AgriDiversity Program
Highlights
The AgriDiversity Program is designed to support your business by providing non-repayable contributions of up to $200,000 per year or a maximum of $1 million over five years. This funding can help you engage, train, and empower underrepresented and marginalized groups, enhancing their participation in the agriculture and agri-food sector. By participating, you can strengthen your business's leadership and entrepreneurial capacity, making it more adaptable to emerging issues and market opportunities.
Key Benefits:
- Non-repayable contributions: No need to pay back the funds.
- Cost-sharing: Up to 70% covered by AAFC, reducing your financial burden.
- In-kind contributions: Up to 25% of total eligible costs can be covered by non-cash contributions.
This program is easier to qualify for than many other financing options, as it specifically aims to support businesses like yours. By being approved, you will gain access to valuable resources and training, helping you overcome barriers and succeed in the agriculture sector.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Non-repayable Contributions
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- There are no repayment terms or interest rates as the contributions are non-repayable.
Eligible Expenses:
- Costs associated with projects that support the participation of underrepresented and marginalized groups in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Activities that promote careers in agriculture and enhance the public's perception of the sector.
- Training and empowerment initiatives for Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups.
- Projects that increase the involvement of Indigenous communities in agriculture.
Ineligible Expenses:
- The funds cannot be used for expenses not directly related to the approved project activities.
- Expenditures deemed ineligible or incorrectly valued by AAFC.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving the contributions from this program.
Qualifications
- Must be a Canadian organization working in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Must engage, train, and empower underrepresented and marginalized groups such as Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and official language minority communities.
- Must work with Indigenous communities to increase their involvement in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Must provide opportunities for sector participation to the specified underrepresented and marginalized groups.
- Must aim to enhance entrepreneurial capacity, business skills, and sector leadership of the specified groups.
Must promote the benefits of a career in agriculture and enhance the public's perception of agriculture and its role in the economy.
Disqualifications:
- Organizations not working in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Organizations that do not engage or empower the specified underrepresented and marginalized groups.
- Organizations that do not work with Indigenous communities.
- Organizations that do not provide opportunities for sector participation to the specified groups.
Description
This program offers a fantastic opportunity for your business to grow and thrive in the agriculture sector. You can receive up to $200,000 per year, with a maximum of $1 million over 5 years. This funding is non-repayable, meaning you do not have to pay it back.
The money can be used for various activities, such as:
- Engaging, training, and empowering underrepresented and marginalized groups in agriculture.
- Promoting career opportunities in the agriculture sector.
- Enhancing business skills and leadership among Indigenous Peoples and other marginalized groups.
To make the most of this program, you will need to cover 30% of the project costs, which can include both cash and in-kind contributions. The government will cover the remaining 70%. This cost-sharing approach ensures that you have a stake in the project while receiving substantial support.
This program is designed to help your business and the broader community by fostering diversity and inclusion in the agriculture sector. It’s a great way to strengthen your business while contributing to a more inclusive industry.
Program Steps
Review Program Details: Familiarize yourself with the program objectives, funding limits, and cost-sharing requirements. Understanding these details will help you align your project proposal with the program's goals.
Prepare Required Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. You will need:
- A detailed project proposal
- Financial statements
- Business plan
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., documentation showing your business is part of an underrepresented or marginalized group)
- Cost estimates and quotes for the project
- Letters of support or partnership agreements, if applicable
Develop a Project Proposal: Outline your project, including objectives, activities, timelines, and expected outcomes. Ensure your proposal aligns with the program's goals of supporting underrepresented and marginalized groups in the agriculture sector.
Calculate Cost-Sharing Contributions: Determine your portion of the project costs, ensuring it meets the minimum 30% contribution requirement. This can include both cash and in-kind contributions.
Contact AAFC Program Staff: Reach out to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) program staff to confirm the eligibility and valuation of any in-kind contributions. This step helps avoid potential issues with ineligible or incorrectly valued contributions.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by AAFC. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and thoroughly.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form along with all required documentation to AAFC by the specified deadline.
Follow Up: After submission, monitor your email and other communication channels for any follow-up requests from AAFC. Respond promptly to any additional information or clarification requests to facilitate the review process.
