Planning New Opportunities Program
Highlights
The Planning New Opportunities Program is designed to help your farm or agri-business thrive. This program offers financial support to make your business more competitive, manage transitions, and develop risk management strategies. By participating, you can better respond to changes in the market and improve your overall operations.
Key Benefits:
- Financial Assistance: Access funds to support your business growth and stability.
- Flexibility: Use the funds for various needs, including operating expenses, new equipment, and value-added processing.
- Government Backing: Enjoy the security of a government-supported program, which often means better terms and conditions compared to private loans.
Applying is straightforward, and if approved, you will gain valuable resources to enhance your business's success. This program is an excellent opportunity to secure the support you need to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the agriculture industry.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Eligible Expenses:
- Business planning and feasibility studies
- Transition planning
- Risk management strategies
- Market research and development
- Technology adoption and innovation
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used for activities that improve competitiveness, manage transitions, develop risk management strategies, and respond to changes in the agriculture sector.
Restrictions:
- Funds cannot be used for regular operational costs, debt repayment, or activities not directly related to the eligible expenses mentioned above.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this grant.
Qualifications
Must be a farm, Mi'kmaq conducting farming activities in a Mi'kmaw community, agri-business, or agriculture industry association.
For Farms:
- Must be currently and properly registered in the correct income category under the Farm Registration Act.
- Must have generated an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
- Must be at least 19 years old and actively farming in the program year.
For Agri-businesses:
- Must represent Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products.
- Must have generated an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000.
- Must conduct value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product, with a direct partnership and significant economic impact to Nova Scotia's agricultural industry.
- Must demonstrate the value or use of Nova Scotia products/ingredients.
For Agriculture Industry Associations:
- Must demonstrate non-profit status.
Description
The Planning New Opportunities Program is designed to help your farm or agri-business become more competitive and manage changes effectively. You can receive financial support to develop risk management strategies and transition plans.
Funding can be used for:
- Developing business plans
- Conducting market research
- Implementing new technologies
- Training and skills development
The program offers up to $30,000 in funding. This money does not need to be repaid, making it a great opportunity to invest in the future of your business without financial strain.
By participating, you can improve your business operations, explore new markets, and stay ahead of industry changes. This program is a valuable resource to help you grow and adapt in a competitive market.
Program Steps
Complete the Program Application Form: Fill out the Program Application Form thoroughly. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These include:
- Proof of farm registration under the Farm Registration Act (for farms)
- Proof of annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000
- Proof of age (at least 19 years old) and active farming status (for farms)
- Proof of annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000 (for agri-businesses)
- Documentation demonstrating value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product (for agri-businesses)
- Proof of non-profit status (for agriculture industry associations)
Complete the Program Funding Registration Form: Depending on your business type, fill out the appropriate Program Funding Registration Form:
- Farm Applicants
- Agri-business Applicants
- Industry Organization Applicants
Review Program Guidelines: Carefully read the Program Guidelines to ensure you understand all requirements and deadlines.
Submit Application and Documents: Send your completed application form and all supporting documents to the Programs Division office. You can mail them to: Department of Agriculture Programs Division 74 Research Drive Bible Hill, NS B6L 2R2
Contact for Assistance: If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact the Department of Agriculture at 902-893-6377 or toll-free at 1-866-844-4276. You can also email [email protected].
Meet Deadlines: Ensure your application is submitted by September 30, 2024. Keep track of the claim deadline, which is February 28, 2025.