Supplier Diversity Certification Pilot Program
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.
Offered by Invest Nova Scotia
Amount
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)
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
*A business of diversity is 51% owned, operated, and controlled by 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, Women, Veterans, People living with Disabilities, Black Nova Scotians, African Nova Scotians, and other Racialized People.
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have an approved first-time certification from any of the five above noted agencies (to a maximum of three) dated between February 28, 2026, to February 26, 2027.
- Be a diverse-owned Nova Scotia registered business in good standing (current registration on the Registry of Joint Stock Companies). Federally registered businesses must also hold extra-provincial incorporation, including Nova Scotia.
- Have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia.
- Have a product/service with the potential to be sold outside of Nova Scotia.
- Have most of its workforce currently residing in Nova Scotia (some exceptions may apply where it can be demonstrated that the economic benefit can be accrued to Nova Scotia).
- Have no outstanding or pending claims/litigation, injunctions, judgements, orders, legal or administrative actions or similar proceedings against the business, its principals and/or any related business(es).
- The business, principals and/or any related business(es) shall not be in default of any obligations under any form of financial assistance and/or incentive program from Invest NS, the Province of Nova Scotia, or by any agency of the Province of Nova Scotia. For the purpose of these criteria, the Credit Union Small Business Loan Guarantee Program is considered a form of financial assistance provided by the Province of Nova Scotia.
- Certifications must be approved by one of the agencies noted above (to a maximum of
three) no later than 5:00 pm AST on February 26, 2027.
- Businesses and their related entities may, at Invest NS’s sole discretion, be limited to
funding for only one business.
- Certification must be new to the business. Renewals, membership fees, and expediting
fees are not eligible.
- For example, a business may become certified with one organization, such as
WBE Canada, and receive reimbursement for that certification through Invest NS.
The same business can also certify with CAMSC or WEConnect for the first time, provided those certifications are also new, and request reimbursement for each. A business that has not yet received reimbursement through the program may apply for a maximum of three certifications per business.
About the funding
The program provides financial support to offset the costs of a maximum of three certifications. Businesses that have successfully obtained supplier diversity certification through the above-listed certifying organizations will be reimbursed 100% of the fee paid by the business.
The program reimburses 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).
Does the program cover any additional costs related to certification or
membership?
The program covers only the supplier diversity certification fee. The certification must be new to the business (renewals are not eligible). Membership fees and expediting fees are also excluded.
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