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?

The applicant must have a specific food safety requirement or obstacle that is preventing market entry or maintaining market access. The applicant must be seeking to obtain Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) certification or meet new market food safety requirements. The applicant must be willing to cost-share the project up to 50% of total costs.

Last Update: July 22, 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

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

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

This grant provides structured financial support to assist companies in overcoming food safety barriers to market access. Funding is based on a cost-sharing model to maximize the program's reach and impact.

A maximum of $15,000 per applicant is available, contingent upon the scope and deliverables of the project.
Projects are cost-shared up to a 50/50 ratio between the grant provider and the applicant.
Applicants must provide a financial contribution at the project's commencement.
Funding allocation is subject to fund availability, encouraging early application submissions.

Eligible projects & activities

The Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program aims to help companies address food safety challenges that hinder their ability to enter or maintain their presence in specific markets. Eligible activities focus on assessments, coaching, and preparations necessary to meet food safety standards.

Gap assessments for specific food safety program requirements to evaluate necessary compliance measures.
Program coaching for food safety program managers or quality assurance staff on developing or revising plans, implementing them, and conducting employee training.
Pre-audit assessments to prepare for a third-party audit in accordance with a specific food safety program standard.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 40,000

Launching an art therapy program for at-risk youth

$ 90,000

Developing a mobile app for mental health support

$ 80,000

Establishing a network of urban community gardens

$ 100,000

Developing sustainable packaging solutions for local businesses

$ 60,000

Creating an online platform for remote working resources

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

Who is eligible?

This grant is designed to assist companies facing food safety challenges when entering or maintaining access to new markets. Eligible applicants are businesses seeking to meet specific food safety standards to expand their market presence.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to achieving food safety compliance for new market access.

Costs for gap assessments to identify necessary compliance actions.
Expenses related to program coaching for food safety management and employee training.
Fees for pre-audit assessments to prepare for third-party audits.

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

Funding for Nova Scotia SMEs