Closed
Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)
Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 99,900
Timeline
- Closing date : September 14, 2025
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 99,900 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : September 14, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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.
Eligibility
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
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Download and carefully read the program guidelines from the official website to ensure your project aligns with eligible activities and costs.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Complete the application form found at www.perennia.ca/seamark.
- Gather all required supporting documents, including quotes where applicable and a CV, website, or background information for any external consultants to be engaged in the project.
- Compile proof of good standing with the federal and provincial governments and the Nova Scotia Fisheries & Aquaculture Loan Board, if applicable (e.g., confirmation of permits, licenses, registration, and no outstanding debts to the Crown).
- Collect documentation confirming all funding sources for the project (e.g., bank statements, letters from banking institutions, externally prepared financial statements).
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Send the completed application and all supporting materials through the online submission form at www.perennia.ca/seamark.
- Step 4: Application Review and Assessment
- The SeaMArk Review Committee will assess your application and supporting materials.
- Due diligence checks will be conducted for good standing with relevant federal and provincial authorities.
- Step 5: Notification of Decision
- Receive notification of the Committee’s recommendation (acceptance, denial, or revision of the 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) Program
What is the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $99,900 per project.
Who is eligible for the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program?
To be eligible for the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program, you must:
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
What expenses are eligible under Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)?
You can contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation by email at seafoodprograms@perennia.ca.
Where is the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) available?
The Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) is a Grant and Funding