Planning New Opportunities Program
Bible Hill, NS, Canada
Funding for farms and agri-businesses
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 30, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Nova Scotia
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
- Department of Agriculture
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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)
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Gather Supporting Documentation
- Collect quotes and supporting documents as required, such as proof of income and local ingredient purchases.
- Step 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
- Step 6: Await Confirmation
- Look for confirmation that your application has been received and is under review.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
prm@novascotia.ca
902-893-6377
Apply to this program
Empowering Nova Scotia's Agricultural Sector
The Planning New Opportunities Program is an initiative aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of farms and agri-businesses in Nova Scotia. By providing funding and support, this program aids in managing transitions, implementing risk management strategies, and adapting to changes in the agricultural landscape.
Understanding the Planning New Opportunities Program and Its Benefits
The Planning New Opportunities Program is a strategic initiative designed under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is a substantial investment from the Canadian government aimed at fortifying the agricultural sector across the provinces. Specifically, this program in Nova Scotia offers support to farms, Mi'kmaq communities involved in farming, agri-businesses, and agricultural industry associations to develop and implement plans that will make them more competitive and resilient. With the projected investment of $46 million in Nova Scotia over the course of the partnership, the program focuses on building sector capacity, addressing climate change and environmental concerns, expanding market development, advancing science and innovation, and building resiliency and public trust.
Applicants to the program can benefit from up to 75% funding assistance on eligible project costs, capped at a maximum of $15,000 per year. This funding is specifically allocated toward expenses such as consultant services for business planning, process improvements, farm and food safety planning, and translation services, among others. This financial support is aimed at empowering enterprises to conduct feasibility studies, develop marketing strategies, and implement lean management techniques that are not only strategic but crucial for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
The program encourages Nova Scotian enterprises to employ local products, emphasizing the benefits of value-added processing. Agri-businesses, for instance, must show a partnership and economic impact on Nova Scotia's primary agriculture industry. This symbiotic relationship intends to boost the local economy while ensuring that local products are showcased on broader platforms. Additionally, the focus on local ingredient procurement ensures that the benefits of the grant ripple through local economies, providing additional justification for projects under this funding model.
One significant cornerstone of the Planning New Opportunities Program is its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, urging entities from equity-deserving communities such as women, the Mi'kmaq, Indigenous peoples, and other racialized individuals, to apply. This approach not only supports the diversification of the industry but also strengthens community ties by providing opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.
Eligibility requirements are comprehensive yet straightforward, aimed at ensuring only serious and committed entities partake in the program. For example, farms must register under the correct income category and demonstrate a certain level of eligible income, while industry associations are categorized by their non-profit status and role in the province's agricultural sector. Such criteria ensure the program's resources are aptly channeled to projects that show promise in terms of impact and feasibility.
Moreover, this initiative is committed to transparency and accountability. It requires a detailed application process that includes a program funding registration form, and upon approval, necessitates a letter of agreement to be completed, guiding the terms of funding and the project’s scope. This structured process underscores the importance of compliance and diligent planning in achieving the desired outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Ultimately, the Planning New Opportunities Program is a comprehensive strategic tool, providing necessary financial assistance and guidance to Nova Scotia's agricultural sector. It allows for the modernization and diversification of farming and agri-business operations to better meet today’s economic challenges and future opportunities. By fostering inclusion, innovation, and collaboration, this program supports not just immediate project needs, but contributes to the overarching goals of sustainable economic growth and cultural resilience in the province's vibrant agricultural landscape.
