Closed
Small-Scale Food and Beverage Processing Equipment Program
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports small-scale food and beverage equipment purchases in Nova Scotia
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Optimize production processes
- Obtain certifications
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : May 1, 2025
- Closing date : August 29, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 1,500 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
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:
$ 70,000
Implementing digital inventory management in community hardware cooperative
$ 23,000
Creating an online platform for local artists to sell work
$ 48,500
Retrofitting office for accessibility and inclusive employee workspaces
$ 65,000
Expanding local textile production with specialized embroidery equipment
$ 29,500
Launching a compost program and buying commercial composting machines
$ 76,000
Upgrading bakery with energy-efficient ovens and new POS system
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
1
Verify eligibility and prepare documents
- Ensure your business or farm meets all eligibility requirements
- Gather supporting documents showing eligible income and registration
2
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
3
Application review process
- The review committee will assess your application
- Additional information may be requested by program staff
4
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
5
Purchase eligible equipment
- After approval, purchase eligible equipment within the specified activity period
- Retain all relevant invoices and proofs of payment
6
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
