Open
Planning New Opportunities Program
Business planning support for Nova Scotia agriculture
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2026
- Closing date : June 30, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The program provides up to 60% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $15,000. It supports Nova Scotia farms, agri-businesses, and agricultural industry associations with business planning, succession, feasibility, food safety, and farm safety projects.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 60.000004% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 1, 2026
- Closing date : June 30, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 30,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business planning and advisory projects.
- Succession, feasibility, and emergency preparedness planning.
- Process improvement projects.
- Food safety and farm safety planning.
- Translation of safety plans, labels, and marketing materials.
Documents Needed
- Completed Program Application Form
- Program Funding Registration form
- Project quotes
- Proof of non-profit status, if applying as an association
- Income support documents, such as a Farm Registration income record or a T2 return / income statement for agri-businesses
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered farms
- Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in Mi'kmaw communities
- Agri-businesses
- Agricultural industry associations
Eligible expenses
- Consultant services for business, marketing, succession, feasibility, emergency preparedness, data analysis, and engineering plans.
- Process improvement plans, such as lean management or Six Sigma.
- Food safety plans, including HACCP-based, regulatory-based, and global food safety plans.
- Farm safety plans, occupational hygienist services, and engineering certification.
- Translation services for food and farm safety plans, product labels, and direct marketing materials.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Administrative overhead, operating expenses, staff salaries, travel, and HST.
- Buildings, building modifications, sea containers, and small construction tools.
- Training, related courses, in-kind contributions, and software licensing or standard software purchases.
- Nutrient management plans and woodlot management plans.
- Implementing approved plans, including legal, transfer, trust, and corporation costs, or buying and installing items identified in the plan.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Completed applications are reviewed as they are received.
- If approved, the applicant receives a Letter of Agreement outlining the approved funding and terms.
- The Letter of Agreement must be signed and returned within 30 days.
- After the signed agreement is received, a claim form is issued for reimbursement.
- Projects may be reviewed or audited before, during, or after completion, and a final evaluation survey may be requested.
Additional information
- Only one application per year is allowed.
- The program is anticipated to be offered again in 2027-28, subject to budget and policy changes.
Documents and links
Contacts
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?
The program provides up to 60% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $15,000. It supports Nova Scotia farms, agri-businesses, and agricultural industry associations with business planning, succession, feasibility, food safety, and farm safety projects.
How much funding can be received?
Planning New Opportunities Program Funds up to 60.000004% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is **June 30, 2026**. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Planning New Opportunities Program program?
To be eligible for the Planning New Opportunities Program program, you must:
Farms must be registered and actively farming.
Agri-businesses must show $30,000+ income and Nova Scotia products.
Industry associations must be not-for-profit.
What expenses are eligible under Planning New Opportunities Program?
Business planning and advisory projects.
Succession, feasibility, and emergency preparedness planning.
Process improvement projects.
Food safety and farm safety planning.
Translation of safety plans, labels, and marketing materials.
Who can I contact for more information about the Planning New Opportunities Program?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at prm@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-893-6377.
Where is the Planning New Opportunities Program available?
The Planning New Opportunities Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.