
PEI — Business Development Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
PE, Canada
Business training and planning funding for agri-businesses in Prince Edward Island
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
The grant program offers a maximum funding amount of CAD 100,000, aimed at supporting innovative technology projects that enhance productivity and competitiveness in the Canadian market. Eligible activities include research and development, prototype testing, and commercialization efforts.
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 15,000
Benchmarking cattle ranching operations against industry standards
$ 70,000
Expanding the domestic market for organic strawberries
$ 60,000
Launching a skills training program for dairy farm employees
$ 15,000
Creating a business plan for a new farm-to-table restaurant
$ 15,000
Risk management training for vegetable growers
$ 70,000
Organizational development for the Maritime Grain Producers Association
Eligibility
The Business Development Program specifies eligibility criteria for each of its four sub-programs. Below are the summarized criteria for each sub-program:
- Training Sub-Program:
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agricultural producers
- Farm employees
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Others may be considered upon request
- Business Planning Sub-Program:
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agricultural producers
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Others may be considered upon request
- Benchmarking and Risk Management Sub-Program:
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agricultural producers
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Others may be considered upon request
- Building Sector Capacity Sub-Program:
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Municipal and provincial government
Who is eligible?
Yes. The Business Development Program has specific types of eligible companies that can apply for funding:
- Agricultural producers
- Small to medium-sized agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Municipal and provincial government
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant. These can include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Government entities
Eligible expenses
The Business Development Program covers a range of eligible expenses aimed at enhancing the capacity of agricultural producers and businesses in PEI.
- Skills training
- Business planning
- Organizational development
- Benchmarking activities
- Risk management activities
- Market expansion initiatives
How to apply
1
Obtain the Application Form and Appendices
Visit the PEI Department of Agriculture's website or contact them via email or phone to get the Business Development Program General Application Form and the required appendices relevant to the sub-program you're applying for.
2
Collect Applicant Information
Prepare your contact information, including business or organization details, CRA registration number, and partnership information if applicable.
3
Define the Project
Specify the project start and end date.
4
Identify Additional Funding Sources
List any other sources of funding that will be used for the project.
5
Classify Recipient and Industry Type
Identify the recipient type (primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor) and the type of industry (dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains and oilseeds).
6
Provide Declaration and Consent
Sign the application form to declare and give consent for personal information.
7
Submit Demographic Information (optional)
Provide optional demographic information if desired.
8
Complete Relevant Appendices
- Complete respective appendices according to the sub-program you're applying for, for example:
- Appendix A: Training Sub-Program (Agri-Skills Individual Training)
- Appendix B: Group Training, Organizational Development, Benchmarking, Business Planning
9
Submit the Application
Send the completed application form along with the required appendices to the PEI Department of Agriculture at the given address or via the provided contact details.
Additional information
It is important for grant applicants to know about potential administrative and compliance obligations.
- Applicants may be required to demonstrate financial stability through audited financial statements.
- There could be specific language requirements for documentation and reports, especially if the grant is federally managed and covers bilingual regions.
- Partnership or collaboration with other organizations might be encouraged to enhance project scope and impact.
- Applicants may need to outline sustainability measures to ensure project continuity beyond the grant term.
Frequently Asked Questions about the PEI — Business Development Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the PEI — Business Development Program. 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 PEI — Business Development Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the PEI — Business Development Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the PEI — Business Development Program?
Who is eligible for the PEI — Business Development Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the PEI — Business Development Program?
Where is the PEI — Business Development Program available?

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