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Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit
Tax credit for innovative Nova Scotia corporations
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 112,500
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
A non-refundable tax credit supports eligible investors in approved Nova Scotia corporations. It applies to equity investments used for innovation, research, development, or commercialization of new technologies, products, or processes.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 112,500 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 45% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 100 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Research and development of new technology
- Development of new products or services
- Commercialization of innovation
- Implementation of new or existing technologies in a new way
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Financial statements and review or audit report
- T2 corporate income tax returns
- Notarized shareholder register
- Proposed investor forms and business plan
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotia corporations
- Canadian-controlled private corporations
- Small and medium-sized corporations
- Corporations engaged in innovation
Who is not eligible
- Construction companies
- Real estate, hotel, retail, oil and gas, film, recreation, financial, and insurance businesses
- Businesses incorporated for self-regulated professional practice
- Businesses that have received certain other provincial tax credits or rebates
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Construction, real estate, hotel, retail, oil and gas, film, recreation, financial or insurance businesses
- Businesses incorporated for a self-regulated professional practice
- Businesses that have received certain other Nova Scotia tax credits or rebates
- Businesses that have already raised more than $5 million through previous specified issues
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Department reviews the application for a Certificate of Registration
- If approved, a Certificate of Registration is issued with the authorized issue period
- After the specified issue is complete, the corporation applies for tax credit certificates
- Tax credit certificates are issued to eligible investors once approved
- Approved corporations must file annual returns for 4 years after the certificate expiry date
Additional information
- The Department may request additional information.
- Paper copies are not accepted; applications are sent by email.
- Approval is issued through a Certificate of Registration.
- All documentation is kept confidential by the Department.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit. 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 Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit?
A non-refundable tax credit supports eligible investors in approved Nova Scotia corporations. It applies to equity investments used for innovation, research, development, or commercialization of new technologies, products, or processes.
How much funding can be received?
Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit Funds up to 45% of admissible expenses, capped at $112,500 per project.
Who is eligible for the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit program?
To be eligible for the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit program, you must:
Canadian-controlled private corporation
Operates in Nova Scotia
Innovative business activity
What expenses are eligible under Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit?
Research and development of new technology
Development of new products or services
Commercialization of innovation
Implementation of new or existing technologies in a new way
Who can I contact for more information about the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at ietc@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-424-5388.
Where is the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit available?
The Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Nova Scotia innovation equity tax credit is a Tax Credits