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Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in product development and safety
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications
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
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
