How much funding can be received?

Get a rebate of up to $3,750,000 to cover up to 25% of the project costs for improving your production processes or waste stream processing, for entering new markets and/or producing new products, or establishing new production facilities.

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Eligible companies for this grant must be located within specific regions of Nova Scotia to align with regional development initiatives. The focus is on encouraging growth and innovation within these geographical areas.

Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne
Yarmouth, Digby
Annapolis, Kings, Hants
Cumberland, Colchester
Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough
Cape Breton, Richmond, Inverness, Victoria
Halifax & West
Dartmouth & East

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$1,750,000

Building a renewable energy plant

$375,000

Upgrading seafood processing facilities for sustainable production

$750,000

Creating a new production facility for organic skincare products

$250,000

Expanding brewery production to include a new product line

$250,000

Implementing a recycling program for agricultural waste

$1,250,000

Scaling up the production of eco-friendly packaging materials

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Eligibility for the Innovation Rebate Program is based on specific criteria related to the nature of the project and investment in Nova Scotia.

The project must be approved by Invest Nova Scotia under the Innovation Rebate Program.
The project must involve implementation of new, significantly improved, and/or more sustainable production processes.
The project should support Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act by improving energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy use, reducing waste, participating in circular economy activities, or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Projects must aim to scale production capacity for sustainable and clean products.
The project should strengthen supply chains within Nova Scotia without replacing existing producers.
Projects must aim to increase production capacity to enter new markets or produce new products.
The establishment of new production facilities in Nova Scotia is eligible.
Value-added processing for traditional industries such as forestry, seafood, and agriculture is eligible.
The project must have a minimum total budgeted Nova Scotia investment of at least $350,000.

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Eligible applicants for the Innovation Rebate Program (IRP) are Nova Scotia-based companies that have projects aimed at enhancing competitiveness through innovation and sustainable practices. The following types of projects can seek support under the program:- Implementation of new or improved sustainable production processes.- Projects supporting Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction, such as energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and waste reduction.- Expanding production capacity for sustainable and clean products.- Strengthening Nova Scotia supply chains without displacing local producers.- Expanding production to access new markets or create new products.- Establishing new production facilities in Nova Scotia.- Value-added processing in traditional sectors like forestry, seafood, and agriculture.Applications are evaluated on an ongoing basis, provided they meet the criteria set out in the Innovation Rebate Program Guidelines, with a minimum project budget of $350,000 and a rebate cap of $15 million.

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Some types of companies may not be eligible for the Innovation Rebate Program. Eligibility restrictions may apply to certain types of companies based on industry affiliations or specific criteria.

Companies not based in Nova Scotia.
Companies with a total budgeted Nova Scotia investment of less than $350,000.
Companies involved in activities that do not align with the program's objectives.

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The Innovation Rebate Program in Nova Scotia facilitates projects that bolster competitiveness and sustainability within local businesses. Eligible activities focus on production enhancement, environmental goals, and expansion into new markets.

Implementation of new, improved, and more sustainable production processes.
Activities that align with principles of Nova Scotia's Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, including energy efficiency and renewable energy integration.
Projects scaling production capacity for sustainable and clean product manufacturing to support Nova Scotia and other sustainable prosperity goals.
Strengthening supply chains for production without replacing existing local producers.
Increasing production capacity for market expansion or new product lines.
Establishing new production facilities in Nova Scotia.
Value-added processing for traditional industries such as forestry, seafood, and agriculture.

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The grant covers direct costs associated with eligible projects as outlined in the program guidelines.

Implementation costs for new, significantly improved, and/or more sustainable production processes.
Costs associated with improving energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy, waste reduction, circular economy activities, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
Expenses for scaling production capacity for sustainable and clean products.
Costs involved in strengthening supply chains.
Expenses for increasing production capacity to enter new markets and produce new products.
Costs related to establishing new production facilities in Nova Scotia.
Value-added processing costs for traditional industries such as forestry, seafood, and agriculture.

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There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Innovation Rebate Program. The evaluation is based on the following criteria:

Demonstrated impact on competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability of the company;
Alignment with Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act;
Scalability of production capacity and support for sustainable products;
Contribution to strengthening supply chains and market expansion;
Creation of new production facilities or value-added processing in Nova Scotia.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Contact a Regional Business Development Advisor to request more information, confirm eligibility, and discuss the eligibility of your project.
Step 2: Obtain Application Form
- Connect with a Regional Business Development Advisor to request an application form.
Step 3: Prepare Application
- Fill out the application form with all required information about your project and company.
- Ensure that all required supporting documents and evidence are gathered.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form via PDF to the Regional Business Development Advisor.
Step 5: Await Approval
- Wait for feedback from Invest Nova Scotia regarding the status of your application.

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Here is additional relevant detail for this grant:

The project must be completed within 3 years from the date an application is approved.

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902-424-8670

Apply to this program

Boost Your Business with the Innovation Rebate Program

The Innovation Rebate Program offers financial incentives to Nova Scotia companies that are looking to scale their operations, enhance competitiveness, and adopt sustainable business practices. This program is strategically designed to support companies in implementing cutting-edge processes and expanding production capacity to meet environmental and economic goals.

Detailed Insights into the Innovation Rebate Program

The Innovation Rebate Program (IRP) is a remarkable opportunity for businesses in Nova Scotia aiming to elevate their operations and compete globally. Managed by Invest Nova Scotia, the program specifically targets companies that are ready to enhance their productivity, increase their market reach, and engage in more sustainable business practices. By offering rebates against direct project costs, the IRP alleviates some of the financial burdens associated with innovative project implementation, thereby encouraging more enterprises to initiate transformative projects.

Eligible projects for the IRP encompass a wide array of initiatives, including the development of new or improved production processes, utilization of renewable energy, ecological waste management, and value-added manufacturing in traditional industries such as forestry and agriculture. The financial incentives provided through the IRP are particularly valuable for companies seeking to integrate these sustainable practices, which align with the environmental goals and climate change mitigation strategies outlined in Nova Scotia's policy frameworks.

One of the program's most compelling features is its robust support for projects that boost production capacity, enabling companies to expand into new markets or produce new, competitive products. For companies involved in green manufacturing or production, the IRP not only supports operational growth but also fosters a transition toward more sustainable business models that can contribute positively to the regional and broader ecological landscapes.

In order to qualify for the Innovation Rebate Program, companies must engage in projects with a minimum investment threshold of $350,000, ensuring that the supported projects are of significant scale and impact. With a rebate cap set at $15 million, the scope of financial support is substantial enough to catalyze major investments in advanced technologies and infrastructure upgrades.

The application process involves collaboration with Regional Business Development Advisors, who are pivotal in guiding businesses through the application journey. These advisors are accessible across various regions, including the South Shore, Western, Valley, Northern, Northeastern, Cape Breton, and Halifax Regional Municipality, providing tailored advice and assistance to navigate the program's requirements and maximize potential benefits from the rebate.

Additionally, the IRP's flexibility, with ongoing application acceptance and a three-year completion timeframe, offers businesses the ability to plan and execute their projects systematically, adjusting to market demands and technological advancements as needed. This flexibility ensures that projects are not only high in quality but also timely and relevant.

The Innovation Rebate Program is a noteworthy initiative that exemplifies Invest Nova Scotia's commitment to fostering an innovation-driven economy. Through strategic financial support and expert guidance, the program not only empowers businesses to overcome challenges related to cost and innovation but also contributes to a more sustainable and competitive economic environment in Nova Scotia. Companies that align their projects with the goals of the IRP are positioned to achieve significant advancements, paving the way for a prosperous future in both ecological and economic terms.