Programs for businesses in Nova Scotia. Federal programs open to Nova Scotia businesses are on the Federal page. 85 open or upcoming, 105 listed.
SeedPort tracks 85 open or upcoming funding programs for businesses in Nova Scotia: 29 service programs, 24 grants, 17 loans, 5 tax credits, and other support. The most common uses are advisory, business expansion, commercialization. 1 program has a deadline in the next 60 days. Use the search and activity filter below, open any program for its amount, deadline and eligibility, and confirm details on the official page before you apply.
Program name
Province
Max funding
Status
Action
Aboriginal Business LoansGet a loan of up to $750,000 to start, expand or improve your Indigenous-owned business in Atlantic Canada. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $750,000
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $25,000
Open
Acadia University Research Partnerships (Cognit.ca)Partner with Acadia University to access researchers, facilities and IP. Partnerships can range from a brief one-time expert consultation to an ongoing research collaboration, helping solve complex problems, build… Nova Scotia
Open
Acceleration InitiativesFunding competitions and access to business advisory and market intelligence services for innovators and start-ups in Nova Scotia. Offers business guidance, mentorship, governance best practice, connections to… Nova Scotia
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
75% of costs
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Aquaculture Loan ProgramLoans with varying interest rates and repayment terms to start, expand or purchase an aquaculture business in Nova Scotia, tailored to match business cycles. Nova Scotia
Open
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Atlantic Fisheries FundFunding for projects in the Atlantic fisheries sector, including R&D, pilots and testing, commercialization, partnerships and network creation, adoption of more effective technologies and processes, and scientific… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Atlantic Fisheries Fund - InnovationFinancial assistance for projects involving the development, testing and marketing of sustainable technology for the Atlantic fish and seafood industry. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Atlantic Immigration ProgramHelps designated employers in Atlantic Canada hire qualified candidates from overseas or living in Canada temporarily for jobs they have not been able to fill locally. Employers must first be designated by the… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Atlantic IP Advantage - IP Strategy ImplementationFunding to cover the cost of expert coaching and advice to implement an intellectual property strategy and integrate IP protection into business operations and organizational culture. Funds are paid directly to IP… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Up to $75,000
Open
Business Atlantic ForumA free online forum for connecting buyers and sellers of businesses in Atlantic Canada. Users can create buyer or seller profiles, post or browse ads, and negotiate directly. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Business Energy RebatesRebates to help cover the costs of buying energy efficient business equipment in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia
Open
Business NavigatorsAdvisory service providing timely information on rules and regulations specific to your business in Nova Scotia and help understanding how to comply with provincial regulations. Nova Scotia
Open
CBDC Business CounsellingBusiness counselling and advisory support from Community Business Development Corporations to help entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada start or improve their business. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $150,000
Open
CBDC General Business LoanBusiness loan of up to $150,000 to buy or expand a business, develop new markets or purchase equipment in rural Atlantic Canada. Available to year-round and seasonal businesses, including franchise purchases and… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $150,000
Open
CBDC Hire for TalentProvides resources and support to help Atlantic Canadian businesses recruit, hire, train and retain talented people with disabilities, in order to diversify the business and increase opportunities for growth. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
CBDC Immigrant Loan Program (Pilot Project)A pilot loan program for new temporary residents of the Atlantic region who want to start a business, offering a loan of up to $20,000 at prime plus 3% fixed interest, plus access to business training, advisory and… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $20,000
Open
CBDC Innovation LoanLoan of up to $150,000 to increase business productivity through the introduction of new technology. Financial options include term loans and demand loans, loan guarantees or equity investments, with competitive… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $150,000
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
CBDC Self Employment Benefit ProgramProvides unemployed Atlantic Canadians with various types of support - including financial assistance, counselling and technical advice - during the initial stages of starting a business. Applicants meet with an SEB… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
CBDC Self Employment Benefit Program (SEB)Provides unemployed Atlantic Canadians with support during the initial stages of starting a business, including financial assistance, counselling and technical advice, delivered through Community Business Development… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $150,000
Open
CBDC Youth LoanLoan for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 34 in Atlantic Canada to help finance start-up costs, fixed assets and working capital needs. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Centre for Women in BusinessAccess a variety of training programs, events and networking opportunities for women in business who want to launch, grow and thrive, including exposure opportunities, networking groups, weekly coffee talks, business… Nova Scotia
Open
Cognit.ca - Dalhousie University Research PartnershipsAccess to world-class expertise, facilities and IP through a research partnership with Dalhousie University. Businesses can work with an industry liaison officer and lead researcher to scope a project to solve complex… Nova Scotia
Open
Commercialization, Consulting and MentoringProvides up to $16,250 covering 65% of the costs of engaging consultants or mentors to help SMEs and research institutions in Atlantic Canada bring a new and innovative product, technology or process to market… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Up to $16,250
Open
Creative Entrepreneurship ProgramSupport for craft entrepreneurs in Unama'ki-Cape Breton Island and Mulgrave, Nova Scotia, including skills-development workshops, funding, wholesale and export opportunities, mentorship connections, and training for… Nova Scotia
Open
Creative Industries FundFunding of up to 50% of costs for projects focused on global competitiveness and sustained export activity in creative industries such as design, art and music in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia
Up to $30,000
Open
Current Tenders — Nova ScotiaAccess to open tenders for goods and services issued by the Government of Nova Scotia, allowing companies to find and bid on procurement opportunities they are qualified for. Nova Scotia
Open
Digital Animation Tax CreditRefundable Nova Scotia tax credit equal to 50% of qualifying labour costs, plus an additional 17.5% credit for labour costs directly related to animation-specific activities. Nova Scotia
50% of costs
Open
Digital Media Tax CreditRefundable tax credit of 50% of eligible local labour costs, or 25% of total funds spent in Nova Scotia, for the development of an interactive digital media product. Nova Scotia
50% of costs
Open
E-tools for ExportingProvides up to $15,000 covering 65% of costs for short-term projects to develop and adopt electronic tools that help businesses get their products and services to international markets more efficiently. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Up to $15,000
Open
Experience Nova Scotia: A ToolkitA toolkit providing tools, worksheets and market insights to help Nova Scotia businesses develop new tourism experiences, plus tips on promoting them and information on provincial marketing opportunities. Nova Scotia
Open
Export Development ProgramProvides up to $15,000 covering up to 50% of eligible costs for Nova Scotia businesses to begin exporting outside the province, through two streams: Travel and Virtual Trade Missions, and Hire a Consultant. Nova Scotia
Up to $15,000
Open
Fishing Licence Loan ProgramLoan to cover the cost of a licence, or a licence and associated gear, to help businesses enter or re-enter the fishing industry, or to diversify into new species in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia
95% of costs
Open
GradWorks Employer Incentive ProgramSalary support for Nova Scotia employers who hire a qualified Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) graduate, covering up to 66% of salary (maximum $30,360) for up to one year. Nova Scotia
Up to $30,360
Open
GTO InnovateNova Scotia wage subsidy covering up to 30% of a new hire's first-year salary and 15% of the second-year salary when an employer hires a recent master's or PhD graduate into an innovation job paying at least $60,000. Nova Scotia
30% of costs
Open
Federal
Loan up to $50,000
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Innovation Advisors in Nova ScotiaFree, one-on-one advisory service for businesses developing a new product, technology or process in Nova Scotia. Innovation Advisors, who are former entrepreneurs, help companies identify the right government supports… Nova Scotia
Open
Innovation Rebate ProgramFunding to encourage advanced manufacturing companies to invest in innovation, increase productivity, and adopt cleaner and more sustainable growth approaches. Eligible businesses can receive a 25% rebate of costs… Nova Scotia
Up to $3,750,000
Open
Innovative Communities FundNon-repayable financial contribution for strategic projects that build on existing community strengths in rural Atlantic Canada, leading to long-term employment and enhanced economic capacity. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Invest Nova Scotia Payroll RebateRebate on gross payroll for knowledge-based businesses that generate an economic benefit for Nova Scotia, tied to project-based job creation. Nova Scotia
Open
Invest Nova Scotia — IncubationIncubation facilities focused on technology innovation and commercialization, especially in the life sciences, ocean technology and clean technology sectors, offered to Nova Scotia innovators. Nova Scotia
Open
Job Creation PartnershipsProgram that helps employment insurance (EI) recipients develop the skills they need to find full-time work, through employer/organization-sponsored project placements in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia
Open
Livestock Tax Deferral ProvisionAllows livestock producers who sold at least 15% of their breeding herd due to drought or flooding in a designated prescribed region to defer a portion of the sale proceeds to the following tax year. Federal
Open
Market Entry Development ProgramProvides exporting companies planning expansion to Europe or Asia with a customized market-entry strategy, market development advice, international sales development services, and in-market representation by trade… Nova Scotia
Up to $26,000
Open
Micro Lending ProgramMicro loan of up to $5,000 with flexible repayment terms for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada, plus access to other business support services. Interest rate of 9.25% over a maximum 2-year term, with 5% cash… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Loan up to $5,000
Open
New Small Business Tax DeductionThis deduction eliminates the Nova Scotia corporate income tax for the first three taxation years of an eligible new small business after incorporation. Nova Scotia
Open
Nova Scotia Farm LoansA variety of lending products from the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board to help farmers and agricultural businesses start a business, purchase equipment, consolidate debt and meet other cash flow needs. Nova Scotia
Open
Nova Scotia
32% of costs
Open
Nova Scotia
15% of costs
Open
NRC Marine Research StationFee-for-service research solutions in areas such as algal biology, marine biology, aquaculture, analytical chemistry and applied nutrition, offered at the NRC marine research station in Ketch Harbour, Nova Scotia. Federal
Open
NRC Zebrafish Research FacilityFee-for-service facility in Halifax offering testing services for the evaluation of toxicological and pharmacological activity in the areas of natural health products and human health therapeutics. Nova Scotia
Open
Organic Certification Rebate ProgramRebate of up to $750 covering up to 50% of eligible expenses to encourage Nova Scotia farms to become certified organic and to support farms that have already made the changes needed to be certified organic. Nova Scotia
Up to $750
Open
Nova Scotia
Up to $100,000
Open
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (REGI)Funding to develop and commercialize the adoption of artificial intelligence in agriculture, clean technology, life sciences, manufacturing and other sectors of regional importance in Atlantic Canada. Projects must… New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
75% of costs
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Up to $2,000,000
Open
Seafood Accelerator ProgramFunding for Nova Scotia-based seafood companies to develop new value-added products, overcome technical challenges with existing products, update food safety programs, and gain access to new markets. Provides up to… Nova Scotia
Up to $15,000
Open
Season ExtensionEnhanced loan options for fruit and vegetable producers in Nova Scotia to support investments in greenhouses, cold storage, irrigation, and energy-efficient heating and lighting to extend the growing season. Approved… Nova Scotia
Open
Season Extension (Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board)Enhanced loan options for fruit and vegetable producers in Nova Scotia to support investments in greenhouses, cold storage, irrigation, and energy-efficient heating and lighting to extend the growing season. Approved… Nova Scotia
Open
Self-Employment Program (Nova Scotia)Provides financial and business assistance to individuals receiving employment insurance benefits in Nova Scotia to develop a business plan and start their own business or create their own job. Nova Scotia
Open
Skills Online Nova ScotiaFree online business skills training for employees in Nova Scotia, covering topics such as human resources, social media, customer service and accounting. Nova Scotia
Open
Small Business Loan Guarantee ProgramLoan guarantee program helping Nova Scotia small businesses access loans, capital, or lines of credit of up to $50,000 through participating credit unions. Nova Scotia
Open
Trade Market Intelligence Service (TMI)Invest Nova Scotia service providing critical market and trade intelligence to help businesses identify export opportunities for their products, services and target markets, including one-on-one advisory collaboration… Nova Scotia
Open
Venture for Canada - Internship ProgramWage subsidies covering up to $7,000 per student, per term for startups and SMEs to hire interns from Canadian universities and colleges. Employers based exclusively in Ontario are not eligible for internship funding. Federal
Up to $7,000
Open
Vessel Loan ProgramTerm loan to purchase or build a fishing vessel, install engines, equipment, and/or electronics, or make technical modifications to a fishing vessel in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia
90% of costs
Open
Young Millionaires ProgramProgram for Atlantic Canadian youth aged 9 to 16 to develop entrepreneurial skills through a series of workshops and mentoring designed to help them start their own business. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Open
Limestone Trucking Assistance ProgramProvides up to $32,000 covering up to 80% of eligible expenses to defray the cost of trucking limestone, improve production efficiencies and neutralize soil acidity on agricultural land in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia
Up to $32,000
Waitlist
Planning New Opportunities ProgramNon-repayable contribution to help farms and agri-businesses cover costs of becoming more competitive, managing transition, developing risk management strategies and responding to change, including consultant services… Nova Scotia
Up to $15,000
Waitlist
Amplified Voices Development FundEmerging writers and producers in Nova Scotia can access funding and training to develop high quality creative content to a level that can attract partners, financing and distribution. Nova Scotia
Up to $20,000
Closed
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Closed
Community Economic Development FundGet up to $3 million to cover the cost for your community-based project that sparks innovation and collaboration and builds stronger, more competitive sectors and regions. Nova Scotia
Up to $3,000,000
Closed
Connect2Funding covering up to 75% of eligible project costs for active transportation projects in Nova Scotia, including walking, cycling and wheeling, to increase connectivity and accessibility, improve quality of life, and… Nova Scotia
Up to $100,000
Closed
Cooperative Education IncentiveNova Scotia wage assistance program that reimburses employers $8 per hour for hiring university and college co-operative education students, provided the employer pays at least $18 per hour plus vacation pay. Nova Scotia
Closed
Energy Training Program for StudentsWage subsidy for Nova Scotia employers hiring students and recent graduates in the energy sector, covering up to 60% of wages to a maximum of $12 per hour for placements of 12 to 17 weeks. Nova Scotia
60% of costs
Closed
Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change ProgramProvides up to $10,000 covering up to 30% of eligible expenses to accelerate adoption of priority beneficial management practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change in the… Nova Scotia
Up to $10,000
Closed
GreenshootsProvides a non-repayable contribution of up to $40,000 covering 90% of eligible costs, plus business guidance, for early-stage Nova Scotia businesses in agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, clean technology and related… Nova Scotia
Up to $40,000
Closed
HCi3 Grant - Acceleration StreamGrant of up to $75,000 per project for up to 24 months to help initiatives scale up and accelerate their impact on climate solutions promoting equity, reconciliation, job creation, community resilience and other… Nova Scotia
Up to $75,000
Closed
HCi3 Grant - Catalyst StreamSeed funding of up to $10,000 for new initiatives with potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as low-carbon housing, community-based renewable energy, and shared and electric transportation, that support an… Nova Scotia
Up to $10,000
Closed
HCi3 Grant — Catalyst StreamSeed funding of up to $10,000 to support new initiatives with potential to reduce GHG emissions, such as low-carbon housing, community-based renewable energy, and shared and electric transportation. Nova Scotia
Up to $10,000
Closed
Launch Export Atlantic IncubatorProgram providing export training, support services and coaching to help businesses build export capacity and enable long-term economic growth. Participants access an estimated $15,000 worth of export training, coaching… Nova Scotia
Closed
Low Carbon CommunitiesGrant of up to $75,000 covering 75% of eligible project costs to help prepare the plans and studies necessary to implement clean energy projects in Nova Scotia, and to promote energy cost-savings and job creation. Nova Scotia
Up to $75,000
Closed
Market Opportunities and Diversification ProgramNon-repayable contribution covering costs of market diversification activities, website development, digital marketing, and market readiness activities for Nova Scotia agriculture and seafood businesses. Nova Scotia
Up to $75,000
Closed
On-Farm Resiliency ProgramSupport for expenses related to preparedness for nature-based perils such as extreme weather events and wildlife damage, through two streams: Electrical Preparedness and Wildlife Damage Mitigation. Nova Scotia
Up to $50,000
Closed
Productivity and Innovation Voucher ProgramVoucher of up to $25,000 to access expertise within post-secondary institutions to help a business innovate or improve productivity. Tier 1 vouchers (max $15,000) are for businesses that have not previously received a… Nova Scotia
Up to $25,000
Closed
Resilient Agricultural Landscape ProgramFunding for the adoption of on-farm land use and management practices that maximize provision of multiple ecological goods and services such as healthy soil and water resources, wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and… Nova Scotia
Up to $30,000
Closed
Student Summer Skills IncentiveWage subsidy for Nova Scotia non-profit organizations that hire a post-secondary summer student for 8-14 weeks between April and August. Nova Scotia
Closed
Value-adding Equipment ProgramProvides up to $50,000 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses for purchasing equipment that increases local food production, processing capacity, and value-added use of agricultural products in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia
Up to $50,000
Closed
Nova Scotia
75% of costs
Closed