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Source verified July 6, 2026
Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support
Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in product development
Latest source updateLast Update: May 12, 2026Latest change: The program now shows ongoing intake, an updated end date of March 31, 2029, and minor application form updates.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 12, 2026
Latest change: The program now shows ongoing intake, an updated end date of March 31, 2029, and minor application form updates.
Seafood Accelerator Program updated
The Seafood Accelerator Program now shows ongoing intake and updates the program end date to March 31, 2029. The application forms also include minor content updates such as a company/business name field and refreshed wording for the quality and food safety stream.
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Perennia’s Seafood Accelerator Program supports Nova Scotia-based seafood companies in adapting to changing market demands through product development, food safety, and market access support. Eligible work includes new value-added products, comprehensive food safety programs, and projects that help current seafood products meet customer expectations.
/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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- 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?
Perennia’s Seafood Accelerator Program supports Nova Scotia-based seafood companies in adapting to changing market demands through product development, food safety, and market access support. Eligible work includes new value-added products, comprehensive food safety programs, and projects that help current seafood products meet customer expectations.
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