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Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety
Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in quality and food safety projects
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 30, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety provides Nova Scotia seafood companies with up to $15,000 per year, covering 50% of project costs, to support initiatives in product development, quality, and food safety. Eligible activities include developing and implementing food safety programs, conducting gap assessments, achieving regulatory compliance, and enhancing quality management systems.
/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
- Closing date : July 30, 2026
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and implementation of comprehensive food safety programs to meet regulatory and market requirements.
- Preparation for obtaining certification such as Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards.
- Training personnel to improve knowledge and practices in quality and food safety management.
- Assessment and improvement of current food safety and quality systems to maintain or expand market access.
- Development of new value-added seafood products, including support for packaging, process development, regulatory compliance, and food labeling.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotia-based seafood companies
- Businesses registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks
- Licensed fish buyers, processors, aquaculture operators, and seafood harvesters in Nova Scotia
- Companies processing seafood products in Nova Scotia-based facilities
Who is not eligible
- Companies not registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks.
- Businesses that do not hold a relevant Nova Scotia or Fisheries and Oceans Canada license and do not process products in a Nova Scotia-based facility.
- Organizations not based in Nova Scotia.
- Companies not in good standing with the Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (if applicable).
Eligible expenses
- Gap assessments for compliance with specific food safety program requirements.
- Program coaching for quality and food safety program managers or quality assurance staff on plan development, revisions, and implementation.
- Pre-audit assessments in preparation for third-party food safety program audits.
- Training for personnel performing tasks that impact quality and food safety.
- Internal audits of quality and food safety management systems.
- Consultation services related to meeting requirements and overcoming challenges in quality and food safety management systems.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Additional information
- A 20% down-payment is required from the applicant before project work is scheduled.
- Intake is ongoing until funds are fully subscribed or until the program end date.
- A Gap Assessment may be mandatory prior to commencing some Quality and Food Safety projects.
- Recommendations for acceptance by the review committee are subject to due diligence checks for good standing with the provincial government.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety. 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 – Quality and Food Safety?
The Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety provides Nova Scotia seafood companies with up to $15,000 per year, covering 50% of project costs, to support initiatives in product development, quality, and food safety. Eligible activities include developing and implementing food safety programs, conducting gap assessments, achieving regulatory compliance, and enhancing quality management systems.
How much funding can be received?
Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety program?
To be eligible for the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety 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 – Quality and Food Safety?
Development and implementation of comprehensive food safety programs to meet regulatory and market requirements.
Preparation for obtaining certification such as Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards.
Training personnel to improve knowledge and practices in quality and food safety management.
Assessment and improvement of current food safety and quality systems to maintain or expand market access.
Development of new value-added seafood products, including support for packaging, process development, regulatory compliance, and food labeling.
Who can I contact for more information about the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety?
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 – Quality and Food Safety available?
The Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety is a Grant and Funding