✅ Quick Eligibility Check for Nova Scotia Businesses
You may qualify if:
- Your business is incorporated in Nova Scotia or has significant operations in NS
- You have fewer than 500 employees (most programs)
- Your business has been operating for at least 1 year
- You can provide matching funds (typically 25-50% of project costs)
Special strengths: Enhanced funding available for ocean technology, tourism, agriculture, and Atlantic Canada regional development projects.
Up to $2,000,000
Federal
Ocean Supercluster Initiative
Major funding for ocean technology innovation projects in Nova Scotia, supporting world-class marine technology development.
Eligibility: Ocean technology companies, innovation projects, collaborative partnerships
Up to $1,000,000
Federal
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Funding for technology development, innovation, and R&D activities for Nova Scotia SMEs.
Eligibility: Incorporated SME, <500 employees, innovation focus
Up to $500,000
Provincial
Innovacorp Ocean Technology Fund
Venture capital and grant funding specifically for Nova Scotia ocean technology startups and scale-ups.
Eligibility: Ocean tech companies, Nova Scotia-based, scalable technology
Up to $200,000
Provincial
Nova Scotia Tourism Development Fund
Funding for tourism infrastructure, marketing, and innovation projects throughout Nova Scotia.
Eligibility: Tourism businesses, infrastructure projects, marketing initiatives
Up to $100,000
Federal
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Regional development funding for Atlantic Canada businesses, with strong presence in Nova Scotia.
Eligibility: Atlantic Canada businesses, economic development projects
Up to $50,000
Federal
CanExport SMEs Program
Helps Nova Scotia businesses develop export markets and increase international sales.
Eligibility: SME, export-ready, new market development
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Nova Scotia Grants
Q: How many grants are available for Nova Scotia businesses?
A: There are 62 grants available for Nova Scotia businesses, including 47 federal programs and 15 provincial programs specifically for Nova Scotia companies.
Q: What grants are available for ocean technology in Nova Scotia?
A: Nova Scotia offers specialized ocean technology funding through the Ocean Supercluster, Innovacorp Ocean Technology Fund, and federal Ocean Innovation programs, with funding up to $2 million for qualifying projects.
Q: Are there grants for tourism businesses in Nova Scotia?
A: Yes, the Nova Scotia Tourism Development Fund and Atlantic Canada Tourism Partnership provide funding for tourism infrastructure, marketing, and innovation projects throughout the province.
Q: Can small businesses in Halifax access these grants?
A: Absolutely! Halifax businesses have access to all provincial and federal programs, with additional support through Halifax Partnership and local business development initiatives.
Q: What about rural Nova Scotia businesses?
A: Rural Nova Scotia businesses often receive priority consideration and enhanced funding percentages through ACOA and provincial rural development programs.
Q: How competitive are Nova Scotia grant applications?
A: Nova Scotia has strong success rates, particularly for ocean technology and tourism projects. Provincial programs typically have 6-8 week processing times with dedicated support for applicants.