Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program
NS, Canada
Productivity and innovation expertise in Nova Scotia
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJune 21, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Researchers And Facilities
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Invest Nova Scotia
- Government of Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a voucher of up to $25,000 to access expertise within post-secondary institutions to help your business innovate or improve productivity.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to companies located in various regions across Nova Scotia. The eligible geographical areas are defined by the contact regions of the Regional Business Development Advisors.
- South Shore Region: Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne
- Western Region: Yarmouth, Digby
- Valley Region: Annapolis, Kings, Hants
- Northern Region: Cumberland, Colchester
- Northeastern Region: Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough
- Cape Breton Region: Cape Breton, Richmond, Inverness, Victoria
- Halifax Regional Municipality: Halifax & West, Dartmouth & East
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$25,000
Develop a new educational app for children to improve literacy skills
$23,000
Develop a new telehealth service for remote areas
$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
$22,000
Create a prototype smart irrigation system for urban gardens
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is Nova Scotia, Canada. Businesses must be registered and have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia, with the majority of their workforce residing there.
- Nova Scotia, Canada
- Permanent establishment in Nova Scotia
- Most of the workforce residing in Nova Scotia
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program:
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
- Step 4: Prepare Application
- Draft a comprehensive project proposal outlining your objectives and expected outcomes.
- Compile any necessary supporting documents, such as budgets and timelines.
- Step 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.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of your application.
- Retain the confirmation email for your records.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
info@investnovascotia.ca
902-424-8670
Apply to this program
Enhance Your Business with the Productivity and Innovation Voucher
The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program assists small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nova Scotia to access vital post-secondary resources for improved productivity or new initiatives. This program supports businesses in leveraging academic expertise to innovate and grow.
Diving Into the Details of the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program
The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP) is an exceptional opportunity for SMEs in Nova Scotia to collaborate with esteemed post-secondary institutions. It is designed to enable businesses to access research and expertise that can significantly bolster their productivity, introduce new products, services, or processes, and help in scaling their operations. This initiative reflects a concerted effort by the province to stimulate economic growth through innovation and enhanced productivity.
The PIVP offers a structured tiered approach for funding, divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 vouchers. Tier 1 vouchers, which can award up to $15,000, are intended for new applicants or those launching fresh projects, whereas Tier 2 vouchers allow up to $25,000 to build upon existing work funded by a previous Tier 1 voucher. This tiered system ensures not only the initiation of innovative ideas but also supports sustained development and refinement in business practices.
Intending to spur research initiatives across Nova Scotia, a business can apply for up to two Tier 1 vouchers, encouraging the initiation of multiple projects and broadening research horizons. To participate, companies must choose from a vetted list of eligible service providers, including renowned institutions like Dalhousie University and Acadia University, ensuring that the collaboration aligns with their specific business needs.
For those aiming to apply, it’s crucial to note that applications will be open from May 27, 2024, to June 21, 2024, with a submission requirement by 5:00 p.m. ADT. Following this, all projects funded under the program must be completed by March 15, 2025, safeguarding timely execution and facilitating effective project management.
Security and verification are also a priority for this program. A two-step identity verification process is employed whenever businesses access application or claim submissions. This involves entering an Invest Nova Scotia Customer Number and receiving a one-time code via email to ensure that business details and applications remain secure and accurate.
By providing a comprehensive support system through its structure, the PIVP significantly contributes to nurturing a thriving, innovative business environment in Nova Scotia. It addresses key areas such as product and process development, ensuring that small and medium enterprises have the tools to innovate effectively. Both tiers of funding are strategically purposed to cover essential expenses related to accessing expertise and conducting research, thus enabling businesses to make meaningful advancements in their growth trajectories.
The geographical reach of the PIVP extends across various regions in Nova Scotia, each supported by dedicated Regional Business Development Advisors. These advisors play a pivotal role in assisting businesses through the application process, ensuring there is ample guidance and support throughout their journey. Regional advisors can connect businesses with appropriate service providers, streamline the application process, and maximize the chance of a successful funding application.
The PIVP stands as a testament to Nova Scotia’s commitment to leveraging academic prowess for economic advancement. By fostering partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, the program not only enhances business capacities but also enriches the academic landscape with tangible, real-world applications of their work. As a result, businesses not only increase their competitive edge in the market but also contribute to an innovative and robust provincial economy.
