Value-adding Equipment Program
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for businesses like yours. It offers a unique opportunity to enhance your operations by providing financial support for value-adding equipment. This can help you increase local food production, improve food security, and contribute to the sustainability of farms and communities in Nova Scotia.
What You Get
- Financial support for purchasing value-adding equipment
- Improved efficiency and productivity in your operations
- Enhanced product quality and market competitiveness
Why Apply?
- Government-backed financing ensures reliability and support
- Direct economic impact on Nova Scotia's agricultural industry
- Easy application process with clear guidelines and deadlines
By being approved for this program, you can significantly boost your business's capabilities and contribute to the local economy. The program is designed to be accessible, ensuring that qualifying businesses can easily benefit from the support provided.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- This is a grant, so there are no repayment terms or interest rates.
Eligible Expenses:
- Purchase of new equipment for value-added processing.
- Installation and setup costs for the new equipment.
- Training costs directly related to the new equipment.
- Costs for upgrading existing equipment to improve efficiency and production capacity.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Operational costs such as salaries, rent, and utilities.
- Purchase of used equipment.
- Marketing and promotional expenses.
- Any expenses not directly related to the equipment purchase and its implementation.
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, or an agri-business.
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.
Description
This program provides financial support to help your business grow. You can receive up to $100,000 to buy equipment that adds value to your products. This money can be used for things like new machinery, tools, or technology that improves your production process.
The goal is to help you increase local food production and improve food security and sustainability for farms and communities. This means your business can play a crucial role in supporting local agriculture and ensuring a steady supply of food.
There is no need to pay back the money. This is a grant, not a loan, so you can focus on using the funds to enhance your business without worrying about repayment. This program is a great opportunity to invest in your business and contribute to the local economy.
Program Steps
Complete the Program Application Form: Obtain and fill out the Program Application Form. Make sure all sections are completed accurately.
Prepare Required Documentation: Gather the necessary documents to support your application. These include:
- Proof of farm registration under the Farm Registration Act.
- Financial statements showing an annual eligible gross commodity income of at least $30,000.
- Proof of age (at least 19 years old).
- Documentation of active farming activities for the program year.
- For agri-businesses, proof of representing Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food products.
- Financial statements showing an annual eligible agri-business income of at least $30,000.
- Documentation of value-added processing of a raw Nova Scotia agriculture product.
Complete the Program Funding Registration Form: Fill out the appropriate Program Funding Registration Form. There are separate forms for farm applicants and agri-business applicants.
Review Program Guidelines: Carefully read the Program Guidelines to ensure you understand all requirements and deadlines.
Submit Your Application: Send your completed application form, Program Funding Registration Form, and all supporting documents to the Programs Division office. You can send these by mail or fax, or deliver them in person.
Contact the Programs Division: If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Programs Division at 902-893-6377 or toll-free at 1-866-844-4276. You can also email [email protected].
Await Confirmation: After submitting your application, wait for confirmation and further instructions from the Programs Division. They will inform you if additional information is needed or if your application has been approved.
Meet Deadlines: Ensure all steps are completed by the specified deadlines:
- Application deadline: 30 June 2024.
- Claim deadline: 31 December 2024.