Source change captured:
Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots
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Companies registered in Nova Scotia or with a significant presence in the province.
Overview
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.
At a glance
Funding available
- Develop a new product or service
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Nova Scotia
- For-profit business
- $ 1,000,000 maximum revenue
- All organization sizes
- Startups
Next Steps
Availability timeline
Documents Needed
- Microsoft Word APPLICATION FORM
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
GreenShoots intake and eligibility updated
GreenShoots now says previous recipients are ineligible, updates the equity-investment rule, and moves the application deadline to September 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ADT.
GreenShoots now states that previous recipients are ineligible, and companies with more than Invest Nova Scotia equity may apply only with a different product and a different company. Stacking Invest Nova Scotia and other government funding programs remains subject to judging committee review. The application deadline changed from Monday, February 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to Monday, September 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ADT, and the intake materials now point to the Fall 2026–2027 info kit, application form, and submission page.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Companies registered in Nova Scotia or with a significant presence in the province.
- For-profit businesses.
- Companies operating in the agri-technology or bioeconomy sectors.
Who is not eligible
- Companies that have raised more than $25,000 in equity investment from Invest Nova Scotia are ineligible to apply for GreenShoots with the same product.
- Previous GreenShoots recipients are ineligible to apply for this program.
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.
Selection criteria
- Management Team (15 points): skillset of key individual(s), entrepreneurial track record, and capacity to develop the company and handle risks associated with the venture.
- Market Pain & Value Proposition (20 points): problem and size of the market pain, solution uniqueness, and value proposition.
- Market Opportunity & Business Model (15 points): target customers, revenue model, market size, and customer discovery.
- Competition & Go-to-Market Strategy (10 points): competitive analysis, barriers to entry, pricing, and go-to-market strategy.
- GreenShoots Milestones & Success Metrics (15 points); Capital Requirements & Investment Potential (20 points); Benefits to Nova Scotia (5 points).
How to apply
- Complete the Microsoft Word APPLICATION FORM, answering the questions in the spaces provided.
- If this is your first time applying to a program with Invest Nova Scotia, contact Grant Ruffinengo to request your Customer Number.
- Submit it online by Monday, September 14, 2026 by 3:00 pm ADT.
Additional information
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.
Contacts
