
Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program
Last Update: May 13, 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:
$ 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
$ 80,000
Establishing a network of urban community gardens
$ 100,000
Developing sustainable packaging solutions for local businesses
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
1
Obtain Application Form
- Complete the Market Access Food Safety application form.
- Alternatively, request the form by emailing seafood@perennia.ca.
2
Application Completion
- Ensure that all sections of the application form are filled out completely.
- Prepare any necessary documents that demonstrate project scope and deliverables.
3
Submission
Submit the complete application form to Perennia.
4
Follow-up and Additional Information
Be prepared for contact from a Perennia team member for further information or questions.
5
Approval and Down Payment
If approved, provide a down payment before the project work begins.
6
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
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