Open

Innovation Rebate Program

Funding for Nova Scotia SMEs

Government of Nova Scotia

Invest Nova Scotia

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Funding available

$ 350,000

Timeline

Open continuously

Location

Nova Scotia, Canada

Overview

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.

/100

Opportunity Score

Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increase performance through digital transformation
Develop a new product or service
Optimize production processes

Eligible Funding

Minimum amount : 350,000 $

Timeline

Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Location

Nova Scotia

Legal structures

For-profit business

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Startups

Next steps

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

Implementation of new, significantly improved, and/or more sustainable production processes.
Projects supporting Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals, including energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy integration.
Scaling production capacity for companies producing sustainable and clean products.
Strengthening supply chains to enable production in Nova Scotia.
Increasing production capacity to enter new markets and/or produce new products.
Establishing new production facilities in Nova Scotia.
Value-added processing for traditional industries such as forestry, seafood, and agriculture.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

Eligible expenses

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located in Nova Scotia. The eligible locations are defined by Invest Nova Scotia within several regional divisions.

Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne (South Shore Region)
Yarmouth, Digby (Western Region)
Annapolis, Kings, Hants (Valley Region)
Cumberland, Colchester (Northern Region)
Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough (Northeastern Region)
Cape Breton, Richmond, Inverness, Victoria (Cape Breton Region)
Halifax & West, Dartmouth & East (Halifax Regional Municipality)

Additional information

Here is additional relevant detail for this grant:

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

Contacts

902-424-8670

Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovation Rebate Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovation Rebate Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Innovation Rebate Program?

Who is eligible for the Innovation Rebate Program program?

To be eligible for the Innovation Rebate Program program, you must: The company must be involved in increasing production capacity or innovating processes within Nova Scotia. Eligible projects must have a minimum total budgeted Nova Scotia investment of $350,000 excluding tax. The project should align with the principles of Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.

What expenses are eligible under Innovation Rebate Program?

The Innovation Rebate Program supports Nova Scotia companies in enhancing competitiveness through innovative and sustainable projects. Eligible activities focus on process improvements, sustainable growth, and expanding production capabilities across the province. Implementation of new, significantly improved, and/or more sustainable production processes. Projects supporting Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals, including energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy integration. Scaling production capacity for companies producing sustainable and clean products. Strengthening supply chains to enable production in Nova Scotia. Increasing production capacity to enter new markets and/or produce new products. Establishing new production facilities in Nova Scotia. Value-added processing for traditional industries such as forestry, seafood, and agriculture.