Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM)

Insider Tip

Apply early — this is first-come, first-served within a fixed Sustainable CAP budget. A project that would qualify in 2027 may find funds depleted if you wait. The third-party business analysis is rebatable even if your project doesn't proceed — this makes it low-risk to commission an analysis immediately after receiving pre-approval. If your project has an emissions component (renewable energy, waste reduction, wastewater), apply under the Emissions Reduction stream for the higher 60% rebate rate. Contact [email protected] or call 1-866-457-2377 to confirm stream eligibility before finalizing your application. Budget for the 15% holdback on interim claims — do not count on receiving full funding until after the final claim is verified.

Rejection Pitfalls 12

• Retail area of facility exceeds processing area
• Publicly funded facility (universities, Crown corporations, government entities)
• Cannabis processing facility without a standard Health Canada processing licence

Success Profile

Established Saskatchewan agri-business (2+ years operating) with $100K+ annual revenue from value-added processing, seeking to purchase or upgrade equipment for automation, emissions reduction, or processing expansion. Ideal candidates have a specific capital project scoped and costed, use Canadian agricultural inputs, and are incorporated. Abattoirs, grain processors, meat processors, and specialty food manufacturers are typical successful applicants. First Nations businesses have access to additional support from the BASIS team.

Evaluation Criteria

First-come, first-served within a fixed Sustainable CAP budget envelope — not scored competitively against other applicants. Key eligibility gates: 2+ years operating history at the facility, $100,000+ annual gross revenue from value-added processing, Canadian agricultural commodity input sourcing, Saskatchewan incorporation, retail floor area must not exceed processing area. Stream selection (Efficiency, Emissions Reduction, or Expansion) determines cost-share rate (50% or 60%). Agri-Environmental Risk Assessment must be completed before work begins.

Application Steps

Required Documents 12

Eligible Expenses 11

• Equipment and machinery purchases (new or refurbished from reputable dealers) — Efficiency and Expansion streams
• Nominal structural building adjustments and renovations directly tied to equipment installation
• Installation, delivery, and shipping costs for eligible equipment
• Third-party training, consulting, and design services tied to the project
• Embedded software that improves processing efficiency (tied to eligible hardware)
• Third-party business analysis fees (50% rebate, up to $20,000 cap)
• Anaerobic digestion and biogas conversion systems — Emissions Reduction stream
• Energy efficiency improvements to building envelope — Emissions Reduction stream
• Alternative energy systems (solar, wind, combined heat and power) — Emissions Reduction stream
• Water development projects and equipment — Expansion stream
• New product processing line equipment complementary to existing operations — Expansion stream

Ineligible Expenses 14

• Costs incurred or committed before April 1, 2023
• Costs incurred before pre-approval is received
• New building construction
• Employee wages, salaries, and travel expenses
• Leased equipment (purchased equipment only)
• Used or auctioned equipment (refurbished from reputable dealers may be accepted case-by-case)
• Taxes and financing costs (HST, loan interest)
• Office equipment, computers, and furniture
• Farm machinery for primary agricultural production
• Land purchases
• Regular maintenance and ongoing utility costs
• Costs claimed under other Sustainable CAP programs on the same expense line
• Seafood and fish processing equipment
• Cannabis processing equipment (without standard Health Canada processing licence)

Intake Periods

Continuous intake until October 31, 2027: Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Budget may be exhausted before the deadline — apply early. Pre-approval applications due October 31, 2027. Business analysis due December 31, 2027. Final claim due March 31, 2028.

Deadline Notes

Three-stage deadline structure: (1) Pre-approval application — October 31, 2027; (2) Business analysis submission — December 31, 2027; (3) Project completion and final claim — March 31, 2028. Applications can be submitted continuously until funds are exhausted OR October 31, 2027, whichever is earlier. Do not delay — Sustainable CAP programs historically deplete before published deadlines.

Ineligible Organizations

• Publicly funded facilities (universities, Crown corporations, government entities)
• Facilities where retail floor area exceeds processing area
• Seafood and fish processors
• Exclusive packaging, assembly, or sorting businesses without processing
• Cannabis processing facilities without a standard Health Canada processing licence
• Businesses operating fewer than 2 years at the facility
• Businesses with annual gross revenue below $100,000 from value-added processing

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk