Open

Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate?

You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at info@investnovascotia.ca or by phone at 1.800.260.6682.

Q: Where is the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate available?

The Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Q: Is the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate is a Wage Subsidies And Interns

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate?

Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Invest Nova Scotia

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Nova Scotia, Canada

Payroll rebate for Nova Scotia companies

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Invest Nova Scotia

Government of Nova Scotia

Overview

If your knowledge-based business generates an economic benefit for Nova Scotia, you may be eligible for a 5% to 10% rebate on your gross payroll.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Improve employee retention

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Public administration

Location

Nova Scotia

Legal structures

For-profit business

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

20 employees minimum

Audience

Startups

Activities funded

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 130,500

Development of aerospace engineering unit with new engineers

$ 160,000

Enhancement of cybersecurity division with 22 new hires

$ 166,875

Creation of data analytics team with 25 data scientists

$ 204,750

Establishment of AI research lab employing 28 researchers

$ 175,000

Increased staff for IT service expansion

Eligibility

Eligibility for the payroll rebate is determined by specific requirements related to the company's profile and activities within targeted sectors.

The company must operate within knowledge-based industries.
Eligible sectors include financial services and insurance, information technology, and defence, security, and aerospace.
The company should have a high probability of sustainable growth.
The company must be profitable.
A strong management team with a proven track record for success is required.
The company should agree to create at least 20 full-time positions in Nova Scotia.

Who is eligible?

Companies in knowledge-based industries such as financial services and insurance, information technology, and defence, security, and aerospace are eligible. These organizations must show a high probability of sustainable growth, profitability, a strong management team, a proven track record of success, and agree to create at least 20 full-time positions in Nova Scotia.

Who is not eligible

Certain types of companies and industries may not be eligible for the payroll rebate offered by Invest Nova Scotia. Restrictions are primarily based on the company's industry and its growth potential.

Industries outside the targeted sectors: financial services and insurance, information technology, and defence, security, and aerospace.
Companies with a low probability of sustainable growth.
Companies without profitable operations or a strong management team.
Businesses unable or unwilling to create at least 20 full-time positions in Nova Scotia.

Eligible expenses

Companies eligible for the payroll rebate must undertake activities that contribute to the creation of new jobs and sustainable growth within Nova Scotia's targeted sectors. The focus is on high-impact, knowledge-based initiatives in financial services, information technology, and defence industries.

Creation of new full-time employment positions in Nova Scotia.
Engagement in sectors with a high growth potential such as financial services and insurance.
Development of operations within the information technology sector.
Investment in projects related to defence, security, and aerospace.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically designed for companies situated in a particular geographic area as the funding body, Invest Nova Scotia, supports businesses located in Nova Scotia.

Businesses located within Nova Scotia, Canada.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The company must achieve pre-determined targets related to the number of new positions created and the average annual salary.

Number of new positions created
Average annual salary

How to apply

Initial Contact

Reach out to the Invest Nova Scotia team via phone or email to express your interest in the payroll rebate program.
Request detailed guidance on their specific application process and any pre-application requirements.

Eligibility Assessment

Review the eligibility criteria thoroughly to ensure your company qualifies for the payroll rebate, especially in terms of industry sector and job creation targets.
Gather initial data on your company’s capability to meet the performance targets outlined by Invest Nova Scotia.

Information Gathering

Collect all necessary documentation related to your company’s financials, management, and potential job creation plans.
Document your company’s growth strategy and how it aligns with the sectors supported by Invest Nova Scotia.

Application Preparation

Prepare a comprehensive application that includes details on your payroll expenses and projected growth in Nova Scotia.
Ensure that all required documents, such as financial statements and business plans, are up-to-date and accurate.

Submission of Application

Submit your completed application to Invest Nova Scotia via the process specified by their contact team, whether online or by other means they indicate.
Ensure to double-check that all fields are filled accurately and that all attachments are included.

Confirmation

Await confirmation from Invest Nova Scotia acknowledging receipt of your application.
Retain the confirmation for your records and future reference.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The payroll rebate is a negotiated percentage based on the company's eligible gross payroll.
The incentive is disbursed annually over a set period, typically between three to five years.
Rebates are contingent on meeting specific performance targets outlined in the agreement.

Contacts

info@investnovascotia.ca

1.800.260.6682

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate. 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 Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate?

Who is eligible for the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate program?

To be eligible for the Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate program, you must: Companies must operate in the financial services and insurance, information technology, or defence, security, and aerospace sectors. Companies must have a high probability of sustainable growth, profitability, and a proven track record for success. Companies must agree to create at least 20 full-time positions in Nova Scotia.