Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $10000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program?

Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program is funded by Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation

Q: Who is eligible for the Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program program?

To be eligible for the Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program program, you must: • Must be registered and active under the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks • Must have active operations in Nova Scotia • Must have generated at least $1,500 in eligible annual business income

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program?

You can contact Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation by email at smallscale@perennia.ca or by phone at 902-670-9572.

Last Update: July 25, 2025

NS, Canada

Supports small-scale food and beverage equipment purchases in Nova Scotia

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $10,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program provides up to $10,000 annually to businesses and farms in Nova Scotia for the purchase and professional installation of food-grade, certified small-scale processing equipment. This funding aims to help recipients enhance production capacity, meet regulatory requirements, access new markets, and reduce operational costs.

Financing terms and conditions

Funding covers up to 50% of equipment cost, up to a maximum of $10,000 per year, based on eligible gross commodity revenue.
Maximum funding per year is $3,500 for gross business or commodity income between $1,500 and $29,999, and $10,000 for income of $30,000 or more.
Only one application per year is permitted.
No payment will be made for claims under $20.00.

Activities funded

Acquiring commercial-grade, small-scale food and beverage processing equipment to enhance production capacity.
Implementing processing improvements to access new retail markets or comply with regulatory standards.
Upgrading equipment to increase operational efficiency or reduce processing costs.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 23,000

Creating an online platform for local artists to sell work

$ 29,500

Launching a compost program and buying commercial composting machines

$ 65,000

Expanding local textile production with specialized embroidery equipment

$ 76,000

Upgrading bakery with energy-efficient ovens and new POS system

$ 48,500

Retrofitting office for accessibility and inclusive employee workspaces

$ 70,000

Implementing digital inventory management in community hardware cooperative

Eligibility

The applicant must be 19 years of age or older.
The business must be registered and active under the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks, or, for farms, properly registered under the Farm Registration Act.
The applicant must have active operations in Nova Scotia.
The business or farm must have generated an eligible annual income of at least $1,500 from food, beverage, or commodity sales.

Who is eligible?

Food and beverage businesses registered and active in Nova Scotia
Farms properly registered under the Farm Registration Act with operations in Nova Scotia

Who is not eligible

Companies not registered and active under the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks.
Farms not properly registered under the Farm Registration Act.
Businesses or farms without active operations in Nova Scotia.
Applicants under 19 years of age.

Eligible expenses

Purchase of commercial grade small-scale food and beverage processing equipment that enhances production capacity.
Professional installation costs of eligible equipment when required for operation.

Eligible geographic areas

Nova Scotia

Selection criteria

Assessment by a review committee based on the information and supporting documentation provided in the application.
Further evaluation or information may be requested if the application requires more assessment.

How to apply

Verify eligibility and prepare documents

Ensure your business or farm meets all eligibility requirements
Gather supporting documents showing eligible income and registration

Submit application and documents

Complete the program application form in full
Submit your application and documentation by August 29, 2025
Do not make equipment purchases before receiving approval

Application review process

The review committee will assess your application
Additional information may be requested by program staff

Accept and return agreement

If approved, you will receive a Letter of Agreement (LOA)
Review the LOA to understand project eligibility, assistance, and conditions
Sign and return the LOA to Perennia within 30 days

Purchase eligible equipment

After approval, purchase eligible equipment within the specified activity period
Retain all relevant invoices and proofs of payment

Submit claim for reimbursement

Fill out the claim form sent to you after the signed LOA is received
Attach copies of all invoices and proofs of payment for eligible costs
Submit the completed claim and documents by January 15, 2026

Additional information

Applicants should not make purchases before receiving a Letter of Agreement, as expenses incurred prior may not be eligible.
Only one application per year is permitted for this program.
No payment will be issued for claims under $20.00.
The name of recipients and amount of support received are considered public information and may be actively disseminated by Perennia.

Contacts

smallscale@perennia.ca

902-670-9572

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment 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.