Open
Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support
Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in product development and safety
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Business registration details.
- Valid licence or permit information, if applicable.
- Project description and desired outcome.
- Food safety and quality program details, for relevant projects.
Official resources
Eligibility
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
- Step 1: Access Application Materials
- Visit the Seafood Accelerator Program webpage to download the relevant application form for the desired funding stream.
- Step 2: Complete Application Form
- Fill out all sections of the application form with required organizational and project details.
- Prepare supporting documents as specified in the Program Guidelines.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application and all required documents online or via email to seafood@perennia.ca.
- Step 4: Application Review
- The Seafood Accelerator Program Review Committee will review your submission.
- Applicants may be contacted by a Perennia specialist for further clarifications.
- Step 5: Approval and Project Quotation
- If approved, you will receive an emailed letter of approval.
- A designated specialist will contact you to discuss your project and create a quote.
- A 20% down-payment is required before work is scheduled.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a committee.
- Applicants may be contacted if more information is needed.
- Approved applicants receive an email or phone call, followed by an approval email and quote.
- Work starts after the applicant approves and signs the quote.
Additional information
- Intake is ongoing until funds are fully subscribed.
- A 20% down-payment is required before work is scheduled after approval.
- Some Quality and Food Safety projects may require a gap assessment before development starts.
- Applications may be reviewed with due diligence checks before final approval.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support Program
What is the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
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)
What expenses are eligible under Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support?
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.
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.
Where is the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support available?
The Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support is a Grant and Funding