Protein Industries Canada — Capacity Building
Canada
Bolster Canada's plant protein sector through strategic investments and transformative projects that drive innovation, collaboration, and sustainable economic growth.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Protein Industries Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Capacity Building program by Protein Industries Canada aims to advance Canada’s plant protein sector by supporting collaborative projects that address gaps in market insight, innovation infrastructure, talent acquisition, regulatory frameworks, inclusiveness, access to capital, and sustainability. Eligible activities must align with the program’s strategic priorities and involve diverse and inclusive teams, fostering sector-wide transformation and growth.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant focuses on building capacity across Canada, supporting innovation within the plant protein sector. As it is a federal program, it does not specify particular provinces or territories, but is open to eligible applicants nationwide.
- All provinces and territories in Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$125,000
Creating an inclusive training program for newcomers in the plant protein industry
$160,000
Developing sustainability metrics for plant-based agricultural practices
$400,000
Establishing a plant protein research lab at the University of British Columbia
$200,000
Developing a market analysis tool for plant protein trends
$250,000
Modernizing regulatory frameworks for novel plant-based foods
$480,000
Scaling up plant-based food manufacturing
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is based on factors related to collaboration, inclusivity, and alignment with the program’s priority areas.
- The project must be a collaborative consortia effort that leverages strengths and addresses gaps within the plant protein sector.
- Projects are required to engage diverse and inclusive teams, ensuring meaningful participation of women, Indigenous Peoples, and/or other under-represented groups.
- The project outcomes must align with Protein Industries Canada’s priority areas and Global Innovation Cluster themes.
- The potential for ecosystem transformation is a key consideration in the eligibility assessment.
- Projects should demonstrate a willingness to do business differently without duplicating existing efforts.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Capacity Building program by Protein Industries Canada is open to collaborative consortia projects that aim to advance the plant-based food sector in Canada. Projects are expected to engage diverse teams and align with the strategic priorities and investment thesis of the organization.
- Diverse and inclusive teams involving women, Indigenous Peoples, and/or other under-represented groups.
- Projects must leverage strengths, address sector gaps, and develop innovative solutions.
- Engagement with partners who are willing to do business differently and in a collaborative manner.
- Alignment with priority areas such as market and ecosystem insights, innovation infrastructure, access to talent and skills, supportive regulatory frameworks, inclusivity, access to capital, sustainability, and global presence.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
According to the provided context, there are no specific types of companies mentioned that are explicitly not eligible for the grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Protein Industries Canada Capacity Building program focuses on advancing the plant protein sector in Canada by investing in projects that target market insight expansion, innovation infrastructure, talent attraction, regulatory framework adaptation, sector inclusivity, capital access, sustainability metrics, and enhancing global presence.
- Projects that identify marketing opportunities and adapt to customer needs within the plant-based ecosystem.
- Development of infrastructure to support research and product scaling in the sector.
- Initiatives aimed at attracting talent, labor, and skills necessary for sector growth.
- Projects focused on modernizing the regulatory framework for plant-based foods.
- Programs and initiatives that promote inclusivity, particularly involving Indigenous peoples and new Canadians.
- Projects aimed at increasing capital investment, enabling scale-up of processing and manufacturing operations.
- Initiatives focused on developing sustainability metrics and reporting throughout the supply chain.
- Efforts to strengthen Canada's global presence and connections in the plant protein market.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The Capacity Building program by Protein Industries Canada supports eligible expenses that contribute to building capacity and advancing projects in the Canadian plant protein sector.
- Costs associated with collaborative R&D activities related to plant-based sector innovation.
- Personnel costs linked to project execution, including salaries and benefits for staff.
- Expenses for purchasing specialized equipment and infrastructure needed for research and development.
- Costs for accessing technical expertise and consultancy services.
- Training costs for skill development and recruitment to meet sectoral growth targets.
- Market research expenses to identify new opportunities and expand market reach.
- Regulatory compliance costs aimed at modernizing regulations and improving sector response time.
- Incorporating inclusive practices, such as initiatives aimed at engaging Indigenous Peoples and under-represented groups.
- Expenses for fostering sustainability and developing reporting metrics within the value chain.
- Costs associated with enhancing global presence and establishing international partnerships.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects under the Capacity Building grant program are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with Protein Industries Canada's strategic goals and potential for ecosystem transformation.
- Alignment with Protein Industries Canada's Investment Thesis and Global Innovation Cluster priorities.
- Potential for ecosystem transformation.
- Engagement of diverse and inclusive teams, specifically including women, Indigenous Peoples, and/or other under-represented groups.
- Incorporation of collaboration that addresses gaps and leverages strengths.
- Innovation in approach to overcoming barriers to growth within the plant protein sector.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this Capacity Building grant:
- Step 1: Review Program Guide
- Download and read the Capacity Building Program Guide available in English or French.
- Familiarize yourself with program structure and eligibility requirements.
- Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
- Prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) that outlines your project concept and potential impact.
- Submit the EOI for assessment by Protein Industries Canada staff for eligibility and alignment with investment thesis priorities.
- Step 3: Feedback and Advice
- Receive feedback from Protein Industries Canada on how to enhance your project to meet eligibility criteria.
- Refine project scope based on provided feedback.
- Step 4: Full Project Proposal
- For EOIs selected to proceed, prepare a detailed Full Project Proposal including a comprehensive budget and work plan.
- Fine-tune the proposal through discussion with the consortium and Protein Industries Canada.
- Step 5: Submission to Project Selection Committee
- Submit the Full Project Proposal for evaluation by the Project Selection Committee.
- Ensure compliance with the Conflict of Interest Policy and Applicant Interaction Policy during the evaluation process.
- Step 6: Await Decision
- Wait for the Project Selection Committee to approve, decline, or table your project for more information.
- Respond to any requests for additional information if necessary.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Apply to this program
Unlocking Growth and Innovation in Canada's Plant Protein Sector
The Capacity Building program from Protein Industries Canada is a strategic initiative aimed at fostering innovation and removing growth barriers within Canada's plant protein sector. This program seeks to create a sustainable and competitive global business environment by investing in collaborative projects that offer transformative benefits to the entire plant-based value chain.
In-Depth Insights into the Capacity Building Program
The Capacity Building program by Protein Industries Canada is set up to champion significant growth and development in the plant protein sector, regarded as a burgeoning field within the country's agrifood industry. By spearheading innovative projects, the program focuses on enhancing Canada's position as a key player in this landscape, with aspirations to grow the sector into a $25 billion industry.
This ambitious target is supported by a framework that focuses on several priority areas: Market and Ecosystem Insights, Innovation Infrastructure, Access to Talent, Labour and Skills, Supportive Regulatory Framework, Inclusion, Access to Capital, Sustainability, and Global Presence. These areas form the backbone of projects that the program seeks to co-invest in through collaborative consortia.
"Market and Ecosystem Insights" aims to equip the plant protein sector with the knowledge and adaptability required to seize marketing opportunities and meet evolving consumer demands. Projects in this area are encouraged to provide data-driven insights and foster innovation that can propel market expansion.
"Innovation Infrastructure" is a critical element in scaling research and products. By improving access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies, this pillar supports the transformation of innovative ideas into commercially viable products, ready to compete on a global scale.
The sector's rapid expansion requires a robust workforce; thus, "Access to Talent, Labour and Skills" has been identified as a key priority. With an estimated need for an additional 17,000 workers, this priority focuses on cultivating a skilled workforce capable of meeting the industry's demands.
To ensure progressive innovation in plant-based foods, a "Supportive Regulatory Framework" is necessary. Modernizing regulations to be more responsive and in line with international standards is crucial for fostering a conducive environment where creativity can thrive.
Inclusion is another cornerstone of the Capacity Building program. By promoting the involvement of Indigenous Peoples and new Canadians, the program seeks to contribute to economic reconciliation and enhance social equity, ensuring that growth benefits extend across communities.
Recognizing the importance of financial resources, the "Access to Capital" priority aims to secure $4 to $6 billion in investment to enhance processing and manufacturing capabilities. This injection of capital is essential for scaling operations and achieving the industry’s ambitious growth targets.
Sustainability remains a highlight of Canada's agricultural sector, and identifying key metrics to support sustainability claims is vital in maintaining a reputable position in the global market. Efforts under the "Sustainability" priority ensure that advancements feed into long-term ecological and economic health.
Lastly, expanding Canada's "Global Presence" is critical. By fostering international partnerships and elevating Canada as a premier destination for investment and business, the program seeks to amplify global outreach and integration, paving the way for robust international collaborations.
Through strategic collaborations and dedicated focus on these priorities, Protein Industries Canada intends not just to meet but exceed the growth trajectories envisioned for Canada's plant-based sector. The Capacity Building program represents a monumental step forward, providing the tools, frameworks, and partnerships necessary for a thriving plant protein ecosystem and establishing Canada as a leader in sustainable agrifood development.
