Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support program?

To be eligible for the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support program, you must: • Must be registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks • Must hold a valid Nova Scotia seafood-related license or process in a Nova Scotia-based facility • Must be in good standing with the Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (if applicable)

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support?

You can contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation by email at seafood@perennia.ca or by phone at 902-955-0248.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support program.

Last Update: July 25, 2025

NS, Canada

Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in product development and safety

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $15,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support provides up to $15,000 per year to cover 50% of project costs for Nova Scotia seafood companies focused on product development, quality, and food safety initiatives. Eligible activities include developing new value-added products, implementing food safety programs, process optimization, packaging solutions, analytical testing, and technical support to enhance product quality and innovation.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Maximum financial assistance is $15,000 per applicant per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).
A 20% down payment is required by the applicant prior to project commencement.

Activities funded

Development and commercialization of new seafood products.
Improvement of existing seafood products to enhance quality or address production challenges.
Post-harvest handling best practices and optimization.
Adoption or optimization of fish processing techniques and technologies.
Utilization of fisheries by-products for new product opportunities.

Eligibility

The applicant must be registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks.
The applicant must hold at least one valid Nova Scotia seafood-related license or permit (e.g., Fish Buyers License, Fish Processors License, Aquaculture License, Aquaculture Lease, Rockweed Lease, Rockweed Harvester Permit Card, or Fisheries and Oceans Canada Fishing License), or ensure processing is done in a Nova Scotia-based facility if no such license is held.
The applicant must be in good standing with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, if applicable.
For Market Access Quality and Food Safety projects, the company must have a designated quality and food safety manager in place.

Who is eligible?

Nova Scotia-based seafood companies
Fish buyers, processors, aquaculture operators, and harvesters licensed in Nova Scotia
Companies developing seafood products processed in a Nova Scotia-based facility

Who is not eligible

Companies not registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks.
Businesses without a valid Nova Scotia seafood-related license or not processing in a Nova Scotia-based facility.
Companies not in good standing with the Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (if applicable).

Eligible expenses

Market assessment services
Recipe development and optimization
Food safety and regulatory review
Process development and optimization
Analytical testing to support product development
Packaging optimization
Prototype development
Label review and nutrition facts table development
Shelf life evaluation
Technical support related to product quality, process efficiency, and innovation

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

How to apply

Verify eligibility criteria

Review the Seafood Accelerator Program Guidelines in detail
Confirm your company is registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks and holds the necessary licenses as outlined
Ensure your company is in good standing with the Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, if applicable

Prepare application documents

Download the application form from the Seafood Accelerator – Perennia website
Fill out the appropriate application form for your chosen funding stream (Product Development or Quality & Food Safety)
Gather all required supporting documents and information

Submit application

Submit the completed application form and supporting documents online or by email to seafood@perennia.ca
Ensure submission is before the application deadline or while funds are available

Await review and follow up

Await review by the Seafood Accelerator Program Review Committee
Respond promptly to any requests from Perennia specialists for additional information or clarification

Finalize approval and begin project

Receive a letter of approval by email if the application is accepted
Contact the designated Perennia specialist to discuss project details and obtain a quote
Pay a 20% down-payment before work is scheduled
Complete any required preliminary steps such as a Gap Assessment for certain projects

Additional information

Intake for this program is ongoing until funds are fully subscribed.
A 20% down-payment is required prior to scheduling work after approval.
For some Quality and Food Safety projects, a gap assessment may be required before development starts.
Applicants must be in good standing with the provincial government, as due diligence checks are conducted prior to final approval.

Contacts

seafood@perennia.ca

902-955-0248

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.