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.
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
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
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.
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