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|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Researchers And Facilities
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Invest Nova Scotia
- Government of Nova Scotia
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grant_card_status|closed
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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
Eligible projects under this grant program must demonstrate the potential to contribute to the development of a new product, service, or process that will help a business become more innovative and productive. The following activities qualify for support:
- Applied research
- Engineering services
- Prototyping
- Product development, research, and design
- Market advice
- Field testing
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$24,000
Calgary
Design and prototype a new sustainable construction material in Calgary.
$23,000
Halifax
Develop a new eco-friendly packaging solution for food products in Halifax.
$22,000
Vancouver
Create a prototype smart irrigation system for urban gardens in Vancouver.
$25,000
Ottawa
Develop a new educational app for children to improve literacy skills in Ottawa.
$25,000
Toronto
Enhance productivity in local manufacturing with robotic automation in Toronto.
$23,000
Montreal
Develop a new telehealth service for remote areas in Montreal.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program, businesses must meet specific criteria related to their location, workforce, size, and type of operation.
- Must be a Nova Scotia registered business in good standing (current registration on the Registry of Joint Stock Companies).
- Must have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia.
- Most of the workforce must currently reside in Nova Scotia (some exceptions may apply where it can be demonstrated that the economic benefit can be accrued to Nova Scotia).
- Must have fewer than 100 employees at the time of application.
- Must have an export plan outlining the products or services to market, target markets and distribution channels with supporting research, and how challenges in the target markets will be overcome.
- If the company is pre-revenue, it must clearly demonstrate the development of both a business plan and export plan.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for the Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program. Eligible companies must meet specific criteria, including being a Nova Scotia registered business with a workforce primarily based in the province and having fewer than 100 employees.
- Nova Scotia registered business in good standing
- Permanent establishment in Nova Scotia
- Workforce primarily residing in Nova Scotia
- Fewer than 100 employees
- Have an export plan outlining products/services, target markets, distribution channels, market challenges, and how these will be overcome
- If pre-revenue, must demonstrate development of a business plan and export plan
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
Eligible expenses for this grant must be incurred after the application date and be directly related to the project. Limited equipment purchases are permitted if they relate to the project.
- Applied research
- Engineering services
- Prototyping
- Product development, research, and design
- Market advice
- Field testing
- Special equipment needs related to the project
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
- Step 1: Contact the local Regional Business Development Advisor to discuss the project and ensure eligibility.
- Step 2: Complete and submit the online Application Form available at www.investnovascotia.ca/PIVP. This includes:
- Completed online Application Form, signed with all questions answered
- Service Provider Form completed and signed by the Service Provider
- Company Information Form completed and submitted with the online Application Form
- Step 3: Ensure all required documents and forms are submitted prior to the deadline of June 21, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. ADT.
- Step 4: Wait for project commencement post-application submission. No project costs incurred prior to the application date are eligible to be claimed.
- Step 5: Once the project is completed, submit deliverables within 60 days of project completion. This includes:
- Project Completion Report detailing work completed by the Service Provider and outcomes
- Claim Form submitted by the Service Provider to Invest Nova Scotia
- Step 6: Ensure all deliverables are submitted by March 15, 2025, at the latest, to avoid the project claim being denied.
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
Summary of the Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program
The Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program by Invest Nova Scotia supports small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Nova Scotia with vouchers up to $25,000 to enhance productivity and innovation through collaboration with local post-secondary institutions. The program aims to develop new products, services, or processes, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing business competitiveness.
Detailed Overview of the Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program
The Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP) by Invest Nova Scotia is an essential initiative aimed at boosting the productivity and innovation capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nova Scotia. This program provides financial support through vouchers, which businesses can use to access expertise and technical solutions from the province’s post-secondary academic institutions. The ultimate goal is to propel businesses towards higher productivity levels, enhanced innovation, and greater competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Program Objective
The primary objective of the PIVP is to support SMEs in accessing the necessary assistance to become more productive and innovative. The program seeks to foster the development of new products, services, or processes while strengthening links between businesses and post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia. By promoting such collaborations, the program helps businesses tap into cutting-edge research and technical expertise, facilitating growth and development.
Tiers and Voucher Details
The PIVP operates on a two-tier system, providing different levels of support based on the business's stage and prior involvement in the program:
- Tier 1: Vouchers of up to $15,000 are available for eligible businesses that have not previously received a voucher or are applying with a new project.
- Tier 2: Vouchers of up to $25,000 are provided for businesses to build on previously completed work under a Tier 1 voucher.
It’s important to note that the vouchers are valid until March 15, 2025, ensuring businesses have ample time to complete their projects and submit claims.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PIVP, businesses must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- The business must be registered and in good standing in Nova Scotia (current registration on the Registry of Joint Stock Companies).
- The business must have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia.
- Most of the workforce should currently reside in Nova Scotia. Exceptions may apply if the economic benefit can be demonstrated to accrue to Nova Scotia.
- The business must have fewer than 100 employees at the time of application.
- The business must have an export plan outlining products/services, target markets, challenges, and strategies to overcome these challenges.
- For pre-revenue companies, a clear business and export plan must be presented, subject to additional review if necessary.
Businesses such as franchisees, games of chance operations, personal service providers, real estate developers, certain professional service providers, and others as outlined in the program guidelines, are not eligible for the program.
Eligible Projects
The PIVP supports projects that clearly demonstrate the potential to develop new products, services, or processes to enhance business productivity and innovation. Eligible projects include:
- Applied research
- Engineering services
- Prototyping
- Product development, research, and design
- Market advice
- Field testing
These projects must engage with eligible Service Providers, primarily Nova Scotia’s post-secondary academic institutions, ensuring the expertise and scope required for successful project completion.
Application Process
The application process for the PIVP is straightforward but must be thoroughly adhered to ensure consideration:
- Contact your local Regional Business Development Advisor prior to submitting an application.
- Complete and submit the online Application Form available on the Invest Nova Scotia website.
- Ensure the application is complete, including the Service Provider Form and the Company Information Form, both signed and submitted by the deadline of June 21, 2024.
- Project commencement must occur after the submission of a completed application. Only project costs incurred post-application are eligible.
There is no application fee for this program, which cannot be replicated, transferred, or reassigned.
Project Timeline and Compliance
All projects must be completed, and claims must be submitted within 60 days of project completion and before March 15, 2025. Service Providers are responsible for submitting the deliverables and the Project Completion Report, detailing the work done and outcomes relative to the project goals.
Key Program Benefits
The PIVP offers substantial benefits to businesses, including:
- Financial Support: Access to up to $25,000 in financial aid to foster innovation and productivity.
- Expertise and Technical Solutions: Collaboration with top-notch researchers and experts from Nova Scotia’s academic institutions.
- Product and Service Development: Facilitation in developing new products, services, or processes, essential for business growth.
- Market Expansion: Enhanced capacity to provide products and services to markets outside Nova Scotia, supporting export growth.
Conclusion
The Productivity & Innovation Voucher Program by Invest Nova Scotia is a pivotal initiative for SMEs looking to elevate their operations through innovation and enhanced productivity. By providing access to financial support and leveraging technical expertise from the province’s academic institutions, the PIVP plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering a competitive business environment in Nova Scotia. Businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria, prepare their applications diligently, and utilize this opportunity to realize their growth potential.
For more information, visit Invest Nova Scotia - PIVP or contact your Regional Business Development Advisor.