
Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)
Last Update: July 25, 2025
NS, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $99,900
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
Application review and due diligence
- The Review Committee evaluates the application and supporting documents
- Background and compliance checks conducted by federal and provincial departments
5
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.
Contacts
seafoodprograms@perennia.ca
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk). 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 Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)?
Who is eligible for the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)?
Where is the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) available?
Are startups eligible for the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk) program?

Grant and FundingOpen
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Financing to accelerate growth in Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund
Efficiency Nova ScotiaSupports energy efficiency and innovation in Nova Scotia fisheries
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Program
Government of Nova ScotiaFunding to support the Agricultural sector in climate change
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund
Perennia Food and Agriculture CorporationSupports transformative, innovative projects in Nova Scotia's seafood and agriculture
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia Seafood Innovation and Technology Adoption Program (NS-ITAP)
Perennia Food and Agriculture CorporationNon-repayable funding for Nova Scotia seafood innovation enhancements
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — For Profit
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Money to future-proof your Atlantic Canada for-profit business
Nova Scotia, Canada

Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Vessel Loan Program
Government of Nova ScotiaLoans for fishing vessels, engines and equipment in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Value-adding Equipment Program
Government of Nova ScotiaFunding for agricultural and agri-food businesses in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada

Researchers And FacilitiesOpen
NRC — Marine research station
National Research Council Canada (NRC)Marine research facility in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)Funding to improve sustainability in Atlantic fisheries
Nova Scotia, Canada