How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $99900 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)?

Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) is funded by Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

What are Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)'s eligibility criterias?

Commercial enterprise operating in Nova Scotia's seafood sector Incorporated, co-operative, partnership, sole proprietorship, or Indigenous organization Compliance with all necessary permits, licenses, and regulations

Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)

Last Update: July 25, 2025

NS, Canada

Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access

Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $99,900
Up to 80% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Status

Open

Overview of the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program

The Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) offers up to $99,900 in non-repayable funding to Nova Scotia-based seafood companies to improve business productivity and competitiveness. Eligible activities include market expansion, feasibility studies, new product development, certification support, packaging updates, and business process assessments.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum non-repayable contribution per project is $99,900.
Funding covers up to 80% of eligible costs for commercial enterprises with 19 or fewer employees and non-commercial recipients, 75% for those with 20 to 499 employees, and 50% for enterprises with 500 or more employees.
Applicants must provide the balance of project financing in cash (for commercial applicants) or a mix of cash and in-kind (for non-commercial applicants), subject to review.

Eligible projects & activities

Exploring new domestic or international markets for seafood products.
Developing new seafood products or improving existing product lines to meet market demands.
Updating product packaging and food labelling to enhance competitiveness.
Optimizing business processes and production layouts to increase efficiency and productivity.
Adopting innovative technologies, automation, or digitization within seafood operations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 42,000

Launch recycling pickup pilot in multi-unit residential buildings

$ 22,500

Implement digital inventory system for local arts supply shop

$ 40,000

Upgrade bakery’s kitchen for increased gluten-free production capacity

$ 65,000

Expand community meal delivery for seniors using e-vehicles

$ 52,500

Adopt advanced water filtration technology in craft brewery

$ 20,000

Create inclusive makerspace for youth with adaptive equipment

Eligibility criteria of the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program

The applicant must be a commercial enterprise or an Indigenous organization primarily operating in the seafood sector in Nova Scotia.
The business must have all necessary permits, leases, licenses, and must be in compliance with relevant regulations.
Eligible sectors include seafood processing (primary or secondary), marine plant harvesting, aquaculture (land-based or marine), live lobster holding facilities, and licensed commercial harvesting of fish or crustaceans.
Industry groups or associations based in Nova Scotia may also be eligible, depending on the project's nature and scope.
The applicant must be in good standing with federal and provincial regulatory authorities, and must not have overdue amounts owed to the Crown.

Who is eligible?

Commercial enterprises in Nova Scotia's seafood sector
Indigenous organizations with fish or seafood-related commercial activities
Companies engaged in primary and/or secondary processing of seafood products harvested in Atlantic Canada
Marine plant harvesting businesses
Aquaculture operators (land-based or marine)
Live lobster holding facility operators (land-based)
Commercial fish or crustacean harvesting businesses licensed by DFO
Nova Scotia-based industry groups or associations related to the seafood sector (non-commercial)

Who is not eligible

Companies not based in Nova Scotia.
Organizations whose primary commercial activity is outside of the seafood sector (including marine plant harvesting, aquaculture, fish or crustacean harvesting, or seafood processing).
Entities not in compliance with required permits, leases, licenses, or government regulations.
Applicants with overdue amounts owed to the Crown or not in good standing with relevant federal or provincial departments and agencies.

Eligible expenses

Qualified professional, technical, and other contracted services (external, arm’s length expertise).
Participation fees for conferences, seminars, and training sessions relevant to the project.
Travel expenses in adherence to the National Joint Council Travel Directive.

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

How to apply to the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program

Verify eligibility requirements

Review eligibility criteria for applicants and activities
Ensure compliance with required permits, licenses, and regulations
Verify good standing with federal and provincial government bodies

Prepare application and documents

Prepare the completed application form from www.perennia.ca/seamark
Gather required supporting documents (consultant CV, business registration, financial proof)
Obtain relevant quotes for services and costs where applicable

Submit application form

Submit the completed application and all required documents online
Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission
Disclose all outside funding sources in the application

Application review and due diligence

The Review Committee evaluates the application and supporting documents
Background and compliance checks conducted by federal and provincial departments

Receive application decision

Receive notification of the Committee's decision
Accept, revise, or receive a denial of your application

Additional information

All external funding sources associated with the project must be disclosed in the application.
Quotes for relevant costs should be included with the application when available.
Costs incurred prior to submission of a formal application are not eligible for reimbursement.
Applicants must not have overdue amounts due to the Crown.

Contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

seafoodprograms@perennia.ca

Apply to this program

Funding to improve sustainability in Atlantic fisheries