Open
Access to Talent Program
Wage subsidies for biologically-based innovation companies
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 75,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 30, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
Canadian SMEs or start-up companies can receive up to 40% of the cost of a new employee’s salary to a maximum of $75,000 in order to carry out a project that supports the development of a natural product or technology.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Access new markets
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
- Up to 40% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : August 30, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Advancement of innovative natural products or technologies from research to commercial readiness.
- Development and scaling up of new biologically-based products for various industries such as food, agriculture, health, or sustainability.
- Execution of business development strategies to support commercialization efforts.
- Design and implementation of marketing or sales strategies for novel natural technologies.
- Preparation and execution of regulatory strategies, including data collection for regulatory submissions.
Official resources
Eligibility
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.
Selection criteria
- 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.
How to apply
1
Initial Contact
- Contact NPC at [email protected] to express interest in the program.
- Ensure you have basic information about your company and the project ready for discussion.
2
Eligibility Assessment
- An NPC team member will follow up to review eligibility based on the Minimum Eligibility Requirements.
- Prepare to discuss the project scope, the key position(s) to be filled, and any identified candidate(s).
3
Invitation to Apply
If eligibility criteria are met, your company will be invited to submit a formal application.
4
Application Preparation
- Gather information about the natural product or technology, including novelty, market opportunity, and key milestones.
- Detail the qualifications of the candidate and their role in achieving project milestones.
5
Application Submission
- Submit the completed application and any supporting documents as directed by NPC.
- Ensure all sections are thoroughly completed and meet NPC’s requirements.
6
Application Review
- The NPC team will review the application and provide feedback if necessary.
- Revise the application based on feedback, if required.
7
Final Review and Decision
- If revised, resubmit the application for the final review by the NPC Commercialization Sub-Committee.
- Await notification of the funding decision.
8
Notification and Feedback
- Receive notification of the decision.
- If unsuccessful, review any feedback provided. Appeals can be made in writing within 15 days of the decision.
Additional information
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Access to Talent Program Program
What is the Access to Talent Program?
Canadian SMEs or start-up companies can receive up to 40% of the cost of a new employee’s salary to a maximum of $75,000 in order to carry out a project that supports the development of a natural product or technology.
How much funding can be received?
Access to Talent Program Funds up to 40% of admissible expenses, capped at $75,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Access to Talent Program program?
To be eligible for the Access to Talent Program program, you must:
Incorporated Canadian SME or start-up with up to 25 employees
Must have a novel natural product or technology aligning with program definitions
Member of Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster
What expenses are eligible under Access to Talent Program?
Advancement of innovative natural products or technologies from research to commercial readiness.
Development and scaling up of new biologically-based products for various industries such as food, agriculture, health, or sustainability.
Execution of business development strategies to support commercialization efforts.
Design and implementation of marketing or sales strategies for novel natural technologies.
Preparation and execution of regulatory strategies, including data collection for regulatory submissions.
Who can I contact for more information about the Access to Talent Program?
You can contact Natural Products Canada (NPC).
Where is the Access to Talent Program available?
The Access to Talent Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Access to Talent Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Access to Talent Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns