Bioenterprise Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP)

Insider Tip

SGAP is designed for proven clean technology adoption, not R&D — the technology you're adopting must already exist commercially. Come with a specific technology in mind (a piece of equipment, a process assessment tool, or an energy management system) and a shortlisted vendor. Applications that articulate a clear, measurable sustainability outcome (e.g., 'reduce natural gas use by 15-25% through a new heat recovery system') score significantly better than vague 'sustainability improvement' framing. Also note: SGAP explicitly covers labour costs related to the project — this often surprises applicants who assume only capital equipment is eligible.

Success Profile

A southern Ontario food processor, agri-food manufacturer, or agri-tech firm with $500K–$10M in revenues, a specific clean technology investment planned (heat pump, energy management system, waste valorization equipment), a vendor shortlisted, and internal capacity to manage a $100K–$150K project. Companies that have previously received FoodShift funding are eligible to apply for new SGAP projects addressing different technologies.

Evaluation Criteria

SGAP evaluates applications on: (1) Environmental impact — quantified GHG reductions, waste diversion, or energy savings expected from the project; (2) Technology maturity — the technology being adopted must be commercially proven, not experimental; (3) Applicant capacity — financial and operational ability to complete the project and provide the 60% match; (4) Project feasibility — realistic timeline, budget, and vendor selection; (5) Sector alignment — food, agri-food, or agri-technology focus.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 6

• Advisory services and sustainability assessments
• Equipment acquisition for clean technology adoption
• Installation and commissioning of clean technology equipment
• Employee labour directly related to the project (design, installation oversight, training)
• Operational assessments for food waste reduction or process optimization
• Technology licensing for proven clean technology platforms

Ineligible Expenses 5

• R&D for unproven or novel technologies
• General operating costs unrelated to the project
• Costs incurred before the SGAP contribution agreement is signed
• Marketing, branding, or sales activities
• Travel and accommodation costs

Intake Periods

Annual or semi-annual intake windows. The 2026 round ran January 28 – March 18, 2026. Next round timing is not yet confirmed; typically announced 4–6 weeks before the opening date.

Deadline Notes

The 2026 intake opened January 28 and closed March 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Award decisions expected June 2026. The next intake round has not been announced; monitor bioenterprise.ca/programs/sustainable-growth-and-adoption-program/ for updates. The program has run multiple annual or semi-annual rounds historically.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• For-profit businesses with less than $200,000 annual revenue
• Businesses outside southern Ontario
• Organizations in sectors other than food, agri-food, or agri-technology
• Government agencies and Crown corporations
• Individuals and sole proprietors (must be incorporated)

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

If funded assets are disposed of or the project is not completed as described, Bioenterprise may require partial repayment of the contribution. Standard federal contribution agreement clawback provisions apply.