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Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM)
SK, Canada
Funding for Saskatchewan agri-business efficiency and expansion projects
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
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
- Government of Saskatchewan
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program provides funding of up to $750,000 per applicant to support agri-businesses in adopting best practices, new technologies, and processes aimed at improving productivity efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible activities include automation upgrades, sustainable manufacturing investments, and expanding processing capabilities by upgrading equipment.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant offers structured financing modalities designed to support agri-businesses in Saskatchewan aiming for lean improvements in manufacturing. The SLIM program provides varying levels of financial support depending on the project streams and funding caps.
- Cost-sharing: 50% of eligible expenses are covered in the Efficiency Stream and Expansion Stream, while 60% are covered in the Emissions Reduction Stream.
- The maximum funding cap per applicant or related entity is $750,000 over the program's lifetime.
- A business analysis conducted by an external contractor qualifies for 50% reimbursement, up to $20,000.
- The Tiered Funding Model is employed, with project sizes dictating maximum funding of $300,000, $500,000, or $750,000 depending on scale.
- Project expenses must be verifiable and incurred between April 1, 2023, and the final claim submission date.
- Interim claims can be made with certain conditions, with a 15% holdback applied to the approved claims.
- Eligible projects require a minimum project size of $50,000 to qualify for rebate.
- Final claims necessitate the submission of invoices and proof of payment, with equipment and materials being fully operational.
- An Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment review is required to access program funding.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program provides funding to agri-businesses to enhance productivity efficiency, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Eligible projects focus on automation, sustainable manufacturing, and increased productive capacity through equipment upgrades.
- Implementation of efficient manufacturing processes and technologies.
- Investment in equipment and infrastructure that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Expansion of processing capabilities to include new products that complement existing primary inputs.
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
This grant is applicable to companies that are located and operate within the province of Saskatchewan in Canada. The eligible areas are defined to ensure the success of projects aligned with the region's specific agricultural and economic development strategies.
- Companies based in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.
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
