Open
Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program
Supports overcoming food safety barriers for market access
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 15,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
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.
/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
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
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
- 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.
Eligibility
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.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety 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.
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:
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%).
What expenses are eligible under Seafood Accelerator Program — Market Access Food Safety Program?
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.
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