Business Planning, Skills Development and Agriculture Education

Who is eligible?

• Agriculture producers (individuals or groups)
• Agri-businesses
• Indigenous Peoples or Organizations in the agriculture sector
• Agricultural industry organizations and associations

Who is not eligible

• Companies seeking funding for entertainment, capital purchases, software, or licensing expenses.
• Businesses intending to cover costs for activities that are already directly funded under other Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership programming or government programs.
• Organizations planning to claim expenses for nutrition breaks, lunches, or similar hospitality-related costs.

Eligible expenses

• Strategic event and project participation costs for training and skills development.
• Professional fees and services for the development, implementation, and benchmarking of business plans.
• Initial investment in financial information technology applications that support business process management and data analysis.
• Group training expenses for specialized topics such as management, marketing, production, human resource management, value-added processes, innovation, and technology.
• Rental of facilities and specialized equipment for training or events.
• Consultant and speaker fees for training events or organizational meetings.
• Travel expenses for approved training and investigative travel, within provincial guidelines.
• Administrative costs related to training projects (up to 10% of eligible costs).
• Translation costs related to program activities (up to 100% of eligible expenses).

Eligible geographic areas

• New Brunswick

The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant focus on the impact and alignment of proposed projects with the program's objectives and eligibility requirements.

• Alignment with program objectives and eligibility criteria
• Demonstrated need for skills development, business planning, or agriculture education
• Feasibility and clarity of the proposed project
• Expected benefits and outcomes of the project
• Capacity of the applicant to successfully implement the project
• Potential for long-term impact on the agriculture sector

• Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
  • Read the Business Planning, Skills Development and Agriculture Education Program description and objectives.
  • Familiarize yourself with the SCAP Administrative Guidelines.
• Step 2: Consult with Department Staff
  • Discuss your intended application with the appropriate staff from the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries (Business Growth Officer, Development Officer, or Specialist).
  • Access departmental contact lists via the Crop Sector Development, Livestock Sector Development, or Business Growth branch websites.
• Step 3: Prepare Application Materials
  • Complete the official application form provided by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
  • Compile all required supporting documents describing your proposed project, anticipated expenses, and expected benefits.
  • Ensure your project aligns with eligible activities and does not include ineligible expenses as outlined in the program guidelines.
  • Obtain any necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications required for your project.
• Step 4: Submit Application
  • Send your completed application and supporting documents by email to Sustainable.CAP@gnb.ca, or
  • Mail your application to: Sustainable CAP Program Administrator, Industry Financial Programs, Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1.
• Step 5: Post-Submission Requirements
  • Be prepared to provide reports on the impact of the funding received, as reporting requirements may be detailed in your letter of offer.

• Applicants must review the administrative guidelines before applying to ensure compliance.
• Reporting on the impact of received funding may be required, as outlined in the offer letter.
• Applicants are responsible for securing any necessary permits, environmental approvals, or certifications for their project.
• Projects that benefit more than one province may qualify for regional funding consideration.