Services
Expertises
Resources
Who we are
Contact us

Manufacturing Grants and Funding in Nova Scotia for 2026

Nova Scotia manufacturers can access a broad mix of grants, rebates, vouchers, tax credits, and non‑repayable contributions to modernize equipment, automate processes, and expand into export markets. This directory explains key programs such as the Nova Scotia Innovation Rebate Program, the Capital Investment Tax Credit, ACOA REGI, NRC IRAP, CanExport, and workforce training support. It is designed for manufacturers of all sizes across Halifax, Cape Breton, Dartmouth, Truro, and beyond.

45 programs
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Financing to accelerate growth in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnology
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Sole proprietorship, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative, Social economy enterprise, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Support for aerospace recovery and competitiveness
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Invest Nova Scotia logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

    AscendBio

    Invest Nova Scotia
    Scale industrial biotech and agritech in Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Cape Breton, NS, Canada
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Atlantic Fisheries Fund – Atlantic innovation, infrastructure or science partnerships funding

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
    Funding for Atlantic fish and seafood sector projects
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 70% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Sole proprietorship
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • helloDarwin Grants Guide 2026-2027

    [NEW] HELLODARWIN GRANTS GUIDE 2026-2027

    The official grants guide is now available

    A practical guide to Canadian grants, key programs and funding strategies to help businesses plan stronger projects and applications.

    Free, you'll receive the guide by email

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Innovation

    Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
    Supports innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships in Atlantic fisheries
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) logo
    Tax CreditsOpen

    Atlantic Investment Tax Credit

    Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
    Tax relief for Atlantic investments
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 10% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Business Development Program — Commercial Component

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Support for business growth in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Other services (except public administration)
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateHuman Resources
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Business Development Program (BDP)

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Financial support for business growth in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Retail trade, Other services (except public administration)
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Innovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada

  • Get grants for manufacturing in Nova Scotia for your business

    Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.

  • Centre for Women in Business logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Centre for Women in Business

    Centre for Women in Business
    Training and events for Nova Scotia women entrepreneurs
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 5,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Other services (except public administration)
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    Timeline
    Open Date : August 6, 2024
    NS, Canada
  • LearnSphere logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Commercialization, Consulting and Mentoring

    LearnSphere
    Money for commercialization in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 16,250 $ · Up to 65% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Construction
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Expert AdviceOpen

    Europe Market Development Program

    Government of Nova Scotia, Invest Nova Scotia
    Development support for Atlantic exporting companies
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

    Food Ventures Program

    Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
    Supports Nova Scotia food businesses with quality and safety services
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $ · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
  • Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) logo
    Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen

    GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program

    Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
    Connect with skilled graduates in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 30,360 $ · Up to 66% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, Utilities, Construction
    Types of eligible projects
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-profit
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

    Discovery at scale.

    Filter thousands of active funding opportunities with granular precision. Our explorer instantly matches your company profile with regional and national credits.
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Innovation Rebate Program

    Government of Nova Scotia, Invest Nova Scotia
    Funding for Nova Scotia SMEs
    Eligible Funding
    From $350,000 to $3,750,000 · Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Clean Foundation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Nova Scotia’s Thriving Forests program

    Clean Foundation
    Fully funded tree planting support in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Construction, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    NS, Canada

  • Turn funding opportunities for manufacturing in Nova Scotia into strong applications

    Build a clearer funding plan and prepare stronger applications with guidance from our funding team.

  • National Research Council Canada (NRC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesOpen

    NRC — Marine research station

    National Research Council Canada (NRC)
    Marine research facility in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • National Research Council Canada (NRC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationOpen

    NRC — Zebrafish research facility

    National Research Council Canada (NRC)
    Industry testing with zebrafish models
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    Halifax, NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Seafood Accelerator Program

    Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
    Funding for Nova Scotia seafood businesses
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)

    Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
    Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 99,900 $ · Up to 80% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Sole proprietorship, Non-financial cooperative
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

    Your AI grant expert.

    Meet Charles. An AI trained specifically for grants. Get instant answers to complex qualification questions.
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsOpen

    START Program

    Government of Nova Scotia, Employment Nova Scotia, Sudbury Manitoulin Children's Foundation (SMCF)
    Hiring incentives for Nova Scotia employers
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 25,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Finance and insurance, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Human Resources
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Social economy enterprise, For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Funding to recover Atlantic aerospace sector
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-profit
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    ACOA — Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (REGI)

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Supporting innovative housing solutions and construction technologies in Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Construction, Manufacturing, Educational services, Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, Non-financial cooperative, Social economy enterprise
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — For Profit

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Support for jobs and long-term business growth
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Non-financial cooperative, Non-profit
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Atlantic Innovation Fund — Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions

    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
    Funding for R&D in Atlantic Canada
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Information and cultural industries, Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Innovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution, For-profit business
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada

  • Need help applying for grants for manufacturing in Nova Scotia?

    Get guidance to assess program fit, required documents, and the steps involved in applying.

  • CWB Welding Foundation (CWB) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    CWB Association Chapter Awards

    CWB Welding Foundation (CWB)
    Co-funded support for welding education initiatives
    Eligible Funding
    From $500 to $2,500
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    Canada
  • Clean Foundation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Indigenous Energy Project (IEP) Bursary

    Clean Foundation
    Funding for clean economy training and equipment
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 10,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    Utilities, Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation and warehousing
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and Climate
    Legal Structure
    Non-profit
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceClosed

    Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots

    Government of Nova Scotia, Invest Nova Scotia
    Funding for early-stage businesses in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 40,000 $ · Up to 90% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Platform

    Never miss an opportunity.

    Funding cycles open and close within days. Our real-time engine monitors policy changes and alerts you as soon as a new matching opportunity appears.
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Other SupportExpert AdviceClosed

    Launch Export Atlantic Incubator

    Government of Nova Scotia, Invest Nova Scotia
    Export readiness support for Atlantic businesses
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Other services (except public administration), Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    Business Buyout
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program

    Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
    Helps Nova Scotia food businesses meet food safety requirements
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 30,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing, Wholesale trade, Retail trade
    Types of eligible projects
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Sole proprietorship
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Nova Scotia Local Beef Processing Program

    Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
    Funding for local beef processing projects in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 250,000 $ · Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Construction and Renovation
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business
    NS, Canada
  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund

    Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
    Supports transformative, innovative projects in Nova Scotia's seafood and agriculture
    Eligible Funding
    From $500,000 to $1,125,000 · Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Legal Structure
    Sole proprietorship, For-profit business
    NS, Canada

  • Find funding programs for manufacturing in Nova Scotia that fit your project

    Share your project context to review funding options that may match your goals.

  • Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    The Nova Scotia Beef Initiative

    Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
    Supports local beef processing in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 15,000 $ · Up to 60% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Environment and ClimateHuman Resources
    Legal Structure
    For-profit business, Financial cooperative, Sole proprietorship, Non-financial cooperative
    NS, Canada

Frequently asked questions about manufacturing grants in Nova Scotia

Here are concise answers to common questions on grants for Nova Scotia manufacturing funding programs.

What are the main manufacturing grants and incentives in Nova Scotia?

Key programs include the Nova Scotia Innovation Rebate Program, the Capital Investment Tax Credit, the Productivity & Innovation Voucher, Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI), ACOA REGI, NRC IRAP, CanExport, and SR&ED tax incentives. These tools support equipment, automation, R&D, exporting, training, and clean growth across Halifax, Cape Breton, Dartmouth, Truro, and rural regions. Combining programs can reduce overall project costs. Review each program’s focus before applying.

How do I apply for manufacturing grants in Nova Scotia?

Start by defining the project scope, timelines, and expected impacts. Build a financing stack that may include the Innovation Rebate Program, ACOA REGI, and a tax credit. Prepare vendor quotes, technical plans, and a budget. helloDarwin can guide eligibility checks, documentation, and sequencing so your application meets program requirements.

Which programs fund automation and robotics in Halifax or Cape Breton?

The Innovation Rebate Program, ACOA REGI, and the Capital Investment Tax Credit commonly support automation, robotics, and CNC purchases. NRC IRAP may fund R&D related to integrating advanced manufacturing systems. Consider WIPSI for training on new equipment. Align the business case with productivity and competitiveness outcomes.

Are there grants for food and seafood processors in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Food and beverage manufacturing grants and seafood processing grants support packaging, HACCP/CFIA compliance, cold chain, and energy‑efficient equipment. Sustainable CAP can assist agri‑food projects in the Annapolis Valley and beyond. Export marketing support is available through CanExport.

What is the difference between NRC IRAP and ACOA funding in Nova Scotia?

NRC IRAP focuses on R&D and prototype development with technical advisory services. ACOA REGI typically supports productivity, scale‑up, and commercialization. Many manufacturers use both: IRAP for early technology development and ACOA for later‑stage plant upgrades and market growth.

How can helloDarwin help my manufacturing company secure funding?

helloDarwin combines expert consulting with a SaaS platform to map eligibility, align programs, and manage applications. We help manufacturers sequence the Innovation Rebate Program, tax credits, ACOA, IRAP, and CanExport, while tracking timelines and documentation. This integrated approach simplifies complexity and reduces application risk.

Are there grants for clean manufacturing and energy efficiency in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Programs support energy audits, HVAC upgrades, process heat, solar, heat pumps, water and effluent treatment, and ISO 14001/ESG improvements. Clean manufacturing funding can be layered with productivity incentives to improve both costs and emissions performance.

What funding exists for workforce training and apprenticeships?

WIPSI supports productivity and digital skills, including Lean Six Sigma and ERP training. Additional options include apprentices wage support and safety training funding. Align training plans with equipment upgrades to maximize program fit and outcomes.

How do export‑ready manufacturers in Halifax use CanExport?

CanExport can fund market research, trade missions, and international trade shows. Manufacturers should prepare a market selection rationale, budget, and timeline. Combine with product certification funding (CE/UL) and IP protection to accelerate international entry.

When should I engage helloDarwin in the grant process?

Engage early—ideally before procurement—so eligibility, matching funds, and timelines are aligned. helloDarwin can structure a funding roadmap for equipment, automation, clean upgrades, and export plans, ensuring stronger applications and fewer delays.

Explore related grant directories