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Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop a new product
- Research and experimental development
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
- Financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Startups
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:
$ 20,000
Create inclusive makerspace for youth with adaptive equipment
$ 22,500
Implement digital inventory system for local arts supply shop
$ 65,000
Expand community meal delivery for seniors using e-vehicles
$ 40,000
Upgrade bakery’s kitchen for increased gluten-free production capacity
$ 52,500
Adopt advanced water filtration technology in craft brewery
$ 42,000
Launch recycling pickup pilot in multi-unit residential buildings
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
