribute matching funds.
✅ How to Qualify for a Business Grant in Nova Scotia
To be eligible for a business grant in Nova Scotia, your business typically needs to:
- Be registered and operating (or planning to operate) in Nova Scotia
- Meet specific requirements based on sector, location, business size, or ownership
- Propose a project that aligns with the program’s objectives
- Submit a clear and complete application, including any required business plans or financials
Many grant programs are competitive and may require proof of economic impact or job creation.
✅ Alternatives to Business Grants in NS
If you don’t qualify for a grant — or want to explore additional funding options — Nova Scotia offers a range of alternatives:
◾ Subsidies
Wage and training subsidies help cover the cost of hiring youth, students, or individuals from underrepresented groups.
◾ Government Loans
Flexible, low-interest loans are available through provincial agencies like Nova Scotia Business Inc. and federal programs delivered regionally.
◾ Tax Credits
Businesses in Nova Scotia may benefit from tax credits such as the federal SR&ED credit or provincial incentives for digital media, film production, or R&D investments.
◾ Equity Investment Programs
Startups and high-growth businesses can access equity funding through angel networks, venture capital funds, or innovation-focused accelerators operating in Nova Scotia.
✅ Nova Scotia Business Grants: Current Grants Available
Up to 75% of eligible training costs
Grant
Description:
The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI) provides funding to businesses, industry associations and sector councils to enhance workforce skills and improve innovation and productivity.
Up to 60% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $50,000/year dependent on grape acreage ($25,000 for certified small farm wineries or grape growers with 2 to <10 acres; $50,000 for certified farm wineries or grape growers with 10 acres or more); agriculture industry associations up to $50,000/year
Grant, Rebate
Description:
The Wine and Grape Industry Development program supports the environmental, economic and social sustainability of Nova Scotia’s wine industry. The program helps grape growers and wineries prepare for climate change and supports marketing and training activities.
Employers (farm or veterinary clinic) receive a wage subsidy of $6,000 ($12.50/hr) paid over 2 installments; students receive a $2,500 bursary each year of participation; funding limited to 6 applicants in each year
Subsidy, Grant
Description:
The Veterinary Student
Placement Program provides veterinary students with applied learning opportunities and gives them experience in rural Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry.
Maximum of 50% of the project cost to a maximum of $50,000 per year dependent on eligible gross commodity sales ($10,000 for $30,000-$99,999; $25,000 for $100,000-$249,999; $50,000 for $250,000+), up to $150,000 over the life of the SCAP program (2023-2028)
Grant
Description:
The Value-adding Equipment Program supports value-added businesses. The program helps increase local food production, and improve food security and sustainability for farms and communities.
$5,000
Grant
Description:
Digital Nova Scotia partnered with Tourism Nova Scotia to help connect tourism businesses with digital service providers that can help them develop or enhance effective digital marketing tools. It’s an exciting project that gives our tourism businesses the opportunity to collaborate with the digital community in our province. Approved tourism businesses will be eligible for 100% of the cost of services from a qualified digital service provider, up to a maximum value of $5,000 including HST.
$15,000
Grant
Description:
Do you offer digital services that will benefit tourism businesses or community tourism organizations?
Earn up to $15,000 for digital services you provide to tourism businesses in Nova Scotia. If you have expertise in digital marketing, website design, photography, video production, or any other digital services.
Up to $5,000 (tax inclusive) in services from a qualified consultant per approved applicant, of which up to $1,000 for subscription services and digital campaign testing and up to $3,000 for photography or videography services
In-Kind Support
Description:
The Tourism Digital Assistance Program helps eligible tourism businesses build digital capacity, increase visibility online, and deliver the digital services travellers expect.
In partnership with Digital Nova Scotia, you will be matched with a qualified digital consultant for services valued up to $5,000.
50% of total budget up to a maximum of $10,000 per Artist III Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The objective of the Music Nova Scotia Investment Program is to encourage the creation, development, and growth of Nova Scotian music businesses, artists, and their intellectual property.
The tour support stream provides an investment for domestic and international tours.
50% of total budget up to max investment; $5,000 maximum per Artist II Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The tour support stream provides an investment for domestic and international tours.
$2,500 maximum per Artist I Applicant per Deadline; 50% for Artist I
Grant
Description:
The objective of the Music Nova Scotia Investment Program is to encourage the creation, development, and growth of Nova Scotian music businesses, artists, and their intellectual property.
The tour support stream provides an investment for domestic and international tours.
Projects are cost-shared to a maximum of 50/50 with applicants (for example, a $10,000 project would receive $5,000 in funding); contribution based on scope and deliverables of the project
Grant
Description:
This initiative is intended to assist companies with seafood value-added products already in the marketplace, or those ready to go to market, with a technical issue that is keeping or prohibiting a product from entering a new market or limiting its current market success.
100% of the certification fee paid by the business to obtain a first-time certification, up to $1,000 (excluding taxes) per certification, with a maximum total of $3,000 (excluding taxes) per company (for three new certifications)
Grant
Description:
SDCP helps Nova Scotia businesses elevate their national and international competitiveness through certification as a diverse-owned business which can provide access to specific supplier diversity procurement programs.
The program provides financial support to offset the costs of a maximum of three certifications.
50% of total budget to a maximum of $5,000 per Applicant per Music Nova Scotia fiscal year for Export Ready Songwriter/Producer ($2,000 for Developing Songwriter/Producer)
Grant
Description:
The Business Travel component provides investment for domestic and international music industry conferences and events, as well as business trips for the company’s general market development.
No specific amount specified
In-Kind Support
Description:
Our Small Commercial Marine Business Program:
1. Allows marine businesses the opportunity to use Build Nova Scotia infrastructure in a manner that compliments traditional business development processes.
To support this initiative, Build Nova Scotia offers the Blue Line Accreditation Program. Successful applicants are granted access to designated shared areas within Build Nova Scotia owned and/or operated marine infrastructure throughout Halifax Harbour.
No specific amount specified
In-Kind Support
Description:
Build Nova Scotia is seeking several local operators to “Pop-Up” their retail businesses in one of two modified shipping containers for one-week opportunities within Salt Yard on the Halifax waterfront.
50% of total budget up to $1,500 per Applicant per deadline for Regional Showcases, $3,000 per Applicant per deadline for Domestic Showcases, $5,000 per Applicant per deadline for International Showcases
Grant
Description:
The objective of the Music Nova Scotia Investment Program is to encourage the creation, development, and growth of Nova Scotian music businesses, artists, and their intellectual property.
The Showcase Support stream provides an investment for domestic and international showcase performances.
50% of total budget up to $1,500 per Applicant per deadline for Regional Showcases, $3,000 for Domestic Showcases and $5,000 for International Showcases
Grant
Description:
The Showcase Support stream provides an investment for domestic and international showcase performances.
50% of total budget up to $1,500 per Applicant per deadline for Regional Showcases, $3,000 per Applicant per deadline for Domestic Showcases, $5,000 per Applicant per deadline for International Showcases
Grant
Description:
The Showcase Support stream provides an investment for domestic and international showcase performances.
Up to $15,000 per fiscal year per applicant; projects cost-shared to a maximum of 50/50 (a $30,000 project would receive $15,000 in funding)
Grant
Description:
Perennia’s Seafood Accelerator Program supports Nova Scotia-based seafood companies in adaping to the changing demands of today’s markets by developing new value-added products, ensuring current seafood products meet customer expectations, developing and implementing comprehensive food safety programs to comply with regulatory requirements and gaining access to new markets.
Up to a maximum of $15,000 per applicant, based on scope and deliverables; projects cost-shared to a maximum of 50/50 with applicants
Grant
Description:
This program focuses on assisting companies to overcome a specific food safety requirement or obstacle that is preventing them from entering a new market, or in keeping markets open when requirements change.
Up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000 for each project; funding once per project stage, up to a maximum of 2 stages per project
Grant
Description:
Production companies can apply for funding from the Screenwriters Development Fund to develop scripts by Nova Scotian writers for film and television. You can apply until 1 September 2026.
Top-up contribution of 20% (25% for Category C documentaries) of Eligible Nova Scotia costs, to a cap of $100,000 to $275,000 depending on category and budget tier
Grant
Description:
The Screen Nova Scotia Content Creator Fund (CCF) is a program that acts as a top-up contribution for qualifying Nova Scotia Productions. The CCF supports Nova Scotia creators by providing funding to eligible productions.
$3,000 maximum per Applicant per Deadline; 50% of total budget up to max investment
Grant
Description:
The Artist II/III Recording Program offers a $3,000 investment toward sound recording. These activities must be detailed in an artist bio, history, and recording plan, and a marketing and release overview which will be submitted to Music Nova Scotia as a required element of the application.
50% of total budget up to $2,500 maximum per Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Artist I Recording Program offers a $2,500 investment toward sound recording.
No fixed amount
In-Kind Support
Description:
The RADIATE Tourism Program helps tourism businesses and attractions build capacity to create and market packages to appeal to local and Atlantic region travellers. The program focuses on creating and marketing compelling packages available in late-fall, winter or year-round to help extend Nova Scotia’s tourism season.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The QEII Foundation Translating Research Into Care (TRIC) health care improvement research program supports research that will provide evidence and facilitate the translation of clinical science into improved health care policy, service delivery, and patient care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and across Nova Scotia Health. This funding program was established in 2013 with funding from the QEII Foundation.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Introduction The Nova Scotia Publishers Assistance Fund invests in provincially-based publishers to increase the sustainability, export capacity and marketplace growth of the publishing sector in Nova Scotia.
Tier 1: Up to $15,000 to support a new project; Tier 2: Up to $25,000 to build on previously completed Tier 1 work (credit note paid directly to the Academic Institution; AI projects may be considered for Tier 1 funding up to $25,000)
Grant
Description:
The Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP) supports Nova Scotia businesses in advancing applied innovation projects that deliver clear, measurable business outcomes.
Through the program, companies can work with Nova Scotia post-secondary institutions to develop new or improved products, services, or processes, strengthen operations, and improve competitiveness.
Up to 60% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $15,000
Grant
Description:
The Planning New Opportunities Program helps farms, agri-businesses and agricultural industry associations be more competitive, manage transition, develop risk management strategies and respond to change.
Up to $75,000 per project; grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs
Grant
Description:
HCi3 supports innovative projects that help Halifax/Kjipuktuk reach its goal of becoming net-zero by 2050 through a just and equitable low-carbon transition.
Up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $15,000 ($10,000/year for income $30,000 – $99,999; $15,000/year for $100,000+); tile drainage up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $60,000 over the life of Sustainable CAP ($20,000, $40,000 or $60,000/year by income level)
Grant
Description:
The On-Farm Water Management Program will support primary producers to improve and adapt to impacts of climate change on water implications, including activities to conserve and enhance natural resources for water management. This program will support primary producers to accelerate the adoption of priority Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs).
Farms and co-operatives, maximum by gross farming income: Under $10,000: $10,000; $10,000 – $49,999: $25,000; $50,000 – $99,999: $50,000; $100,000 – $249,999: $75,000; $250,000 or more: $100,000. Non-profit agricultural industry associations and community pastures: $75,000 (first time), up to $100,000 if previously funded. Eligible costs cost shared 85:15 (program:applicant)
Grant
Description:
On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is an initiative to help farmers improve soil health, protect soil from erosion, and tackle climate change by adopting beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases. The program offers funding to help farmers implement nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing practices.
Maximum of 50% funding assistance to a maximum of $30,000 per program year; maximum of $60,000 per applicant over the life of the Sustainable CAP program (2023-2028)
Grant
Description:
The On-farm Automation and Innovation Program supports investments in innovative technologies that require testing and knowledge sharing in Nova Scotia before widespread adoption.
$30,000
Grant
Description:
The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program helps improve the environmental resiliency of agricultural landscapes by accelerating the adoption of on-farm land use and management practices that maximize benefits for the environment and society.
Eligibility
$30,000
Grant
Description:
The On-farm Technology Adoption Program helps producers invest in equipment and processes that provide labour efficiencies, reduce cost of production, increase yields and support more efficient use of inputs.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Health Equity Fund (HEF) internal funding competition, a collaboration between Nova Scotia Health and the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation, supports researchers and innovators dedicated to integrating health equity principles and objectives into their work. The program aims to address inequitable and avoidable differences in social determinants of health, health outcomes, and the impact of interventions for specific populations. The HEF will provide funding opportunities to develop and implement innovative approaches, advanced technologies, inclusive research, and related policies to mitigate implicit bias in the healthcare system.
Base Incentive of 25 per cent of all Eligible Nova Scotia Costs, plus 2 percentage points for rural/non-metropolitan shoots, up to 10 percentage points for Distant Location shoots, 1 percentage point for shoots of more than 30 days, and up to 1.5 + 1.5 percentage points Nova Scotia content incentives; maximum $10 million per project
Grant
Description:
The Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund provides funding for screen-based content creation. To be eligible, organizations must have a permanent establishment in the province and be engaged primarily in the creation of film or video productions for public viewing.
Base Incentive of 26 per cent of all Eligible Nova Scotia Costs, plus 2 percentage points (rural/non-metropolitan location), up to 10 percentage points (Distant Location), 1 percentage point (shoots of more than 30 days) and 1.5 + 1.5 percentage points (Nova Scotia Content Incentive); maximum funding of $10 million per project
Grant
Description:
The Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund provides funding for screen-based content creation. To be eligible, organizations must have a permanent establishment in the province and be engaged primarily in the creation of film or video productions for public viewing.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Every year the Art Bank adds to its collection through the Art Bank Purchase Program. Artists are invited to submit their works for consideration. Pieces that are acquired become part of a working collection.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
Since 2015, Digital Nova Scotia has been proud to bring its members free* training opportunities with the assistance of Nova Scotia’s Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI). These programs are focused on improving Nova Scotian productivity, profitability, innovation, technology, machinery, equipment and increasing inter-provincial and international competitiveness while fostering workplace diversity.
Projects are cost-shared to a maximum of 50/50 with applicants (for example, a $10,000 project would receive $5,000 in funding); funding contribution is based on scope and deliverables of the project
Grant
Description:
This initiative is intended to support the development of new seafood value-added products through activities such as market validation, prototype development and scale-up support with the intent of having the product successfully reach the intended market.
Tier 1: between $15,000 and $40,000, funding 80% of eligible expenses (recipients contribute 20% of total project costs); Tier 2: awards between $40,000 and $100,000, matched at 50%, for applicants investing more than $40,000
Grant
Description:
A tier 1 shared-funding exploration grant provides between $15,000 and $40,000 to support mineral exploration programs in Nova Scotia. This new funding stream operates on a shared-funding model, requiring recipients to contribute 20% of total project costs.
A shared-funding exploration grant is available to applicants who commit to investing more than $40,000 in a mineral exploration program in Nova Scotia.
Research grants: maximum $100,000
Grant
Description:
Research grants are available for studies that support and encourage mineral exploration, development, mineral processing and value-added end-use applications of minerals in Nova Scotia.
Up to $15,000 of support for grass-roots exploration activities in Nova Scotia
Grant
Description:
Prospecting grants provide up to $15,000 of support and are intended to help explorers carry out grass-roots exploration activities and find economical mineral resources in Nova Scotia.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Mineral Resources Development Fund (MRDF) supports the advancement of mineral resource projects that generate economic benefits for Nova Scotia.
Marketing grants are available for promoting mineral properties at trade shows.
Innovation grants: maximum $100,000
Grant
Description:
The Mineral Resources Development Fund (MRDF) supports the advancement of mineral resource projects that generate economic benefits for Nova Scotia.
Innovation focused on new uses for minerals, mineral processes, data processing/GIS tools, exploration tools, mining methods and mine reclamation studies focused on mineral extraction and remediation.
Create – $15,000 Maximum, $500 Minimum; Present – $12,000 Maximum, $500 Minimum; Professional Development – $12,000 Maximum, $500 Minimum; Visual Arts Materials Grants $750 maximum; access support up to 25% of the expense budget or $2500, whichever is less
Grant
Description:
The Mi’kmaq Arts Program supports the development and continuation of Mi’kmaq art forms in the territory of Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia).
Nova Scotia-based Mi’kmaq artists, groups (including ad-hoc groups), bands, or organizations are eligible to apply.
75% of total budget up to max investment; $15,000.00 maximum per Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Mentorship Component supports developmental employment relationships between Developing and Export-Ready Artists/Companies/Entrepreneurs (Mentee) and mentors in which a more experienced music industry professional (Mentor) shares information, skills or knowledge, and standards or best practices that will advance the applicant’s career, enhance their education and build their networks. The applicant (Mentee) should receive the primary benefit of the mentorship.
75% of total budget up to max investment – $15,000.00 maximum per Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Mentorship Component supports developmental employment relationships between Developing and Export-Ready Artists/Companies/Entrepreneurs (Mentee) and mentors in which a more experienced music industry professional (Mentor) shares information, skills or knowledge, and standards or best practices that will advance the applicant’s career, enhance their education and build their networks.
75% of total budget up to max investment of $15,000.00 per Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Mentorship Component supports developmental employment relationships between Developing and Export-Ready Artists/Companies/Entrepreneurs (Mentee) and mentors in which a more experienced music industry professional (Mentor) shares information, skills or knowledge, and standards or best practices that will advance the applicant’s career, enhance their education and build their networks. The applicant (Mentee) should receive the primary benefit of the mentorship.
50% for Artist III, to a $10,000 maximum for Artist III Applicant (or eligible music company) per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Marketing Component supports Artists III and Record Label applicants by contributing to the costs of the marketing and promotion of a single, EP, LP, or tour.
50% for Artist II, $5000 maximum for Artist Level II Applicant (or eligible music company) per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Marketing Support Artist II component supports Artist II and Record Label applicants by contributing to the costs of the marketing and promotion of a single, EP, LP, or tour.
50% of total budget up to $2,500 maximum for Artist Level I Applicant (or eligible music company per Deadline)
Grant
Description:
The Marketing Component supports Artist I and Record Label applicants by contributing to the costs of the marketing and promotion of a single, EP, LP, or tour.
Up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $20,000, across all streams; farms and agri-businesses by income level ($30,000 – $99,999: $5,000; $100,000 – $249,999: $10,000; $250,000+: $20,000 per year); associations a maximum of $20,000/year; maximum of $60,000 per applicant over the life of the Sustainable CAP Program (2023-2028)
Grant
Description:
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program supports local and export marketing activities that enable eligible producers, processors, and industry associations to:
1. Determine the necessary product and packaging modifications required to meet specific export market requirements and preferences.
Undertake marketing activities to meet changing requirements or emerging opportunities in domestic and export markets.
Up to 80% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $32,000
Grant
Description:
The Limestone Trucking Assistance Program aims to help Nova Scotia farms defray the cost of trucking limestone to give equal opportunity in neutralizing the acidity of the soil on agricultural land and improve production efficiencies.
No fixed amount
In-Kind Support
Description:
The Land for Housing Program helps create affordable housing. Private developers and community housing developers can apply for provincially owned land available through the Land for Housing Program.
Apply for land available through the Land for Housing Program to help offset development costs of creating affordable housing.
$40,000
Grant
Description:
Invest Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub and Bioenterprise Canada Corporation have partnered to create GreenShoots, supporting early stage companies in the agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, clean technology, and related sectors. The goal of GreenShoots is to find and support high potential, early stage knowledge-based Nova Scotia companies, and encourage entrepreneurial activity in the province. The support is intended to help improve the export potential of companies, projected impacts on climate change, job creation, and generation of economic impact in rural areas.
$30,000 (Growth Stream) or $40,000 (Development Stream) in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding disbursed on an expense claim basis, up to $15,000 of which can be allocated to founder salaries
Accelerator, Grant
Description:
The Accelerate program helps Nova Scotia’s early-stage technology start-ups move faster on their path to market.
Accelerate offers two distinct streams based on a company’s path to market.
Level of Investment – $15,000; Percentage of Investment – 100%
Grant
Description:
The Industry Builders Mentorship component of the Music Nova Scotia Investment Program supports developmental employment relationships between Developing and Export-Ready Artists/Companies/Entrepreneurs (Mentee) and mentors in which a more experienced music industry professional (Mentor) shares information, skills or knowledge and standards or best practices that will advance the applicant’s career, enhance their education and build their networks. The Industry Builders Mentorship program is only available to applicants of racialized communities: People of Mi’kmaq descent and other Indigenous Peoples; people of African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and mixed racial heritage descent who have been historically disadvantaged as a group and may experience discrimination based on colour, culture and race.
$25,000
Grant
Description:
The Heritage Incentives Program provides matching grants (50 per cent) of up to $15,000 for residential properties and $25,000 for commercial properties to complete exterior conservation work on a municipally registered heritage property.
Up to 50% of eligible costs, generally up to a maximum of $5,000, for the development of a conservation plan prepared by an architect, engineer, or other qualified person
Grant
Description:
The Heritage Development Fund recognizes the culture and heritage value of our built heritage and supports conservation measures for heritage properties registered under the Heritage Property Act.
The Heritage Development Fund invests in conservation advice projects carried out by the property’s owner to ensure the exterior appearance and core structure of the registered heritage property maintains the property’s unique heritage values.
Up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $5,000 per program year, plus supplementary Business Advisory Services funding of up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $2,000 over the life of Sustainable CAP; up to a maximum of $12,000 per applicant over the life of Sustainable CAP
Grant
Description:
The Get Growing Program supports the growth of Nova Scotia small farms through the adoption of specialized infrastructure or equipment. Projects should help the expansion of local agricultural production for local markets.
Up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per company per program year
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
The Food Ventures Program complements other provincial food-based funding programs by supporting access to Perennia’s technical specialists’ knowledge, expertise and services for Nova Scotia agri-food and beverage businesses.
The overall objective is to support Nova Scotia businesses to increase sales.
$2,000
Grant
Description:
The Food Ventures Program provides financial support for the acceleration of innovative and safe Nova Scotia local products to market using Perennia’s food safety and product development services.
Up to a maximum of $5,000 CAD to help cover registration fees for eligible travel trade marketplaces
Grant
Description:
The EXPORT Travel Trade Program aims to help Nova Scotia tourism businesses develop partnerships with tour operators and travel agents to increase national and international sales.
Participants can receive up to $5,000 towards registration fees to attend an eligible travel trade marketplace.
Up to a maximum of $15,000 CAD of eligible costs per business, per fiscal year, increased by $10,000 (to $25,000 CAD) for eligible companies in Nova Scotia’s six priority sectors with more than $100,000 in revenue actively entering new export markets; total government funding no more than 50% of the total eligible project cost
Grant
Description:
EDP is for Nova Scotia businesses looking to:
1. increase sales outside Nova Scotia
2. improve competitiveness
3. positively impact the Nova Scotia economy
EDP provides financial incentives to offset the cost of projects that assist a business’s ability to overcome barriers to export growth.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Program supports the Agricultural sector in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This program helps primary producers accelerate the adoption of priority beneficial management practices.
$15,000
Grant, Rebate
Description:
The Commercial New Construction Program provides support for whole-building energy modeling as a design tool and offers incentives to help offset the capital cost of efficient construction.
$5,000
Grant, Loan
Description:
Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Building Optimization Program is a part of the larger Custom Program, where Efficiency Nova
Scotia offers technical assistance, financial incentives and financing to offset the cost of engineering studies, energy
efficient equipment and installation for customized projects.
The Building Optimization Program provides a similar offering but with a streamlined application process and a simplified
incentive structure to be better suited to recommissioning measures in existing buildings that save electrical energy.
Up to $200,000 in damage covered; the amount is determined based on the circumstances (uninsurable damage only)
Grant
Description:
Nova Scotia’s Disaster Financial Assistance programs are designed to help municipalities,
small businesses, not-for-profit groups and Nova Scotians get back on their feet after a
major storm or natural disaster.
This program helps those whose losses aren’t covered by insurance. This can include
structural damage to homes and damage to uninsurable items such as basic household
goods and appliances, including washers, dryers and furnaces. Not all disasters are
covered by private insurance. Floods and earthquakes, for example, can result in losses
an insurance company wouldn’t offer coverage for
$70,000
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
In partnership with Dalhousie University, and Landmark Decisions Inc., the Digital Twinning for an Organization (DTO) Adoption Program enables Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers to get the consulting, staff, and education required to adopt DTO simulation modeling.
Tourism Nova Scotia will match partner investments; minimum partner investment of $7,500 plus a 15% media buying fee (total $8,625) for digital marketing, and $10,000 for content creation
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
Create high-quality videos and photos to use in your marketing or to develop digital marketing campaigns to raise awareness of your business or community.
The Digital Content Marketing Program is open to tourism businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia. You can submit one application for digital marketing, content creation, or both.
75% of total budget to a maximum of $3,000.00 per Applicant per Deadline, toward six months of songwriting and production sessions
Grant
Description:
The Developing Songwriter/Producer component offers a $3,000 investment toward six months of songwriting and production sessions. The program is designed to support travel costs related to participating in writing sessions and production work.
Up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000 to $30,000 for each project
Grant
Description:
Creative businesses can apply for funding from the Creative Industries Fund to help increase sales and grow the presence of Nova Scotia’s cultural products outside the province.
Up to $10,000 per grant; grants can cover up to 80% of total project costs, with a minimum of 20% of project costs provided through matching funds or in-kind contributions
Grant
Description:
We fund projects that directly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or lay the groundwork for sustained emissions reductions, while also generating meaningful community benefits.
Intended as seed funding to support new initiatives
75% of total budget up to max investment of $15,000.00 maximum per Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Mentorship Component supports developmental employment relationships between Developing and Export-Ready Artists/Companies/Entrepreneurs (Mentee) and mentors in which a more experienced music industry professional (Mentor) shares information, skills or knowledge, and standards or best practices that will advance the applicant’s career, enhance their education and build their networks. The applicant (Mentee) should receive the primary benefit of the mentorship.
50% of total budget to a maximum of $5,000.00 per Applicant per Music Nova Scotia fiscal year (Business III – $5000; Business II – $2000)
Grant
Description:
The Business Travel component provides investment for domestic and international music industry conferences and events, as well as business trips for the company’s general market development.
50% of total budget to a maximum request of $7,500 (Business III)
Grant
Description:
The Business Development Stream supports Eligible Music Companies by investing in development projects. Investment is available for initiatives that are not artist-specific, but that support the marketing and promotion of the company, full roster and its services.
75% of total budget up to max investment – $15,000.00 maximum per Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Mentorship Component supports developmental employment relationships between Developing and Export-Ready Artists/Companies/Entrepreneurs (Mentee) and mentors in which a more experienced music industry professional (Mentor) shares information, skills or knowledge, and standards or best practices that will advance the applicant’s career, enhance their education and build their networks. The applicant (Mentee) should receive the primary benefit of the mentorship.
50% of total budget to max investment: Business II – $2000; Business III – $5000 (50% to a maximum of $5,000.00 per Applicant per Music Nova Scotia fiscal year)
Grant
Description:
The objective of the Music Nova Scotia Investment Program is to encourage the creation, development, and growth of Nova Scotian music businesses, artists, and their intellectual property.
The Business Travel component provides investment for domestic and international music industry conferences and events, as well as business trips for the company’s general market development.
50% of total budget to max investment, Maximum Request $2,500
Grant
Description:
The Business Development Stream supports Eligible Music Companies by investing in development projects. Investment is available for initiatives that are not artist-specific, but that support the marketing and promotion of the company, full roster and its services.
75% of total budget up to max investment – $15,000.00 maximum per Applicant per Deadline
Grant
Description:
The Mentorship Component supports developmental employment relationships between Developing and Export-Ready Artists/Companies/Entrepreneurs (Mentee) and mentors in which a more experienced music industry professional (Mentor) shares information, skills or knowledge, and standards or best practices that will advance the applicant’s career, enhance their education and build their networks.
Business I – Maximum Request $1,000; 50% of total budget to max investment
Grant
Description:
The Business Development Stream supports Eligible Music Companies by investing in development projects. Investment is available for initiatives that are not artist-specific, but that support the marketing and promotion of the company, full roster and its services.
Up to 2/3 of accessibility improvements and up to $50,000; maximum grant amount available per year is $50,000 per applicant
Grant
Description:
This program offers cost-shared grants to business for accessibility related improvements. Grants are intended to improve overall accessibility and create welcoming environments that persons with disabilities can access for business and employment opportunities.
Create and Present, $20,000 max per deadline; Commission, $7,500 max per deadline; Professional Development, $7,500 max per deadline
Grant
Description:
This program helps Nova Scotian professional arts organizations create and present artistic work as well as strengthen their artistic and administrative capacity.
$15,000
Grant
Description:
This program supports Nova Scotia’s professional, practicing artists in the creation and dissemination of their own work. The program also supports professional artists by helping them to develop their practice and skills in all disciplines including fine crafts, music, literary, visual, media, and performing arts.
$15,000
Grant
Description:
This program helps emerging and established professional artists from designated communities who have historically faced barriers to accessing funding support. Designed to support artistic growth, development, production and dissemination, the initiative is available to the following designated communities of artists:
Indigenous (Mi’kmaq as well as other First Nations, Métis and Inuit)
African Nova Scotian
Black
Racialized people of Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, or mixed racial descents
Artists who are deaf, partially deaf, or hard of hearing
Artists who have disabilities
Artists who have mental illness or are mad-identifying
Development Grants up to $5,000; Engagement Grants up to $20,000; up to one development and one project grant in the same year
Grant
Description:
This program supports organizations, groups, and individuals to develop and carry out community-based arts projects.
Up to $1000 for individuals and up to $2500 for groups/organizations
Grant
Description:
Access Support is a supplement to a project grant that funds individual applicants who self-identify as Deaf, having disabilities or living with mental illness, as well as groups and organizations who want to increase the accessibility to their presentation/ production for audience and/or participants. This supplementary grant provides a contribution towards costs for specific services and supports required to carry out a project funded by Arts NS.
$3,000.00 investment toward one year of artist development activities (Level of Investment – $3,000; Percentage of Investment – 100%)
Grant
Description:
The Artistic Creation Program II of the Music Nova Scotia Investment Program offers a $3,000.00 investment toward one year of artist development activities including sound recording, touring & showcasing, video production, marketing and promotion.
The Artistic Creation Program II is only available to applicants of racialized communities: People of Mi’kmaq descent and other Indigenous Peoples; people of African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and mixed racial heritage descent who have been historically disadvantaged as a group and may experience discrimination based on colour, culture and race.
$1,500.00 maximum per Applicant per Deadline; 100% of total budget to max investment
Grant
Description:
The Artistic Creation Program of the Music Nova Scotia Investment Program offers a $1,500.00 investment toward the creation and marketing of musical and audio-visual artistic creations, including but not limited to recordings, performance videos, & music videos.
The Artistic Creation Program is only available to applicants of racialized communities: People of Mi’kmaq descent and other Indigenous Peoples; people of African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and mixed racial heritage descent who have been historically disadvantaged as a group and may experience discrimination based on colour, culture and race.
Stream 1: $200/hive, up to 25 hives (less than 100 hives) or up to 125 hives (100+ hives); Stream 2: 50% cost share for an oxalic vaporizer and laboratory diagnostic fees, $25 per foulbrood diagnostic kit, up to $200 per applicant for VCPR establishment; Stream 3: 50% cost share to a maximum of $2,000 (under 100 hives) or $10,000 (above 100 hives)
Grant
Description:
The Apiculture Sustainability Growth and Health Program aims to promote hive health, commercial crop pollination expansion and adoption of efficient technologies to help with labour shortages.
Up to 85% funding assistance on total eligible project costs to a maximum of $50,000 per program year; maximum of $150,000 per applicant over the life of the Sustainable CAP program (2023-2028)
Grant
Description:
The Agricultural Research and Innovation Program supports applied research and innovation activities. It also supports on-farm trials that are intended to improve production, productivity, profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of Nova Scotia’s agricultural sectors.
Reduction of municipal property tax over a 10-year period: 90 per cent in years one and two, 75 per cent in years three and four, 60 per cent in years five and six, 45 per cent in years seven and eight, 30 per cent in years nine and 10
Tax Credit
Description:
The Affordable Housing Property Tax Adjustment Policy supports the development of new affordable housing by reducing municipal property taxes over a 10-year period.
Developers who create four or more new affordable housing dwelling units and agree to maintain affordability for at least 10 years may be eligible for this program.
Tier 1: $20,000 per Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit, up to a maximum of $200,000 per project; Tier 2: $18,000 per Affordable Housing Dwelling Unit, up to a maximum of $160,000 per project
Grant
Description:
The Affordable Housing Grant Policy supports the development of new affordable housing within the municipality by offering a one-time grant to eligible property owners.
Forgivable loans for up to 50% of the rental units in a project; for projects with fewer than 10 rental units, up to 100% of the units
Loan
Description:
The Affordable Housing Development Program supports the creation of affordable housing. Private developers and community housing developers can apply for forgivable loans from the Affordable Housing Development Program to help fund the construction of new housing or the conversion of non-residential buildings. Both must include affordable rental units for households with low to moderate income.
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Advancing Clean Technologies Program supports the adoption of clean technologies that help with climate change adaptation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable and clean growth, and increasing value-added agricultural production.
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Maurice
