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Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Invest Nova Scotia

Invest Nova Scotia is a government initiative that supports economic growth and innovation in Nova Scotia by providing grants and funding opportunities to businesses, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations. The program aims to foster entrepreneurship and sustainable development, while promoting job creation, enhanced productivity, and economic diversification across various sectors. View Invest Nova Scotia's website for more information.

17 programs
  • Invest Nova Scotia logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen

    AscendBio

    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
    Cape Breton, NS, Canada
  • Invest Nova Scotia logo
    Expert AdviceOpen

    Asia Market Development Program

    Market entry support for Atlantic exporters
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 24,000 $
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Timeline
    Open Date : August 18, 2021
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
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  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesOpen

    Invest Nova Scotia — Incubation

    Facility support for emerging technology companies
    Eligible Funding
    Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance, Other services (except public administration)
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnology
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Invest Nova Scotia — Investment

    Early stage investment for Nova Scotia innovators
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 25% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Information and cultural industries, Finance and insurance, Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyInnovation
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate

    Performance-based support for growing Nova Scotia companies
    Eligible Funding
    Up to 10% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Information and cultural industries, Finance and insurance, Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    TechnologyBusiness BuyoutInnovation
    NS, Canada
  • Explore funding programs from Invest Nova Scotia

    Tell us about your business and project so we can help you assess which Invest Nova Scotia programs may fit and what to do next.

  • Invest Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Supplier Diversity Certification Program

    Reimbursement for supplier diversity certification costs
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 1,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Timeline
    Open Date : April 14, 2026 · Closing date : February 26, 2027
    NS, Canada
  • Invest Nova Scotia logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Early Stage Commercialization Fund (ESCF)

    Funding for early-stage research commercialization
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 50,000 $ · Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Professional, scientific and technical services, Educational services, Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    NS, Canada
  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots

    Funding for early-stage businesses in Nova Scotia
    Eligible Funding
    Maximum amount : 40 $ · Up to 90% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and Climate
    NS, Canada
  • Prepare your Invest Nova Scotia funding application

    Share your project context to clarify program fit, required documents, and practical application steps.

  • Government of Nova Scotia logo
    Other SupportExpert AdviceClosed

    Launch Export Atlantic Incubator

    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
    NB, NL, NS, PE, Canada

About Invest Nova Scotia

What is the mission of Invest Nova Scotia?

Invest Nova Scotia aims to strengthen Nova Scotia’s economy by helping businesses start, grow, commercialize, export, and attract investment. It supports entrepreneurs and companies through funding, capital, advice, incubation, and market-development services.

What type of organization is Invest Nova Scotia?

Invest Nova Scotia is a Government agency.

What is Invest Nova Scotia's official website?

Invest Nova Scotia's official website is https://investnovascotia.ca/.

What else should I know about Invest Nova Scotia?

Invest Nova Scotia is a government initiative designed to bolster economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. This program aims to support businesses, social enterprises, and non-profit organizations through various grants and funding opportunities, fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and sustainable development. By offering financial assistance and strategic guidance, Invest Nova Scotia plays a crucial role in driving regional economic development and encouraging meaningful collaborations across sectors. One of the primary objectives of Invest Nova Scotia is to support businesses in their growth and innovation endeavors. The program provides various funding opportunities to eligible enterprises, helping them launch new projects, expand operations, or enhance their research and development capabilities. By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with business growth, Invest Nova Scotia enables enterprises to focus on their core objectives and achieve long-term sustainability. Several funding streams are available under the Invest Nova Scotia umbrella, tailored to different business needs and industry sectors. These grants aim to stimulate job creation, enhance productivity, and promote economic diversification within the province. Support is often available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and larger businesses across a range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. A significant component of Invest Nova Scotia is its commitment to fostering innovation. By encouraging businesses to invest in research and development, and adopt new technologies, the initiative aims to build a more competitive and sustainable economic landscape. This emphasis on innovation is critical in ensuring that local businesses remain viable and capable of thriving in a rapidly changing global market. In addition to supporting businesses, Invest Nova Scotia also recognizes the vital role that non-profit organizations and social enterprises play in the broader community. These entities often address social, cultural, and environmental challenges, contributing to the overall well-being of the province. By providing financial backing to non-profit organizations, Invest Nova Scotia helps them execute impactful projects and initiatives that might otherwise lack the necessary resources. Eligibility for Invest Nova Scotia’s funding generally requires organizations to demonstrate a clear potential for economic impact, innovation, and community benefit. Application processes typically involve a thorough assessment of the proposed project’s objectives, viability, and alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities. Invest Nova Scotia works closely with applicants, often offering guidance throughout the application process to help them refine their proposals. The impact of Invest Nova Scotia extends beyond mere financial support. The initiative often fosters strategic partnerships and networks of collaboration between recipients and other stakeholders, including government bodies, industry experts, and educational institutions. These partnerships can be instrumental in driving innovation, scaling operations, and accessing new markets, thereby amplifying the impact of the funding. Overall, Invest Nova Scotia serves as a vital catalyst for economic and social progress within the province. By offering diverse funding opportunities to businesses and non-profits, the initiative not only drives economic growth but also supports the creation of a more resilient, diverse, and vibrant community. As Nova Scotia continues to evolve, Invest Nova Scotia remains a key player in shaping the future of the region, ensuring that entities with promising ideas have the resources needed to transform those ideas into reality, benefiting the economy and society as a whole.