Strategic Industry Growth Initiative
PE, Canada
Funding for Prince Edward Island to commercialize new food products
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMay 17, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Department of Agriculture
- Government of Prince Edward Island
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Funding to cover up to 85% of the costs of projects that accelerate the development and successful commercialization of food products.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, there are several eligible projects and activities for the grant.
- Development and implementation of industry/sector strategies
- Research and feasibility studies related to delivery of products
- Consulting or business coaching on applied market research and value-chain development
- Access to capital and support services for new and/or expanding business ventures
- Support for activities to identify commercialized products, technologies, practices or processes for widespread adoption by the sector
- Support for businesses to commercialize and adopt new products, technologies practices or processes
- Projects which will result in recruitment and retention of labour in the agriculture sector
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$14,450
Montreal
Recruit and train staff for expanding agriculture startup 'UrbanFarms Ltd'
$12,750
Ottawa
Conduct market research to expand 'NutriBeverage' product line internationally
$12,750
Calgary
Launch a vegetable subscription service including delivery feasibility study
$15,300
Halifax
Create sustainable fish farming techniques and business plan
$12,750
Vancouver
Develop a new organic food line and effective marketing strategies
$15,300
Toronto
Upgrade machinery to commercialize new food technologies for 'HealthySnack Inc'
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) funding, applicants must meet certain criteria, which include being part of specific industry groups and engaging in eligible activities or expenses.
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Public, private, and academic research bodies
- Entities collectively representing all agricultural sectors with the necessary expertise to deliver project outcomes
- Others may be considered upon request
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) is open to several types of companies and organizations involved in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Here are the eligible types of recipients:
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Public, private, and academic research bodies
- Entities collectively representing all agricultural sectors with the necessary expertise to deliver project outcomes
- Others may be considered upon request
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Based on the grant context provided, there are no specific types of companies mentioned that are not eligible for the grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant.
- Development and implementation of industry/sector strategies
- Research and feasibility studies related to delivery of products
- Consulting or business coaching on applied market research and value-chain development
- Access to capital and support services for new and/or expanding business ventures
- Support for activities to identify commercialized products, technologies, practices or processes for widespread adoption by the sector
- Support for businesses to commercialize and adopt new products, technologies practices or processes
- Projects which will result in recruitment and retention of labour in the agriculture sector
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) grant are not explicitly defined in the provided context. It primarily focuses on increasing the competitiveness, productivity, and profitability of Prince Edward Island’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Prince Edward Island
grant_single_labels|criteria
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Gather Required Information
- Applicant contact information
- Business or organization information, including CRA registration number
- Partnership information (if applicable)
- Project start and end date
- Additional sources of project funding
- Recipient type (i.e. primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor)
- Type of industry (i.e. Dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains and oilseeds)
- Signature for declaration and consent to personal information
- Demographic information (optional)
- Step 2: Prepare Project Proposal (1-2 pages)
- Cover page
- Executive summary
- Project objectives
- Timeline
- Results
- Sustainable CAP Outcome
- Climate change/carbon sequestration
- Budget
- Evaluation
- Communication of support (if applicable)
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Email: Applications may be submitted via email to SIGI@gov.pe.ca. Please include the program name in the subject line.
- Regular Mail: Applications may be submitted via regular mail at:
- PEI Department of Agriculture
- 11 Kent Street
- PO Box 2000
- Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
- (902) 368-4880 (telephone)
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) provides extensive support for agricultural development in Prince Edward Island. The program has specific criteria and processes for funding applications.
- Applications are evaluated on a first come-first serve basis for merit and impact.
- Projects must meet eligibility criteria and have complete applications.
- If a project is not approved, all incurred costs are the responsibility of the recipient.
- Assistance is available until funds are fully allocated within the year.
- Funding levels may be adjusted based on assessment and availability of funds.
- All invoices and expenditures should be accurately documented and submitted upon project completion.
- Programs under the Sustainable CAP with links to increasing public trust may receive additional funding.
- Projects benefitting more than one Atlantic province may qualify for regional funding.
- On-going collection and reporting of program metrics are required for evaluation and control.
grant_single_labels|contact
SIGI@gov.pe.ca
(902)368-4880
Apply to this program
Summary of the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI)
The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) aims to enhance the competitiveness, productivity, and profitability of Prince Edward Island's agriculture and agri-food sector by supporting projects focused on market and innovation opportunities, value-chain development, and strategic relationships. Priority is given to holistic projects with broad sector or industry benefits.
Explaining the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI)
The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) is a vital program for the agriculture sector in Prince Edward Island, designed to foster industry-wide growth and competitiveness. This program is a concerted effort to accelerate the development and successful commercialization of food products specific to the region. Below is an in-depth look at various aspects of the SIGI, including eligibility, funding, and how to apply.
Eligibility for SIGI Funding
To be eligible for SIGI funding, applicants must fall under one of the following categories:
- Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
- Agri-businesses
- Agri-processors
- Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations
- Public, private, and academic research bodies
- Entities collectively representing all agricultural sectors with the necessary expertise to deliver project outcomes
- Other entities may be considered upon request
It is essential to ensure that the proposed project aligns with the objectives of the SIGI to be considered for funding.
Eligible Activities and Expenses
Projects that can receive SIGI funding typically focus on enhancing various aspects of the agriculture sector. Eligible activities and expenses include:
- Development and implementation of industry/sector strategies
- Research and feasibility studies related to product delivery
- Consulting or business coaching on applied market research and value-chain development
- Access to capital and support services for new and/or expanding business ventures
- Support for activities to identify commercialized products, technologies, practices, or processes for widespread adoption by the sector
- Support for businesses to commercialize and adopt new products, technologies, practices, or processes
- Projects that will result in the recruitment and retention of labour in the agriculture sector
Engaging in these activities ensures that the project not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to the broader agricultural industry.
Ineligible Activities and Expenses
While the SIGI covers a broad range of activities, certain activities are specifically excluded from funding. These ineligible activities include but are not limited to:
- Business Risk Management (BRM) type activities
- Normal and ongoing operating and maintenance activities
- Activities that do not provide a direct benefit to the sector
- Activities related to aquaponic food production, or aquaculture, seaweed, fish and seafood production and processing, except for international marketing and traceability activities for fish and seafood
- Activities that provide tax credits or rebates
- Development and enforcement of regulations
These exclusions ensure that SIGI funding goes towards innovative and transformational projects rather than routine operations or regulatory compliance.
Funding Details
The SIGI provides funding that can cover up to 85% of eligible project expenses. Consultant costs, however, are capped at $20,000 per project. The maximum funding and percentage per project are determined by the SIGI Program Review Committee based on the project's expected transformational outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to articulate clearly the potential impact and benefits of the project in the application.
Claims Process
Upon completion of the project, recipients are required to maintain an accurate record of all expenditures incurred. The following documents must be submitted as part of the claims process:
- A claim form summarizing expenditures
- Copies of all paid invoices with verification of payment
- A report on the project and its results in terms of project objectives
- Copies of material produced, or photos of material funded when applicable
This thorough and detailed claims process ensures transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
Terms and Conditions
Recipients must meet specific eligibility criteria and submit a complete application to the Department of Agriculture. Applications are assessed on a first-come, first-serve basis for merit and impact. It is important to note that if a project is not approved, all incurred costs are the recipient's responsibility. Assistance is available until funds are fully allocated for the year, and projects may be funded below the maximum contribution rate based on assessment and availability of funding.
How to Apply
Completed applications can be submitted via email or regular mail:
Email Applications:
Submit via email to
SIGI@gov.pe.ca with the program name in the subject line.Regular Mail Applications:
PEI Department of Agriculture
11 Kent Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
(902) 368-4880 (telephone)
Additional Considerations
Public Trust
Projects approved under the Sustainable CAP, which have demonstrable links to increasing public trust, may be eligible for additional funding. This emphasis on public trust ensures that the funded projects not only benefit the agricultural sector but also enhance public confidence in the industry.
Regional Collaboration
Projects with demonstrable benefits and impacts on more than one Atlantic province may be eligible for regional funding. This regional collaboration component ensures that projects with broader geographical benefits receive the necessary support.
Conclusion
The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) is a critical program designed to propel Prince Edward Island’s agriculture sector towards increased competitiveness, productivity, and profitability. By focusing on market and innovation opportunities, value-chain development, and strategic relationships, the SIGI ensures that funded projects provide substantial and long-lasting benefits to the agriculture industry. If you are part of an agri-business, Indigenous group, or other eligible entity, consider applying for SIGI funding to support your innovative agricultural projects.
