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Source verified March 4, 2026
Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program
Supports seafood market access through food safety support
Latest source updateLast Update: June 10, 2026Latest change: The page now shows expanded Seafood Accelerator Program details, including new eligibility, funding, timeline, and application instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Latest change: The page now shows expanded Seafood Accelerator Program details, including new eligibility, funding, timeline, and application instructions.
Seafood Accelerator program details updated
The grant page now shows the Seafood Accelerator Program alongside the Market Access Food Safety Program, with a broader scope for Nova Scotia-based seafood companies covering product development, quality, food safety, traceability, sustainability, and new value-added products. The funding details now state up to $15,000 per year at 50% of project costs, the program runs to March 31, 2029, and the new application deadline shown is July 30, 2026. The application process also now includes program guidelines, stream-specific application forms, submission to seafood@perennia.ca, and a 20% upfront payment requirement after approval and quote acceptance.
Funding available
$ 15,000
Deadline
July 30, 2026
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Market Access Food Safety Program offers up to $15,000 per applicant to help Nova Scotia-based seafood companies overcome food safety barriers to market access. It supports gap assessments, program coaching, pre-audit assessments, and related food safety work.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Gap assessments for food safety compliance.
- Program coaching for quality and food safety management.
- Pre-audit assessments before third-party audits.
- Food safety training and consultation.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Business registration and licence details.
- Project contact information and business address.
- Project description and intended markets.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotia-based seafood companies.
- Seafood processors, buyers, aquaculture businesses, and related seafood operators.
Eligible expenses
- Gap assessments for food safety standards, including facility inspections and written program reviews.
- Program coaching for plan development, revisions, implementation, and related training.
- Pre-audit assessments in preparation for a booked third-party audit.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Project scope and deliverables.
- Committee review of complete applications.
- Due diligence checks for good standing with the provincial government.
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the application
- Fill out the Market Access Food Safety application form online or request it by email.
- Step 2: Submit the application
- Send the completed application to seafood@perennia.ca.
- Step 3: Await review
- Be prepared to answer follow-up questions if contacted by a Perennia team member or review committee.
- Step 4: Finalize approval
- If approved, review and sign the quote, then provide the required down payment before work begins.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a committee.
- Applicants may be contacted for clarification or additional information.
- Approved applicants receive an approval email or call, followed by a quote.
- A signed quote and down payment are required before the project begins.
- For some projects, a gap assessment may be required before development and implementation.
Additional information
- Intake is ongoing until funds are fully subscribed.
- Applications are reviewed by a committee.
- Approved applicants receive an approval email and quote.
- A signed quote and down payment are required before work is scheduled.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program Program
What is the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program?
The Market Access Food Safety Program offers up to $15,000 per applicant to help Nova Scotia-based seafood companies overcome food safety barriers to market access. It supports gap assessments, program coaching, pre-audit assessments, and related food safety work.
How much funding can be received?
Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program program?
To be eligible for the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program program, you must:
Nova Scotia-based seafood company
Registered with Nova Scotia Joint Stocks
Designated quality and food safety manager
What expenses are eligible under Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program?
Gap assessments for food safety compliance.
Program coaching for quality and food safety management.
Pre-audit assessments before third-party audits.
Food safety training and consultation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program?
You can contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation by email at seafood@perennia.ca or by phone at 902-955-0248.
Where is the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program available?
The Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program is a Grant and Funding