Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now (they last closed May 31, 2026). Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page.
● Still available
4 other programs are open, with financing up to $150,000
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- ACOA Regional Economic Growth through Innovation: Business Scale-up and ProductivityGet interest-free financing to grow your Atlantic Canadian business and improve productivity.Loan · Multiple provinces
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Market Opportunities and Diversification Program
Get reimbursed for up to 50% of eligible marketing costs, capped at $20,000 per year, to expand your farm or agri-business reach. Note that the current intake closed on May 31, 2026, so you must wait for the next cycle to apply. Applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
“Applicants can apply to receive Program funding up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $20,000, across all streams.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
You must receive and sign the Letter of Agreement BEFORE you spend any money or start work.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are a registered Nova Scotia farm or agri-business generating at least $30,000 in annual eligible gross income.
- You need support for specific marketing activities like international market studies, digital assets, or shipping samples to trade events.
- You can cover costs upfront and wait for reimbursement, since this program pays you back after you spend.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a restaurant, retail store, salon, or contractor, as this program is strictly for farms, agri-businesses, and agricultural associations.
- You need funding for travel, general overhead, staff wages, or printing, which are explicitly excluded from eligible expenses.
- You missed the May 31, 2026 deadline and cannot wait for the next intake period to apply.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible expenses, with a hard cap of $20,000 per application per year and $60,000 over the program life.
What may be supported
- International market studies and research.
- One-time website development and e-commerce setup.
- Graphic design for product labels, packaging, and marketing materials.
- Product photography and video for digital marketing.
- Consolidated shipping costs for product samples to trade events.
What's excluded or restricted
- Travel expenses
- Administrative/general overhead
- Purchase of ongoing software licensing costs or fees
- Purchase of standard software programs
- Operating expenses/existing staff wages/salaries
- Printing/packaging costs
- HST
- Transactions involving a supplier/service provider associated with the applicant (unless pre-approved as the only registered provider in the area)
- Claims under $20.00
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a Program Funding Registration if new, submit detailed quotes with your application, and later provide full invoice and payment proof for reimbursement.
- 01Complete the Program Funding Registration (PFR) form if you are new to the program since 2023.
- 02Submit a complete application with quotes for all projects by the intake deadline.
- 03If approved, review, sign, and return the Letter of Agreement within 30 days.
- 04Incur and pay for eligible expenses only after signing the agreement.
- 05Submit a Program Claim Form with copies of all invoices and proof of payment by the claim deadline.
Who to ask: Phone: 902-893-6377 or Toll-free: 1-866-844-4276; Email: prm@novascotia.ca; Address: 74 Research Drive, Bible Hill, NS B6L 2R2. Regional offices also listed (Yarmouth, Digby, Kentville, Lunenburg, Truro, Nappan, Antigonish, Sydney).
Documents commonly required
- Program Funding Registration (PFR) form (if new or updating).
- Quotes for all proposed projects.
- Signed Letter of Agreement (LOA).
- Copies of all invoices and proof of payment (e-transfer confirmation, debit slips, cleared cheques, or bank statements).
What to know before you count on it
- Income-based caps apply: farms earning $30k-$99,999 are capped at $5,000; those earning $100k-$249,999 at $10,000; only those earning $250k+ can access the full $20,000.
- Agri-businesses must prove minimum annual purchases of raw agricultural ingredients ($5,000 to $25,000 depending on income tier).
- You must pay all costs first and submit proof of payment (e-transfer, cleared cheque, etc.) to get reimbursed.
- Website funding covers one-time development costs only; monthly fees, subscriptions, and ongoing software licensing are excluded.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on meeting strict income thresholds and sending quotes with your application before you spend anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this for travel to trade shows?
No. Travel expenses are explicitly excluded. Only consolidated product sample shipping costs and logistical support are eligible under Stream 3.
Does this cover monthly software fees?
No. Ongoing software licensing costs, fees, and standard software purchases are excluded. Only one-time website development costs are eligible.
What is the maximum I can get if my farm income is $80,000?
If your eligible gross farming income is between $30,000 and $99,999, your maximum funding is capped at $5,000 per application.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Funding for E-commerce
Grants and loans to help you launch or improve your online store.
Funding for Online Ordering and Booking
Grants and loans may help pay for online ordering, booking and reservation systems.
Funding for Retail POS
Grants and loans that may help pay for point-of-sale systems and other store technology.
What you can combine it with
This program is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP); confirm with the administrator if other grants can be stacked.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.