CFIN Innovation Booster ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Food and beverage companies operating in Canada - Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food sector - Food processing and manufacturing businesses - Agricultural value-added producers - Food technology startups with Canadian operations - Domestic food companies seeking to commercialize innovations ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Amount: Up to $200,000 per project - Minimum Project Size: $20,000 - Funding Coverage: Up to 50% of eligible expenses (non-repayable grant) - Cost-Share Requirement: Applicants must contribute a minimum of 50% from own resources or other sources - No Repayment Required: Funds are provided as a grant, not a loan ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Product development and formulation - Research and testing for food innovation - Technology adoption and equipment for commercialization - Regulatory compliance and certification costs - Market feasibility studies and business planning - Prototype development and piloting - Quality assurance and food safety improvements - Packaging development aligned with commercialization - Professional services (engineering, food science consultation) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Projects must demonstrate high commercial potential and market viability - Innovation must be new or significantly improved for the food sector - Applicants must provide evidence of matching funding (minimum 50% cost-share) - Project timeline must be clearly defined with measurable milestones - Recipients must submit progress reports and final project outcomes - Funds must be used within the agreed project timeline - Compliance with food safety regulations and industry standards required - Projects must support job creation or economic growth in Canada's food sector - Preference given to projects with demonstrated market demand or pre-commitments from buyers