Closed
Source verified June 3, 2026
Market Opportunities and Diversification Program
Funding for agricultural market expansion
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
May 31, 2026
Opened April 1, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $20,000 to support market development and diversification for eligible agricultural businesses in Nova Scotia. It covers international market studies, digital marketing, and international trade event-related activities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- $ 30,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Business Associations
- Not Elsewhere Classified
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
- International
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- International market studies to assess demand in new export markets
- Digital marketing activities for local and international markets
- International trade event participation and product sample shipping
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Supporting project quotes
- Program Funding Registration form, if required
- Proof of income
- Proof of local ingredient purchases
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Farms
- Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi'kmaw communities
- Agri-businesses
- Agricultural industry associations
Eligible expenses
- In-market research, planning, and study preparation for new export markets
- Website development, website updates, e-commerce, and digital marketing
- Graphic design for labels, packaging, and marketing materials
- Product photography and video
- Consolidated product sample shipping for international trade events
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Travel expenses
- Administrative and general overhead
- Ongoing software licensing fees
- Standard software purchases
- Operating expenses and existing staff wages
- Printing, packaging costs, and HST
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Applications are reviewed as received by the Department of Agriculture.
- Approval depends on available program funding.
- The Department may limit funding per applicant or associated applicants.
- Projects may be reviewed and evaluated before, during, or after completion.
How to apply
- Step 1
- Complete the Program Funding Registration form if you are a new applicant since 2023.
- Update the registration form if your business information has changed.
- Step 2
- Prepare a complete application with supporting project quotes.
- Include the required proof of income and local ingredient purchases where applicable.
- Step 3
- Submit the application to the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture Programs Office by email or mail before the deadline.
- Wait for review and, if approved, sign and return the Letter of Agreement.
- Step 4
- After receiving the signed agreement acknowledgment, complete the claim form.
- Submit invoices, proof of payment, and the required supporting documents by the claim deadline.
Processing and Agreement
- Complete applications are reviewed by the Department of Agriculture as they are received.
- If approved, applicants receive a Letter of Agreement outlining the funding and terms.
- The Letter of Agreement must be reviewed, signed, and returned within 30 days.
- After the signed agreement is received, a claim form is sent to the applicant.
- Claims must be supported by invoices and proof of payment before submission.
Additional information
- Applicants may submit only one application per year.
- Quotes are required with the application.
- New applicants since 2023 must complete the Program Funding Registration form.
- Approved applicants receive a Letter of Agreement and must sign and return it within 30 days.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program Program
What is the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?
This program provides up to $20,000 to support market development and diversification for eligible agricultural businesses in Nova Scotia. It covers international market studies, digital marketing, and international trade event-related activities.
How much funding can be received?
Market Opportunities and Diversification Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was May 31, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program?
To be eligible for the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program, you must:
Farm, agri-business, or industry association
Must meet income requirements
Association must be not-for-profit
What expenses are eligible under Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?
International market studies to assess demand in new export markets
Digital marketing activities for local and international markets
International trade event participation and product sample shipping
Who can I contact for more information about the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at prm@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-893-6377.
Where is the Market Opportunities and Diversification Program available?
The Market Opportunities and Diversification Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.