Closed
Source verified September 22, 2026
Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots
Funding for early-stage businesses in Nova Scotia
Get notified when Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 19, 2026Latest change: 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.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 19, 2026
Latest change: 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 intake and eligibility updated
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.
Funding available
$ 40,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Who can apply
Companies registered in Nova Scotia or with a significant presence in the province.
See full eligibility
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Optimize production processes
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 1,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Documents Needed
- Microsoft Word APPLICATION FORM
Official resources
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots Program
What is the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $40,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots program?
To be eligible for the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots program, you must:
The applicant must be a start-up registered and based in Nova Scotia with less than $1 million in cumulative sales.
The company must be in the agri-technology or bioeconomy sector, including areas like agri-management, bioenergy, and precision agriculture.
The start-up must have a technology at or beyond Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL 4+) stage of development.
Who can I contact for more information about the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at agritech@investnovascotia.ca or by phone at 902-424-8670x1406.
Where is the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots available?
The Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots?
Invest Nova Scotia — Greenshoots is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Invest Nova Scotia