
Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Productivity and innovation expertise in Nova Scotia
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $25,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 27, 2024
- Closing date : June 21, 2024
Financing Type
Researchers And Facilities
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get a voucher of up to $25,000 to access expertise within post-secondary institutions to help your business innovate or improve productivity.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant provides vouchers to support businesses in accessing services from eligible Service Providers, facilitating productivity and innovation. Vouchers are granted based on tiers, each with specific financial limits and conditions.
- Tier 1: Vouchers of up to $15,000 for businesses that have not previously received a voucher or are seeking support for a new project.
- Tier 2: Vouchers of up to $25,000 for businesses building on work completed through a Tier 1 voucher.
- A maximum of two Tier 1 vouchers per company to ensure broader accessibility.
Activities funded
The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program allows businesses to collaborate with post-secondary institutions and access their expertise. The eligible activities focus on enhancing productivity, developing innovations, and fostering business growth.
- Engaging in projects that improve productivity within the business.
- Developing new products, services, or processes through research engagement.
- Expanding business capabilities by leveraging institutional research and resources.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 23,000
Develop a new telehealth service for remote areas
$ 25,000
Develop a new educational app for children to improve literacy skills
$ 22,000
Create a prototype smart irrigation system for urban gardens
$ 23,000
Develop a new eco-friendly packaging solution for food products
$ 25,000
Enhance productivity in local manufacturing with robotic automation
$ 24,000
Design and prototype a new sustainable construction material
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the company and project status.
- The applicant must be a small or medium-sized company looking to access expertise within post-secondary institutions.
- The applicant can apply for Tier 1 vouchers if they have not been awarded a voucher previously or are applying with a new project.
- The applicant can apply for Tier 2 vouchers to build on work completed through a Tier 1 voucher.
- Companies are limited to a maximum of two Tier 1 vouchers to initiate their research initiatives.
Who is eligible?
Small and medium-sized companies in Nova Scotia that wish to access expertise within post-secondary institutions are eligible to apply for the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program. These businesses should aim to improve productivity, develop new products, services, or processes, and grow their business. They must also engage with eligible post-secondary institutions listed as Service Providers to apply. Additionally, for Tier 2 vouchers, companies must have previously completed work under a Tier 1 voucher. A company can receive up to two Tier 1 vouchers.
Who is not eligible
Yes, certain types of companies are not eligible for the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program.
- Franchisees
- Games of chance operations and bingo halls
- Personal service providers
- Real estate developers, agents or brokers
- Licenced liquor establishments whose primary business is alcohol sales (excepting production breweries, brew pubs, wineries, and distilleries)
- Distributors, agents, or traders, including retailers, except where value-added products or services are part of the deliverables or for the purpose of selling Nova Scotia products/services abroad
- Associations
- Professional service providers, except where the project represents a unique and/or strategic opportunity with potential economic benefit, incremental sales outside Nova Scotia, and/or job creation
- Creative industries companies’ activities which are eligible under the Creative Industries Fund
- Tourism operators
- Publicly funded organizations
- Non-revenue-generating not-for-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program assists small and medium-sized businesses in accessing resources from post-secondary institutions to enhance various aspects of their operations. The eligible activities are centered on boosting productivity, developing new offerings, and facilitating business growth.
- Improving business productivity through post-secondary institution expertise.
- Developing new products, services, or processes.
- Utilizing research resources to support business growth.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to companies located within the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Only businesses operating in this region are eligible to apply for the program.
- Companies based in the South Shore Region (Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne).
- Businesses located in the Western Region (Yarmouth, Digby).
- Organizations from the Valley Region (Annapolis, Kings, Hants).
- Enterprises in the Northern Region (Cumberland, Colchester).
- Businesses in the Northeastern Region (Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough).
- Companies in the Cape Breton Region (Cape Breton, Richmond, Inverness, Victoria).
- Entities within the Halifax Regional Municipality (Halifax & West, Dartmouth & East).
Selection criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program. Businesses must demonstrate how the project will help increase productivity and innovation, and voucher decisions will be based on the application demonstrating that the project meets these criteria.
- Increased productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness
- Development and/or increased innovation of business’ products, services, or processes
- Improved capacity to provide products and/or services to markets outside of Nova Scotia
How to apply
1
Verify Eligibility
- Check the program guidelines to confirm your business's eligibility.
- Identify whether you are applying for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 voucher.
2
Select a Service Provider
- Review the list of eligible service providers.
- Contact the relevant service provider to discuss your project needs.
- Ensure the service provider's expertise aligns with your project objectives.
3
Contact Regional Business Development Advisor
- Reach out to the Regional Business Development Advisor responsible for your region if you need additional assistance.
- Request your Invest Nova Scotia Customer Number if you do not already have it.
4
Prepare Application
- Draft a comprehensive project proposal outlining your objectives and expected outcomes.
- Compile any necessary supporting documents, such as budgets and timelines.
5
Submit Application
- Use the Invest Nova Scotia online form system.
- Verify your identity using the two-step verification process.
- Enter your Customer Number and associated email address to receive and enter a one-time code.
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
- Review the application for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the application before 5:00 p.m. ADT on June 21, 2024.
6
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of your application.
- Retain the confirmation email for your records.
Additional information
Additional information about the Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program includes various procedural guidelines and compliance measures.
- The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act applies to information collected in connection with the program.
- Approved applicants must participate in public announcements or ceremonies relating to the awarding of a voucher and the release of project information to the media and general public.
Contacts
info@investnovascotia.ca
902-424-8670
Frequently Asked Questions about the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Productivity and Innovation Voucher 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 Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program?
Who is eligible for the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program?
Where is the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program available?

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