Matching Investment Fund - Grant Brief ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Canadian dairy processors and manufacturers - Dairy ingredient producers and suppliers - Businesses that incorporate Canadian dairy products into their offerings - Cooperatives involved in dairy production or processing - Joint ventures between eligible dairy sector participants - Entities must be registered Canadian businesses with operations in Canada ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: Up to $150,000 per recipient - Grant Type: Non-repayable contribution (no repayment required) - Matching Requirement: Typically requires private sector or applicant co-investment (verify exact ratio with program administrator) - Funding Structure: Direct grant disbursement tied to approved project milestones - No Loan Component: This is an outright grant, not a loan ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Product Development: Formulation, reformulation, and innovation of dairy-based products - Market Research: Consumer testing, demand assessment, and feasibility studies related to Canadian dairy - Commercialization Activities: Prototype development and scale-up costs - Technology & Equipment: Adoption of production equipment supporting dairy product development - Professional Services: Consulting, food science expertise, and technical support - Marketing & Promotion: Launch campaigns and demand-stimulation initiatives for Canadian dairy products - Regulatory & Compliance: Food safety certifications and labeling for new products ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Primary Objective: Projects must demonstrably stimulate demand for Canadian dairy products and/or ingredients - Timeline: Specific project completion dates and milestone reporting required (exact timelines vary by project) - Accountability: Recipients must submit progress reports and proof of eligible expense spending - Matching Investment: Applicant or co-investor contribution must be secured and documented - Canadian Content: Products and initiatives must feature or benefit Canadian dairy sourcing - Eligible Use Verification: Funds must be used strictly for approved expense categories - No Retroactive Funding: Expenses typically must occur after formal grant approval - Reporting Requirements: Final project report and results