Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety
Last Update: July 25, 2025
NS, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in quality and food safety projects
Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $15,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
Status
Open
Overview of the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety program
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.
Financing terms and conditions
- Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
- Maximum financial assistance is $15,000 per fiscal year per applicant.
- A 20% down payment by the applicant is required prior to work being scheduled.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 39,000
Launching a bilingual e-commerce platform for artisanal baked goods
$ 130,000
Acquiring specialized recycling equipment to process industrial plastics
$ 65,000
Implementing energy-efficient lighting and insulation upgrades in offices
$ 85,000
Renovating a shared commercial kitchen for local food producers
$ 45,000
Upgrading a digital learning platform for adult literacy programs
$ 50,000
Developing a job-readiness training program for newcomer youth
Eligibility criteria of the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety program
- 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, or process the product in a Nova Scotia-based facility.
- If applicable, the applicant must be in good standing with the Provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
- For quality and food safety projects related to market access, the company must have a designated quality and food safety manager in place.
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
How to apply to the Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety program
1
Review guidelines and obtain form
- Access and review the Seafood Accelerator Program Guidelines online
- Ensure your project aligns with program objectives and funding streams
- Obtain the appropriate application form for your project stream
2
Prepare application package
- Complete the required application form in full
- Gather all supporting documents as indicated in the guidelines
- Ensure information on eligibility is complete and accurate
3
Submit your application
- Submit the completed application form and documents online or by email to seafood@perennia.ca
- Ensure submission before the July 30, 2026 deadline
- Contact program representatives at the provided phone or email if assistance is needed
4
Application review process
- Your application is reviewed by the Seafood Accelerator Program Review Committee
- You may be contacted for clarification or additional information
- All recommendations are subject to due diligence checks for good standing with the provincial government
5
Receive approval and next steps
- If approved, receive a formal approval letter via email
- You will be contacted by a designated specialist to discuss your project in detail
- A quote will be created and a 20% down-payment will be required before project scheduling
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.
Contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation
seafood@perennia.ca
902-955-0248
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