Matching Investment Fund

Who is eligible?

Registered Canadian dairy processors, finished food product manufacturers, food technology centres, and other organizations such as milk marketing boards or food processor associations are eligible to apply for the CDC Matching Investment Fund. These applicants must be involved in the development, manufacture, and/or utilization of Canadian dairy products and ingredients.

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the Matching Investment Fund (MIF) grant. The following types of companies are not eligible:

• Companies that do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program guidelines.
• Companies with projects that do not align with the objectives of the MIF grant.
• Companies that do not operate in the dairy product development industry.
• Companies that have previously received funding through the MIF grant and have not fulfilled their obligations.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to consultation and product development for product innovation and increasing the use of Canadian dairy ingredients.

• Professional fees for consultants and subcontractors for project-specific tasks.
• Travel costs for consultants and subcontractors, including economy airfare and hotel.
• Costs of feasibility studies carried out by a specialized consultant prior to product development.
• Costs of focus group testing conducted by a consulting firm.
• Costs of pilot trials conducted by a Food Technology Centre (FTC).
• Gross wages or salaries directly related to the project, excluding benefits, incentives, and bonuses.
• Salaries of staff working on product testing or machinery/equipment retrofit directly for the project.
• Materials costs directly related to project activities.
• Costs of Canadian dairy ingredients used in product testing.
• Costs of other raw materials used in the project.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant supports eligible entities within Canada. It specifically targets areas where registered Canadian dairy processors and manufacturers operate.

• Entities located within Canada.
• Registered Canadian dairy processors and food manufacturers.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Small businesses (less than 25 employees) are given a special incentive, with up to 100% reimbursement for the first $10,000 spent on eligible project activities.
• Prioritization is given to projects emphasizing the use of solids non-fat (SNF) ingredients, which may qualify for increased funding upon CDC Board approval.
• The project application process involves an initial Project Summary Form, followed by a detailed Project Application if pre-approved.
• Applicants can request assistance from recognized Food Technology Centres or consultants, and the relevant contact information is provided in Appendix 1.