Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots
NS, Canada
Funding for early-stage businesses in Nova Scotia
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 16, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Invest Nova Scotia
- Government of Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a contribution of up to $40,000 to cover 90% of eligible costs, and business guidance to put your project into action in the agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, clean technology , and related sectors.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located specifically in Nova Scotia, Canada, as determined by the funding body's regional focus. It aims to support local entrepreneurial ventures in early-stage agri-technology and bioeconomy sectors located in this province.
- Start-ups registered and based in Nova Scotia, Canada, are eligible.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$40,000
Developing an advanced irrigation system for precision farming, NS
$40,000
Installing solar panels for sustainable greenhouse operations, NS
$40,000
Developing a vertical farming system to improve urban agriculture, NS
$40,000
Implementing a community biogas plant to recycle organic waste from local farms, NS
$40,000
Launching an aquaponics system to grow organic vegetables and fish, NS
$40,000
Creating a sustainable composting facility to handle organic waste, NS
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicants' company profile, project stage, and industry sector.
- Applicants must be a start-up registered and based in Nova Scotia.
- Applicants must have a new knowledge-based product that is difficult to duplicate.
- Applicants must have a technology at or beyond Technology Readiness Level 4.
- Applicants must have identified a large market pain and established a company around a customer-validated problem.
- Applicants must be the majority owner(s) (51% or more) and plan to work full-time with the business.
- Applicants must be from the agri-technology or bioeconomy sector.
- Applicants must have less than $1 million in cumulative sales.
- Companies that have raised more than $25,000 in equity investment from Invest Nova Scotia are ineligible.
- Stacking Invest Nova Scotia and other government funding programs is subject to review and approval.
- Previous GreenShoots recipients can apply again if they demonstrate new milestones.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The GreenShoots program is open to start-ups in Nova Scotia in the agri-technology and bioeconomy sectors, including areas like agri-management, anaerobic digestion, bioproducts, precision agriculture, and cannabis technology. Applicants must be registered in Nova Scotia, have a product at or beyond TRL 4, demonstrate ownership, be under certain financial thresholds, and have identified market needs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies primarily based on their funding status and industrial focus. The restrictions are intended to maintain alignment with the strategic goals of fostering innovation in agri-technology and bioeconomy sectors.
- Companies that have raised more than $25,000 in equity investment from Invest Nova Scotia.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The GreenShoots grant is designed to support early-stage technology companies within the agri-technology and bioeconomy sectors. This initiative aims to enhance innovation and economic impact in these fields, promoting technological advancements and market potential.
- Development of new knowledge-based products in agri-technology and bioeconomy sectors.
- Advancement of technology solutions in agriculture management and agri-waste management.
- Innovations in anaerobic digestion and aquaculture technologies.
- Creation of bioenergy and bioproducts such as biofibers, biocomposites, biomaterials, and bioplastics.
- Research in crop science and crop protection technologies.
- Utilization of fermentation processes and advancements in plant genetics.
- Implementation of precision agriculture using data analytics.
- Development of consumer and industrial agri-food innovations.
- Innovations in natural health products related to the bioeconomy sector.
- Technological advancements in cannabis technology.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Personnel salaries and benefits for project-related roles.
- Purchase of equipment and materials necessary for project execution.
- Travel and accommodation expenses directly associated with the project.
- Consulting fees for external expertise or technical support.
- Marketing and outreach costs for promoting project outcomes.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the GreenShoots grant:
- Step 1: Application Preparation
- Download the Microsoft Word APPLICATION FORM from the GreenShoots initiative page.
- Fill out the form by answering all questions in the provided boxes.
- Step 2: Application Submission
- Complete the application form with all required details.
- Submit the completed application form online before the deadline of February 16, 2024, by 11:59 pm AT.
- Step 3: Confirmation and Queries
- Note that updates cannot be accommodated once applications are submitted.
- If you have queries, contact agritech@investnovascotia.ca for assistance.
grant_single_labels|contact
agritech@investnovascotia.ca
1.800.260.6682
Apply to this program
Unlocking Growth for Agri-Technology and Bioeconomy Start-Ups in Nova Scotia
The GreenShoots program offers substantial funding and strategic support for innovative start-ups in Nova Scotia's agri-technology and bioeconomy sectors. It aims to drive entrepreneurial success by aiding early-stage companies in enhancing export potential, fostering job creation, and delivering environmental benefits.
Exploring the GreenShoots Initiative for Emerging Innovators
The GreenShoots initiative is a strategic partnership between Invest Nova Scotia, Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, and Bioenterprise Canada Corporation, designed to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurial activity within Nova Scotia. By targeting emerging enterprises in agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, and clean technology sectors, GreenShoots aims to identify and nurture companies at the forefront of innovation. This initiative not only provides up to $40,000 in non-repayable, non-dilutive funding but also pairs recipients with experienced professionals for business guidance, contributing to a robust ecosystem for new ventures within the province.
The funding mechanism of GreenShoots is crafted to help early-stage companies scale their businesses by developing breakthrough technologies aimed at solving significant market challenges. Successful applicants go through a thorough selection process, culminating in a presentation before a judging panel. This process ensures that only businesses demonstrating substantial potential for growth, viability, and economic impact receive funding. With a focus on supporting knowledge-based products and advanced technology solutions, GreenShoots positions itself as a catalyst for expanding Nova Scotia's market reach and competitive edge in high-tech agriculture and bioeconomy practices.
Aside from financial support, GreenShoots emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Awardees benefit from tailored advice that enhances their operational strategies and accelerates their path towards achieving both domestic and international market success. By fostering innovation in rural areas of Nova Scotia, the initiative contributes to local job creation, fortifying the socio-economic infrastructure of the region.
Moreover, the program's eligibility criteria compel companies to refine their business models and market positioning. By mandating ownership majority, defined market utilization, and a validated proof of concept (TRL 4+), GreenShoots encourages applicants to thoroughly evaluate their business strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures that participating companies are primed for future investments and partnerships within the agri-tech and bioeconomy sectors.
GreenShoots' commitment to confidentiality and fair evaluation processes strengthens the trust between applicants and the program. Even though past recipients may reapply, the stringent criteria for re-submission ensure that only new, milestone-achieving innovations receive subsequent funding. This ongoing support aligns with the provincial objectives of driving technological progress and establishing Nova Scotia as a leader in sustainable agri-tech innovation.
In conclusion, the GreenShoots program stands as a key influencer in Nova Scotia's start-up ecosystem. By offering financial resources, expert mentorship, and a network for collaboration, it provides essential tools and opportunities necessary for new agri-tech and bioeconomy businesses to flourish. Such initiatives are vital for the growth and resilience of the technology-driven sectors, ultimately contributing substantially to the economic landscape and climate sustainability efforts of Nova Scotia.
