Advancing Agri-Food Processing

📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food processing sector - Canadian-based businesses with primary operations in food processing - Businesses demonstrating active engagement in product development or production efficiency improvements - Sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations eligible if meeting sector requirements - Businesses must be registered and in good standing with federal/provincial authorities ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $75,000 - Cost-Sharing Requirement: Grant covers 50% of eligible project costs - Implied Project Budget: Up to $150,000 in total project costs - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (contribution model) - Matching Funds: Applicant must secure or contribute remaining 50% from own resources or other sources - No interest or repayment obligations ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Product Development: Conception and development of new agri-food products - Production Efficiency: Process improvements to enhance efficiency of existing product manufacturing - Competitiveness Enhancement: Upgrades aimed at improving competitive positioning - Research & Development: Technical studies and feasibility assessments for product innovation - Testing & Validation: Quality assurance and product testing activities - Design & Prototyping: Development of prototypes and production specifications ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Matching Contribution: Applicant must demonstrate or secure 50% co-funding before grant release - Eligible Project Scope: Project must focus on conception/development of new products OR efficiency improvements—not both simultaneously in one application - Timeline: Projects must be completed within specified period (typically 12–24 months; confirm with program administrator) - Reporting Requirements: Submission of progress reports and final project outcomes documentation - Financial Documentation: Receipts, invoices, and proof of expenditures required for reimbursement - Compliance: Business must remain in good standing and comply with all program terms throughout project duration - Eligible Activity Verification: All expenses must be pre-approved and directly tied to project objectives