CFIN Innovation Booster ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage sector - Canadian-controlled private corporations - Sole proprietors and partnerships with Canadian ownership - Co-operatives operating in food innovation - Organizations must be actively engaged in food production, processing, or innovation activities - Applicants must demonstrate a clear commercialization pathway for their innovation ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Amount: Up to $250,000 per project (non-repayable) - Matching Requirement: 50% cost-sharing mandatory; applicant must contribute matching funds from eligible sources - Eligible Funding Sources for Match: Own capital, private investment, or other government programs - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (no loan component) - Funding Type: Contribution-based (cost-shared model) ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Research and development (R&D) salaries and wages for project staff - Equipment and technology acquisition for innovation testing - Laboratory analysis and testing services - Professional consulting fees (food science, engineering, regulatory compliance) - Prototype development and production trials - Feasibility studies and market research - Regulatory compliance and certification costs - Intellectual property development and patent filing - Training and skill development for innovation activities ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Project timeline typically 12–24 months - Detailed project plan and budget required at application stage - Regular reporting on progress and financial expenditures - Milestone-based funding releases tied to deliverables and achievements - Recipient must maintain detailed financial records and documentation of all eligible expenses - Final project report and results evaluation required upon completion - Intellectual property ownership may be shared; terms outlined in contribution agreement - Organizations must comply with food safety and industry regulations - Project cannot have commenced before application submission - Preference given to projects addressing industry-identified food innovation challenges