
Planning New Opportunities Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Funding for farms and agri-businesses
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $15,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2024
- Closing date : February 28, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get a non-repayable contribution to help you cover the costs of being more competitive, managing transition, developing risk management strategies and responding to change.
Activities funded
The Planning New Opportunities Program offers support for various consultancy and planning needs essential to fostering business growth, continuity, and safety in the agriculture sector. Eligible activities include the development and improvement of strategic business and safety plans.
- Development of Business Plans, including Marketing and Succession Plans.
- Creation of Feasibility Studies to assess potential projects or initiatives.
- Formulation of Business Continuity and Emergency Preparedness Plans.
- Design of Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategies.
- Conducting Data Analysis to inform business decisions.
- Engineering Plans for process improvement like Lean Management or Six Sigma.
- Implementation of Food Safety Plans, including HACCP, Regulatory, and Global Food Safety Initiative Plans.
- Development of Farm Health & Safety Plans, which may include Occupational Hygienist Services and Engineering Certification.
- Translation Services for Food Safety and Farm Safety Plans, Product Labels, and Direct Marketing Materials.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 15,000
Developing a risk management strategy for climate change adaptation in agricultural practices
$ 15,000
Implementing a comprehensive risk management strategy for a dairy farm
$ 15,000
Transition management for a family-owned organic farm
$ 15,000
Adopting new agricultural technologies for a social enterprise farm
$ 15,000
Developing market research and analysis for a cooperative vineyard
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Planning New Opportunities Program is determined based on the type of applicant and specific income and registration requirements.
- The applicant must be a farm, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, agri-business, or agriculture industry association.
- Farms must be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
- Farms must have generated an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
- Farms must have applicants who are at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
- Agri-businesses must represent identifiable Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products.
- Agri-businesses must have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000.
- Agri-businesses must conduct value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product with a direct partnership and significant economic impact on Nova Scotia's agriculture industry.
- Agri-businesses must demonstrate the value or use of Nova Scotia products/ingredients.
- Agriculture industry associations must demonstrate non-profit status by providing documentation.
Who is eligible?
This grant targets farms, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi'kmaw communities, agri-businesses, and agriculture industry associations to enhance competitiveness and manage business risks.
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. To be eligible, your business must meet specific criteria, including being a farm, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities, agri-business representing Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products, or an agriculture industry association with non-profit status.
- Businesses not meeting the defined eligibility criteria
- Companies outside the agriculture or agri-food industry
Eligible expenses
The grant covers expenses related to consulting, planning, process improvements, safety, and translations to help support and enhance farm and agri-business operations.
- Consultant Services
- Business Plan
- Marketing Plan
- Succession Plan
- Feasibility Study
- Business Continuity Plans
- Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Marketing Study
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Strategy
- Data Analysis Fees
- Engineering Plan
- Process Improvement Plans, such as Lean Management or Six Sigma
- Food Safety Plan, including HACCP Based Plans, Regulatory Based Plans, and Global Food Safety Initiative Plans
- Farm Health & Safety Plan
- Development of Farm Safety Plan (policies, safe work practices, etc.)
- Occupational Hygienist Services, such as air and noise monitoring
- Engineering Certification
- Translation Services for Food Safety Plan, Farm Safety Plan, and Product Labels (excluding printing)
- Translation Services for Direct Marketing Materials (excluding printing)
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to farms, agri-businesses, and agriculture industry associations located in Nova Scotia. Eligible applicants must have a direct connection or impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.
- All applicants must be based in Nova Scotia.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include:
- - Demonstrated need for support
- - Clarity and feasibility of the proposed project
- - Potential impact on the farm or agri-business
- - Alignment with program goals and objectives
- - Financial viability of the project
How to apply
1
Review Eligibility and Guidelines
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for farms, agri-businesses, or agriculture industry associations.
- Carefully read the program guidelines for detailed information on eligibility and project criteria.
2
Complete the Program Application Form
- Obtain the Program Application Form from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture.
- Fill out the form with accurate details of your business and project plan.
- Ensure you include any necessary supporting documents as indicated on the form.
3
Complete the Program Funding Registration Form
- Complete the appropriate Program Funding Registration Form based on your applicant category (Farm, Agri-business, Industry Organization).
- Ensure all information is up-to-date and accurate.
4
Gather Supporting Documentation
Collect quotes and supporting documents as required, such as proof of income and local ingredient purchases.
5
Submit the Application Package
- Send your completed Program Application Form, Program Funding Registration Form, and supporting documents to the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture Programs Division.
- Use the contact details provided:
- Address: 74 Research Drive, Bible Hill, NS B6L 2R2
- Email: prm@novascotia.ca
- Fax: 902-893-7579
6
Await Confirmation
Look for confirmation that your application has been received and is under review.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Applicants are eligible for 75% funding assistance on total eligible project costs to a maximum of $15,000 per program year.
- Farms with income under $30,000 are eligible for reduced maximum funding of $2,000 per program year.
- No more than 100% of non-repayable funding can be received for any eligible project costs.
- Quotes for project expenses are required and must be included with the application.
- Program funding is limited to one application per applicant per year.
- Applicants must submit detailed proof of local ingredients purchases based on their income level.
- A signed Letter of Agreement must be returned within 30 days to avoid forfeiting funding.
- The program anticipates offerings in subsequent years, but availability may vary based on budget and government priorities.
Contacts
prm@novascotia.ca
902-893-6377
Frequently Asked Questions about the Planning New Opportunities Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Planning New Opportunities 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 Planning New Opportunities Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Planning New Opportunities Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Planning New Opportunities Program?
Who is eligible for the Planning New Opportunities Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Planning New Opportunities Program?
Where is the Planning New Opportunities Program available?
Are women eligible for the Planning New Opportunities Program program?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Planning New Opportunities Program program?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Planning New Opportunities Program program?
Are Black Canadians eligible for the Planning New Opportunities Program program?

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