Access to Talent Program

• Financial contribution covers up to 40% of a new employee’s salary, with a maximum of $75,000 for individuals with 5-9 years of experience and up to $150,000 for individuals with 10+ years of experience.
• The company must contribute the remaining 60% of the employee's salary.
• Funding is non-dilutive and non-repayable.
• Eligible costs are reimbursed quarterly upon approval of reports, with required invoices and proof of payment.
• A non-refundable project administration fee of 5% of total project costs plus GST/HST applies (not eligible for reimbursement).

• The applicant must be an incorporated Canadian SME or start-up with up to 25 employees.
• The company must have a novel natural product or technology that aligns with NPC’s definition of natural products or technologies and be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-9.
• The project should have potential for significant economic, social, health, or environmental benefits and commercialization in Canada.
• The company must demonstrate the potential to achieve $10–15 million in annual revenue within a reasonable timeframe for its market or sector.
• The company must be a member of Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster.

Who is eligible?

• Canadian SMEs and start-up companies with up to 25 employees operating in the natural products or technologies sector
• Companies developing biologically-based innovations leveraging or enhancing naturally-occurring molecules
• Organizations focused on food production and value-added agriculture
• Enterprises in bioproducts and sustainability
• Businesses involved in human and animal health, nutrition, wellness, and water and waste management

Eligible expenses

• Salary costs for new full-time employees hired specifically for the project.

Eligible geographic areas

• Companies incorporated in Canada.

• Novelty of the natural product or technology.
• Market opportunity and potential for commercialization in Canada.
• Strength and capacity of the management team.
• Qualifications of the candidate to be hired.
• Impact and achievement of key milestones within the project.

• Successful applicants are required to pay a non-refundable project administration fee of 5% of total project costs plus GST/HST.
• Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
• All applications are treated as confidential and only accessed by those directly involved in the evaluation process.
• Unsuccessful applicants may appeal the decision by submitting a written objection within 15 days of notification.