Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM)
SK, Canada
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program funds agri-businesses' adoption of advanced technologies and practices to boost productivity and reduce emissions.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 31, 2027
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program provides funding assistance to agri-businesses for adopting best practices and new state-of-the-art technologies aimed at enhancing productivity, efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible activities include automation, sustainable manufacturing investments, and expanding processing capabilities through new or upgraded equipment. The program offers cost-sharing rebates to cover eligible expenditures, with a maximum funding cap of up to $750,000 per applicant/related entity over the program's lifetime.
grant_single_labels|projects
The SLIM program provides funding assistance to agri-businesses for adopting best practices, new technologies, and processes that improve productivity, efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Conducting business analysis by third-party consultants
- Investing in automation and efficient manufacturing processes
- Implementing sustainable manufacturing with greenhouse gas emissions-reducing equipment
- Expanding productive capacity by purchasing or upgrading equipment for new product development
- Upgrading energy-efficient building envelopes
- Adopting alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power
- Water development projects including wells and pipelines for commercial use
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$487,500
Lethbridge
Installing a wind turbine system to power dairy farm operations and reduce emissions
$300,000
Calgary
Developing a solar-powered greenhouse to extend growing seasons and reduce energy costs
$352,500
Winnipeg
Expanding production capabilities with advanced machinery for organic produce
$165,000
Saskatoon
Implementing automated irrigation systems to enhance productivity and reduce water waste
$322,500
Regina
Upgrading processing lines with energy-efficient equipment to optimize food production
$375,000
Moose Jaw
Integrating solar energy and automation to enhance sustainability in grain storage facilities
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligible applicants for this grant must be agri-businesses, First Nations, or Abattoirs involved in value-added processing of Canadian agricultural products. The grant also specifies additional criteria related to the business's location, revenue, and operational history.
- A commercial enterprise located in Saskatchewan;
- Incorporated federally or in Saskatchewan and have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year;
- An existing facility in operation undertaking value-added processing for a minimum of two years;
- Demonstrating a minimum of $100,000 gross annual revenue relating to value-added processing;
- A value-added product is defined as the upgrading of a raw primary agricultural product(s), or further upgrading of a processed product or derivative (includes co-product, by-product) into a new product;
- Using an identifiable portion of inputs originating from primary agricultural commodities grown or raised in Canada.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the SLIM program include agri-businesses, First Nations, or abattoirs involved in value-added processing of Canadian agricultural products. They must meet specific criteria such as location, incorporation status, and revenue requirements.
- Commercial enterprises located in Saskatchewan
- Incorporated federally or in Saskatchewan and have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year
- Existing facilities in operation undertaking value-added processing for a minimum of two years
- Demonstrating a minimum of $100,000 gross annual revenue relating to value-added processing
- Using an identifiable portion of inputs originating from primary agricultural commodities grown or raised in Canada
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Yes, certain types of facilities are not eligible for this grant:
- Facilities where the retail environment is larger than the processing area
- Publicly funded facilities
- Cannabis processing facilities that do not have a standard processing license as issued by Health Canada
- Processors of seafood or fish
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.
- Business Analysis by third-party contractor
- Efficiency Stream expenditures
- Emissions Reduction Stream expenditures
- Expansion Stream expenditures
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for the SLIM grant is the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.
- Applicants must be a commercial enterprise located in Saskatchewan.
- Incorporated federally or in Saskatchewan and have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year.
- Existing facilities in operation undertaking value-added processing for a minimum of two years.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 for initial inquiries or email agprograms@gov.sk.ca for more information and to ensure your company is eligible under the SLIM program.
- Step 2: Download the SLIM Pre-Approval Application Form from the provided link.
- Step 3: Complete the pre-approval application form.
- Step 4: Submit the completed pre-approval application form by email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or mail it to:
- Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch
- Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing Program
- 329 – 3085 Albert Street
- Regina SK S4S 0B1
- Step 5: Wait for the ministry review and approval to proceed with the business analysis.
- Step 6: Undertake a business analysis approved by the ministry. If you opt for a third-party consultant, ensure they have experience in efficient manufacturing principles, productivity, and systems efficiency. You may also conduct an internal business analysis if capable.
- Step 7: Submit the completed business analysis for ministry review and approval.
- Step 8: After the business analysis is approved, proceed with the project according to the ministry’s instructions, ensuring all components and requirements are met.
- Step 9: Obtain and comply with any permits, licensing, or approvals required for the project and incorporate any relevant mitigation measures.
- Step 10: If eligible for interim claims, ensure at least $200,000 in approved eligible expenses are incurred, items are fully installed, paid in full, and operational prior to request. Submit proof of payment and all required documents for consideration.
- Step 11: To complete and close the project, submit the final claim once all equipment and materials are installed, fully paid for, and operational. Include proof of payment and all invoices with the claim form.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The SLIM program offers funding assistance for agri-businesses in Saskatchewan to adopt best practices, new state-of-the-art technologies, and processes to improve productivity efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program has specific requirements for eligible expenses, funding caps, and deadlines to complete projects.
- Programs are designed to allow flexibility for First Nation businesses to reduce barriers and ensure accessibility.
- Contact information: Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment is required as a condition to access program funding.
- Final claims must be submitted with proof of payment and compliance with relevant permits, licensing, or approvals.
- Applicants are responsible for incorporating relevant mitigation measures for their projects.
grant_single_labels|contact
agprograms@gov.sk.ca
866-457-2377
Apply to this program
Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) Program
The SLIM program in Saskatchewan offers funding assistance to agri-businesses for implementing best practices, adopting new technologies, and promoting process automation to heighten productivity, improve efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible applicants include agri-businesses, First Nations, or Abattoirs involved in value-added processing of Canadian agricultural products with funding of up to $750,000 available over the life of the program.
Understanding the Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) Program
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) Program is an initiative by the Government of Saskatchewan aimed at providing financial assistance to agri-businesses. The primary objective of the program is to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies and efficient manufacturing processes to drive significant improvements in productivity, efficiency, and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This detailed analysis covers everything you need to know about the SLIM program, from eligibility criteria and eligible expenses to funding limits and application deadlines.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SLIM program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be agri-businesses, First Nations, or Abattoirs engaged in value-added processing of Canadian agricultural products. This includes upgrading raw primary agricultural products or further upgrading processed products into new commodities.
- Eligible businesses must be commercial enterprises located in Saskatchewan, incorporated either federally or in Saskatchewan. They should have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year.
- The facility must be in operation for at least two years with a minimum of $100,000 gross annual revenue related to value-added processing.
- The identifiable portion of inputs should originate from primary agricultural commodities grown or raised in Canada.
However, certain facilities are ineligible, including:
- Facilities where the retail environment is larger than the processing area.
- Publicly funded facilities.
- Cannabis processing facilities without a standard processing license from Health Canada.
- Processors of seafood or fish.
Eligible Expenses
The SLIM program categorizes eligible expenses under three primary streams: Business Analysis, Efficiency Stream, Emissions Reduction Stream, and Expansion Stream.
Business Analysis
A business analysis is a detailed review of the facility's current production methods to identify efficiencies and adopt new technologies. Eligible applicants must submit a pre-approval application and obtain ministry approval before proceeding. The analysis can be conducted internally or by a third-party consultant.
Third-party business analysis can receive 50% of eligible costs up to $20,000 and includes:
- Consultant fees.
- Consultant site visits for efficient manufacturing assessments.
- Commercial, engineering, and emission reduction assessments.
- Automation or technology design and implementation.
Efficiency Stream
This stream offers a 50% rebate on projects that enhance cost-saving and processing efficiencies. Eligible expenditures include:
- Purchasing new or refurbished equipment and machinery for processing efficiencies.
- Nominal structural adjustments and renovations, including installation and shipping fees.
- Training costs directly related to the project.
- Third-party consultation, design, and engineering.
- Embedded software directly contributing to processing efficiency.
Emissions Reduction Stream
Offering a 60% rebate, this stream focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through:
- Anaerobic digestion of food waste and conversion to electricity, heat, or renewable natural gas.
- Energy efficiency improvements, such as lighting, ventilation, and adding alternative energy sources like solar and wind power.
Expansion Stream
This stream provides a 50% rebate for projects that expand processing capacity, including:
- Water development projects like wells and converting non-potable to potable water.
- Purchasing equipment for new product processing lines complimentary to existing processing methods.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain expenses are not covered under the SLIM program, including:
- Expenditures made before April 1, 2023, or prior to project approval.
- New buildings, additions, major building modifications, and use of own or leased equipment.
- Labor or wages of the applicant or employees, travel costs, and taxes.
- Software not directly related to improving automation or manufacturing processes.
- Purchase of land, buildings, cars, trucks, and other motorized equipment.
- Costs under other government grants, rebates, or assistance programs.
Funding and Tiered Funding Model
The SLIM program provides funding up to a maximum of $750,000 per applicant/related entity over the life of the program. This amount includes the business analysis funding. The cost-share model for business analysis conducted by third-party contractors is 50% of eligible costs, capped at $20,000. For project streams, the cost-share percentages are:
- Efficiency Stream: 50% of eligible expenditures.
- Emissions Reduction Stream: 60% of eligible expenditures.
- Expansion Stream: 50% of eligible expenditures.
The funding cap is determined based on the project size through a tiered funding model:
- Project size $50,000 to $1,000,000: Maximum funding up to $300,000.
- Project size greater than $1,000,000 to $5,000,000: Maximum funding up to $500,000.
- Project size greater than $5,000,000: Maximum funding up to $750,000.
Allowable project expenses that contribute to the project size determination include building infrastructure, construction costs, and shipping. However, expenses such as land purchases, lease costs, and taxes are not reimburable under the program but still contribute to calculating the project size tier.
Claims Process
Interim Claim
Applicants can submit an interim claim given certain conditions:
- The SLIM project has received ministry approval.
- Claimed items are installed, fully paid, and operational.
- Proof of payment is required.
- Minimum $200,000 in eligible expenses must be incurred.
- Maximum interim payments cannot exceed $300,000, excluding holdback.
Final Claim
Final claims can be submitted once equipment and materials are fully installed, paid for, and operational. All invoices and proof of payments are required. Final claims ensure compliance with all SLIM program requirements before payment.
Deadlines
The SLIM program has specific deadlines:
- Pre-approval applications must be submitted by October 31, 2027.
- Business analysis must be complete by December 31, 2027.
- All projects should be completed with final claims submitted by March 31, 2028, or the specified date in the approval package.
Applying for the SLIM Program
For more information about the SLIM program or the application process, contact the Programs Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture at agprograms@gov.sk.ca or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377. Technical support and additional inquiries can be directed to the Ministry of Agriculture Value-Added Unit at agrivalue@gov.sk.ca.
Applicants can download the SLIM Pre-Approval Application Form from the official website and submit completed forms via email or mail to:
Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch
Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing Program
329 – 3085 Albert Street
Regina SK S4S 0B1
