Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots

The GreenShoots grant from Invest Nova Scotia provides financial support without requiring repayment or equity, making it highly accessible for early-stage technology companies. The funding is designed to cover substantial portions of project expenses, facilitating significant development and growth for successful applicants.

• Non-repayable, non-dilutive funding of up to $40,000.
• Covers up to 90% of total eligible project costs.
• Final award amounts are determined by a judging panel based on proposal evaluation.
• Successful applicants must demonstrate available funding to meet proposed activities and milestones.
• Engagement in a program agreement upon receiving funding, which outlines specific terms and conditions of the grant.

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is limited to companies that are registered and based in a specific geographic region. Eligible areas are specified to promote regional economic growth and support local innovation.

• Start-ups registered and based in Nova Scotia.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Shortlisted applicants must submit their presentation electronically 24 hours before their pitch session.
• Pitches will be held virtually via Zoom, and each session includes a 10-minute presentation followed by a 10-minute Q&A.
• Feedback is available upon request for all shortlisted applicants after their pitch.
• The award can cover up to 90% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $40,000.
• Successful applicants must enter into a program agreement with the involved organizations.
• The confidentiality of submissions is maintained, with submissions viewed only by those involved in the judging process.
• The program reserves the right to announce the winners publicly.