Market Opportunities and Diversification Program
NS, Canada
Funding to help producers with local and export activities
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 05, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 31, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Department of Agriculture
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-repayable contribution to cover the costs of market diversification activities, website development, digital marketing, and market readiness activities.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is tailored for Nova Scotia producers, processors, and industry associations. Eligible geographical areas are implicitly those within the province of Nova Scotia.
- Businesses and associations operating in Nova Scotia.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$40,000
Developing new eco-friendly packaging for seafood products to meet export requirements
$45,000
Conducting a comprehensive marketing campaign to promote organic blueberries in new markets
$75,000
Creating a multilingual e-commerce website to expand the market for agricultural products
$45,000
Implementing a training program for employees to boost competitiveness in seafood processing
$55,000
Setting up a quality control lab for seafood processing to meet international standards
$50,000
Designing a marketing strategy to promote local organic produce in urban markets
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the type of business, its activities, and its income.
- The applicant must be a farm, a Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, an agri-business, an agriculture industry association, or a seafood business.
- Farms must be registered under the Farm Registration Act in the correct income category and have generated an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
- Farm applicants must be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
- Agri-businesses must represent Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products and have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000.
- Agri-businesses must conduct value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product with a direct partnership and significant economic impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.
- Agriculture industry associations must demonstrate non-profit status.
- Seafood businesses must be expanding into an international market and have generated an annual eligible business income of at least $30,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program, applicants must fall under specific categories and meet defined criteria:1. Farms: - Be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act. - Generate an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000. - Be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.2. Mi'kmaq Farming in Mi'kmaw Community: - Conduct farming activities within a Mi'kmaw community.3. Agri-businesses: - Represent Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products. - Have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000. - Engage in value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product, with a direct partnership and significant economic impact to Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.4. Agriculture Industry Associations: - Must demonstrate non-profit status.5. Seafood Businesses: - Be expanding into an international market. - Generate an annual eligible business income of at least $30,000. Applicants are advised to refer to the Program Guidelines for detailed eligibility requirements and to ensure compliance with all specified criteria before application.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
In the given context, there are no explicit exclusions or restrictions mentioned for specific types of companies or industries. Therefore, the grant assumes eligibility based on the positive criteria outlined without detailing industries or activities that are specifically excluded.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program supports agricultural and seafood businesses in Nova Scotia with various market-oriented projects. Eligible activities aim to enhance product adaptability, marketing, sales, and capacity building to help these businesses thrive locally and internationally.
- Product and packaging modification to meet specific market requirements or preferences.
- Marketing activities tailored to changing requirements or emerging opportunities.
- Efforts to promote the sale of quality agricultural and seafood products both within and outside of Nova Scotia.
- Development and capacity building initiatives that enhance competitiveness in target markets.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program has evaluation and selection criteria. Applicants will be evaluated based on specific criteria:
- Alignment with program objectives and eligibility requirements
- Demonstrated financial need and readiness for market development
- Potential impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural or seafood industry
- Feasibility and sustainability of proposed project
- Evidence of market research and demand for the products
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Review the Program Guidelines provided by the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program.
- Step 2: Ensure that your business or organization meets the eligibility criteria specified for farms, agri-businesses, agriculture industry associations, or seafood businesses.
- Step 3: Prepare all necessary documentation and information required for the application process.
- Step 4: Submit your application before the specified deadline of 31 December 2023.
- Step 5: Await the evaluation of your application by the Department of Agriculture Programs Division.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Consider these additional details when applying for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program:
- The claim deadline for approved projects is set for 29 February 2024, beyond which no claims will be entertained.
- The program's point of contact is based in Bible Hill, NS, and can be reached via phone, toll-free number, fax, or email for further inquiries.
Apply to this program
Exploring New Markets with the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program offers crucial support to producers, processors, and industry associations focusing on local and international market activities. This initiative is aimed at enhancing market reach through product modifications, marketing strategy adaptations, and capacity development in Nova Scotia's agricultural and seafood sectors.
Delve into the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program Details
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program is a significant initiative designed to bolster the competitive edge of Nova Scotia's agricultural and seafood industries. By facilitating an array of activities, the program aids in refining products and packaging to cater to specific market preferences, ensuring that businesses can align their offerings with the rapidly changing global demand. Whether looking at local markets or eyeing international expansion, the program empowers areas of agricultural production and seafood markets that are ripe for growth and innovation.
A key component of the program is the focus on marketing activities that adapt to emerging opportunities and evolving consumer requirements. This ensures that producers and processors are well-prepared to pivot according to market shifts, thereby maintaining relevance and competitive advantage. The ability to market quality agricultural and seafood products effectively both within and outside Nova Scotia is vital for sustaining economic growth and enhancing market presence.
Furthermore, the program underscores the importance of capacity building and development. For many producers, processors, and industry associations, building operational capacity is crucial to meet increased demand and compete effectively in target markets. By focusing on capacity-enhancing activities, the program ensures that participants are equipped with the necessary tools and infrastructure to elevate their market penetration effectively.
This program is accessible to a variety of entities, including farms, Mi'kmaq communities engaged in farming, agri-businesses, agriculture industry associations, and seafood businesses. Eligibility criteria are established to ensure the participants are either currently generating significant income from eligible activities or poised to make impactful contributions to the industry. Specifically, this includes demonstrating substantial economic benefits within Nova Scotia, thereby reinforcing the province's economic ecosystem through these enterprises.
In adhering to these guidelines, participants can utilize the program to explore and diversify market opportunities, enhancing their competitive stance in both local and global arenas. The ultimate goal is to support long-term strategic growth that contributes significantly to the economic vitality of Nova Scotia's industries.
While applications for the current program cycle are closed, interested parties should consider preparing for future opportunities by reviewing program guidelines and ensuring all eligibility criteria are met. This preparation will position them well for successful applications in subsequent rounds. The program illustrates Nova Scotia’s commitment to sustaining and advancing its vital agricultural and seafood sectors amidst global economic dynamics.
