How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program?

Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program is funded by Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program

Q: What are Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program's eligibility criterias?

Applicant must be a company aiming to overcome specific food safety barriers for market entry or expansion. Applicant must cost-share project expenses (up to 50%).

Last Update: July 25, 2025

NS, Canada

Supports overcoming food safety barriers for market access

Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $15,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Program status

Open

Overview of the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program program

The Market Access Food Safety Program provides funding up to $15,000 to assist companies in overcoming food safety requirements for new market entry or expansion, focusing on activities like gap assessments, program coaching, and pre-audit assessments. The program aims to help businesses obtain Global Food Safety Initiative certification and meet food safety standards necessary for exporting.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum funding available is $15,000 per applicant, determined by project scope and deliverables.
Financial support is cost-shared on a 50/50 basis with the applicant (e.g., a $30,000 project receives $15,000 in funding).
Applicants must provide a down payment prior to commencement of the project.

Eligible projects & activities

Assessing compliance gaps for specific food safety standards to facilitate market entry or expansion.
Coaching and supporting staff in developing, revising, and implementing food safety programs, including employee training.
Conducting pre-audit assessments in preparation for third-party food safety audits.
Assisting companies in obtaining Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification for export market access.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 80,000

Establishing a network of urban community gardens

$ 60,000

Creating an online platform for remote working resources

$ 40,000

Launching an art therapy program for at-risk youth

$ 90,000

Developing a mobile app for mental health support

$ 100,000

Developing sustainable packaging solutions for local businesses

Eligibility criteria of the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program program

The applicant company must be seeking to overcome a specific food safety requirement or obstacle to enter a new market or maintain access when requirements change.
The project must involve activities such as obtaining Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) certification, meeting new market food safety requirements, or similar compliance efforts.
The application must be fully completed and submitted as required by the program guidelines.
The company must be able to provide a down payment before project work begins.

Who is eligible?

Seafood companies seeking to enter new markets
Seafood companies needing to maintain access to existing markets due to changing food safety requirements

Eligible expenses

Costs for gap assessments to evaluate compliance with specific food safety standards, including facility inspections and program reviews.
Fees for program coaching related to the development, implementation, or revision of a food safety program, including potential employee training.
Expenses for pre-audit assessments conducted in preparation for a third-party food safety audit, based on existing company food safety documentation and readiness.

How to apply to the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program program

Obtain Application Form

Complete the Market Access Food Safety application form.
Alternatively, request the form by emailing seafood@perennia.ca.

Application Completion

Ensure that all sections of the application form are filled out completely.
Prepare any necessary documents that demonstrate project scope and deliverables.

Submission

Submit the complete application form to Perennia.

Follow-up and Additional Information

Be prepared for contact from a Perennia team member for further information or questions.

Approval and Down Payment

If approved, provide a down payment before the project work begins.

Scheduling

Begin scheduling the project immediately after application approval, with a signed quote and project plan.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended.
Funding decisions are made promptly to facilitate quick project commencement.
Successful applicants must provide a down payment to initiate the project.
Sufficient budget must be ensured by the applicant to cover their share of the costs.

Contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

seafood@perennia.ca

902-955-0248

Apply to this program

Marine research facility in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia