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
This grant is available to companies located specifically within the province of Saskatchewan. The eligible locations are targeted to support local agri-businesses involved in value-added processing of agricultural products.
- Commercial enterprises located in Saskatchewan.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$487,500
Installing a wind turbine system to power dairy farm operations and reduce emissions
$300,000
Developing a solar-powered greenhouse to extend growing seasons and reduce energy costs
$352,500
Expanding production capabilities with advanced machinery for organic produce
$165,000
Implementing automated irrigation systems to enhance productivity and reduce water waste
$322,500
Upgrading processing lines with energy-efficient equipment to optimize food production
$375,000
Integrating solar energy and automation to enhance sustainability in grain storage facilities
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the nature and operations of the company applying.
- The applicant must be an agri-business, First Nations, or Abattoir involved in the value-added processing of Canadian agricultural products.
- The company must be a commercial enterprise located in Saskatchewan.
- The applicant must be incorporated federally or in Saskatchewan and must have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year.
- The facility should be in operation and conducting value-added processing for a minimum of two years.
- The business must demonstrate a minimum of $100,000 gross annual revenue relating to value-added processing activities.
- Applicants must use 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 Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program include agri-businesses, First Nations, or abattoirs involved in the value-added processing of Canadian agricultural products. To qualify, applicants must:- Be a commercial enterprise located in Saskatchewan.- Be incorporated federally or in Saskatchewan and have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year.- Have an existing facility in operation undertaking value-added processing for a minimum of two years.- Demonstrate a minimum of $100,000 gross annual revenue from value-added processing.- Use a portion of inputs originating from primary agricultural commodities grown or raised in Canada.However, facilities where the retail environment is larger than the processing area, publicly funded facilities, cannabis processing facilities without a standard processing licence, and processors of seafood or fish are not eligible for funding. Related applicants—which include, but are not limited to, spouses, business partners, and relatives living in the same residence—are subject to the program’s funding cap limitations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to specific operational or structural characteristics that do not align with program objectives. These restrictions help target funding toward eligible and compliant entities.
- Facilities where the retail environment is larger than the processing area.
- Publicly funded facilities.
- Cannabis processing facilities without a standard processing licence from Health Canada.
- Processors of seafood or fish.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant aims to support efficiency improvements and sustainability in manufacturing for agri-businesses in Saskatchewan. Eligible projects focus on enhancing productivity, reducing emissions, and expanding processing capabilities.
- Automation and implementation of efficient manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Investments in equipment and infrastructure that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Purchasing or upgrading equipment to expand processing to new products using existing primary inputs.
- Conducting business analysis by third-party consultants to identify productivity improvements and emissions reduction.
- Projects that result in cost-savings, such as reducing food or water waste and improving water use efficiency.
- Engineered projects for the conversion of biogas into electricity, heat, or renewable natural gas.
- Adoption of alternative energy sources, including solar or wind power projects.
- Integration of new product processing lines using the same agricultural commodities already sourced.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The SLIM program provides funding assistance for various eligible expenses aimed at improving efficiencies, expanding production, and reducing emissions in manufacturing processes.
- Business analysis by an independent third-party consultant.
- Consultant fees for efficient manufacturing assessments.
- Engineering, electrical or emissions reduction specialists.
- Automation or manufacturing process improvements, technology design.
- Greenhouse gas emissions-reduction assessments and process audits.
- New or refurbished equipment and machinery replacing existing equipment.
- Nominal structural adjustments and renovations of buildings.
- Installation, delivery, shipping/handling fees and construction expenses by an independent third party.
- Training costs directly related to project impact on productivity.
- Consultation, design, engineering, and related training by a third-party.
- Software embedded in eligible equipment that contributes to processing efficiency.
- Anaerobic digestion of food waste and conversion of biogas into energy.
- Energy efficiency improvements and alternative energy source adoption.
- Water development projects and equipment for new product processing lines.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Ensure your agri-business meets the basic eligibility criteria such as being a commercial enterprise located in Saskatchewan and being involved in value-added processing for a minimum of two years.
- Step 2: Pre-Approval Application
- Download the SLIM Pre-Approval Application Form.
- Complete the pre-approval application with necessary business details and project information.
- Submit the completed pre-approval application form via email to agprograms@gov.sk.ca or by mail to the Ministry of Agriculture, Programs Branch, Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing Program, 329 – 3085 Albert Street, Regina SK S4S 0B1.
- Step 3: Conduct Business Analysis (if required)
- Upon receiving pre-approval, conduct a business analysis as outlined in the guidelines. This can be done by a third-party consultant for rebate eligibility.
- Submit the business analysis report by December 31, 2027.
- Step 4: Final Application Submission
- Complete all necessary documentation and prepare the final application including all project details, costs, and supporting documents.
- Ensure all projects and expenses align with the approved streams and include proof of costs incurred.
- Submit the final application with required documents before the project completion deadline (March 31, 2028, or as specified in approval package).
- Step 5: Claim Submission
- Submit interim or final claims to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Programs Branch once the equipment is fully installed, paid for, and operational.
- Include all invoices and proof of payments with the claim.
- Step 6: Await Approval and Funding
- Wait for the Ministry to review your application and claim. Follow up if necessary.
- Receive notification of funding approval and access the grant funds as per the approval terms.
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
Enhance Your Agri-Business Efficiency with SLIM
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program provides vital funding for agri-businesses aiming to implement cutting-edge technologies and practices that boost productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible enterprises can apply for substantial financial support to embark on projects involving automation, sustainable manufacturing, and expanded processing capabilities.
Unlocking New Opportunities for Agri-Businesses Through SLIM Funding
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program is a pivotal funding opportunity aimed at strengthening the province's agri-business sector. By facilitating the adoption of modern technologies and more efficient manufacturing processes, this program plays a crucial role in enhancing the productivity and sustainability of eligible Saskatchewan-based commercial enterprises. These enterprises, including First Nations and abattoirs, must focus on the value-added processing of Canadian agricultural products to qualify for funding.
The SLIM program is tailored to considerably augment the operational capabilities of agri-businesses while simultaneously addressing environmental impacts. By prioritizing projects that focus on automation and the introduction of new technologies, the program encourages businesses to upgrade their processes. This not only enhances efficiency but also extends production lines to develop complementary products, expanding the operational capacity and market reach of the involved businesses.
To assist in these transformations, businesses engaging in initiatives under the SLIM program are eligible for rebates on expenditures through designated streams—Efficiency, Emissions Reduction, and Expansion—each focusing on specific aspects of improvement. For instance, the Efficiency Stream offers a 50% rebate on costs related to the installation of new equipment that enhances processing capabilities. This stream targets reducing operational costs and waste, thereby boosting overall efficiency.
The Emissions Reduction Stream is particularly notable for its environmental focus, providing a 60% rebate on projects that minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Agri-businesses can utilize this stream to invest in energy-efficient upgrades or alternative energy solutions such as solar or wind power, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Projects enhancing resource efficiency, such as improving building insulation or upgrading to more efficient lighting and HVAC systems, also fall within this stream's purview.
Meanwhile, the Expansion Stream is designed to extend the production capacities of businesses enabling them to introduce new product lines. By subsidizing 50% of eligible costs for equipment that expands the facility's processing capabilities, the SLIM program fosters growth and diversification within the sector. Such initiatives not only increase the volume and variety of products available to consumers but also create new market opportunities for the involved businesses.
Successful participation in the SLIM program requires thorough planning and execution of projects. Eligible businesses need to engage in a rigorous business analysis to identify areas for improvement and plan viable solutions, supported by third-party expert consultations to maximize the potential benefits of the funding received. By encouraging the incorporation of key strategic improvements, the SLIM program ensures businesses can operate more sustainably and efficiently.
Overall, the SLIM program stands as a robust opportunity for agri-businesses aiming to not only enhance their operational prowess but also to contribute positively towards environmental sustainability. With a maximum funding cap of $750,000, determined through a tiered funding model based on project size, the financial aid can be substantial, making a significant impact on the growth trajectories of participating businesses. By facilitating these improvements, the SLIM program not only strengthens individual enterprises but also bolsters the entire agricultural value chain within Saskatchewan, ultimately fostering a robust, sustainable and competitive agricultural industry.
