Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund

Who is eligible?

• Registered businesses with a primary focus on agriculture
• Registered businesses involved in agri-food processing
• Registered businesses engaged in primary and/or secondary processing of seafood products
• Registered businesses in aquaculture (land-based or marine)
• Not-for-profit industry associations/organizations representing agriculture, fisheries, food processing, and aquaculture sectors based in Nova Scotia

Who is not eligible

• Companies with cannabis-related projects.
• Businesses not in good standing with required regulatory bodies.
• Organizations without the required permits, leases, or licenses for fisheries and aquaculture operations in Nova Scotia.

Eligible expenses

• Purchase of equipment
• Professional equipment installation and shipping costs
• Consultant fees
• Acquisition of new software
• Construction costs, assessed on a case-by-case basis

Eligible geographic areas

• Nova Scotia

• Project concept (20 points) – clarity and relevance of the project overview, addressing a specific challenge or opportunity.
• Degree of potential impact (40 points) – potential to increase competitiveness, efficiency, and profitability for the applicant or for the seafood, agriculture, or processing sectors in Nova Scotia.
• Level of innovation (30 points) – introduction of technologies or practices that are new to Nova Scotia and that address an identified industry need without an existing solution.
• Organizational capacity (10 points) – demonstrated ability and resources to successfully complete the project.
• Effective knowledge transfer plan (10 points) – quality and reach of the proposed outreach or information-sharing component to support knowledge transfer within the industry.

• Step 1: Submit Expression of Interest
  • Complete the Expression of Interest form, ensuring all sections are filled out.
  • Attach your most recent audited financial statements or Notice to Reader financial statements.
  • Email the completed Expression of Interest and financial statements to SASI@perennia.ca by August 15, 2025.
• Step 2: Await Review Committee Evaluation
  • The Program Review Committee will evaluate your submission.
  • You may be asked to provide additional information if requested by the Committee.
• Step 3: Submit Full Application (by invitation)
  • If approved to proceed, you will be notified by email and invited to complete the full SASI Application Form and Plan.
  • Complete, sign, and date the SASI Application Form and Plan, addressing economic impacts for Nova Scotia.
  • Include all relevant supporting documents, proof of licenses, and permits as required based on your project type.
  • Submit the full application as instructed in the invitation.
• Step 4: Letter of Agreement
  • If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Agreement.
  • Sign and return the Letter of Agreement to officially initiate the project and funding eligibility.
• Step 5: Project Reporting and Claims
  • At project completion, submit a Final Project Report addressing deliverables, outreach, financial overview, and estimated future impacts.
  • Fill out and sign the claim form (received after Letter of Agreement), attaching copies of invoices for eligible costs and proof of payment.
  • Email the completed claim form, Final Project Report, and supporting documents to SASI@perennia.ca by February 23, 2027 (indicate "Claim" in the subject line).

• Applicants must submit their most recent audited financial statements or Notice to Reader financial statements with the Expression of Interest.
• Projects must include a knowledge transfer or outreach component, such as an open house or demonstration session, to share information with the industry.
• Applicants may be contacted periodically by program officers during the activity period and may be invited to participate in photo or video documentation of their project.
• If a project cannot be completed by the stated deadline, no funding will be awarded.