Nova Scotia business funding directory

59 provincial, regional and local funding programs open to Nova Scotia businesses, plus 301 available Canada-wide. 44 of the 59 are open today. Updated October 30, 2026.

Updated Oct 30, 2026

Prefer advice to the full list? Read the Nova Scotia grants guide.

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Funding for a business in Nova Scotia

360programs are listed for a business in Nova Scotia: 59 from Nova Scotia and 301 Canada-wide.

  1. 32Anywhere in Nova Scotia
  2. 4For another area of Nova Scotia, named on the program
  3. 23Shared with other provinces or territories
  4. 301Canada-wide

360programs listed for Nova Scotia

59 Nova Scotia programs

  1. Open now in Nova Scotia

    42Across Nova Scotia or its region
  2. Nova Scotia Co-op Education IncentiveNova Scotia employers get $8/hour (up to $6,080 per placement) to offset co-op student wages for 12–16 week work terms at accredited NS institutions.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits, charities and public bodiesGrantNova ScotiaNova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration$8/hourOpen now
  3. Efficiency Nova Scotia: Small Business Energy Solutions ProgramRebates up to 80% for Nova Scotia small businesses upgrading lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and kitchen equipment; includes 24-month interest-free financing.Who can apply: For-profit businesses. Startups and growing businessesGrantNova ScotiaEfficiency Nova Scotia (subsidiary of Nova Scotia Power Inc.)Year-round
  4. Nova Scotia Loyal Producer Labelling ProgramReimburses 70% of eligible packaging costs for Nova Scotia Loyal-registered producers, up to $3,000 per lifetime.GrantNova ScotiaInvest Nova ScotiaUp to $3KCloses Mar 15, 2027
  5. Nova Scotia Graduate to Opportunity (GTO)Nova Scotia employers recover 25%–30% of Year 1 salary and 12.5%–15% of Year 2 salary when hiring recent graduates into permanent full-time roles.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesGrantNova ScotiaNova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and ImmigrationYear-round
  6. Invest Nova Scotia: Export Development ProgramReimburses up to 50% of export development costs (trade shows, market research, branding); max $15,000 per year, first-come first-served.Who can apply: Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaInvest Nova ScotiaUp to $15K (50% reimbursement)Closes Mar 10, 2027
  7. Invest Nova Scotia Climate Adaptation ProgramNova Scotia businesses with fewer than 150 staff get up to $15,000 toward third-party climate risk assessments, adaptation planning and pilot tests.GrantNova ScotiaInvest Nova ScotiaUp to $15,000Closes Nov 23 days
  8. Nova Scotia Digital Animation Tax Credit (NSDATC)25% base tax credit on NS animation labour, plus 17.5% bonus for primary animated content producers; total up to 42.5%.Tax creditNova ScotiaNova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board25% rateYear-round
  9. Nova Scotia Supplier Diversity Certification Program (SDCP): Invest Nova ScotiaPays back the full cost of getting certified as a diverse-owned supplier, up to $1,000 a certification and $3,000 per company for three. The certification is what buys access to corporate and government supplier diversity procurement programs, so this is a small cheque that opens a sales channel rather than money for the business itself.GrantNova ScotiaInvest Nova Scotia$1K–$3KCloses Feb 26, 2027
  10. Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive FundRebates 25-26% of eligible Nova Scotia production costs plus rural, distant-location, long-shoot and NS-content bonuses, to a maximum of $10 million per project.GrantNova ScotiaNova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and HeritageUp to $10M/projectYear-round
  11. Nova Scotia START Hiring IncentiveNova Scotia SMEs get a customized wage subsidy from Employment Nova Scotia when hiring unemployed residents; apply before making the hire.Who can apply: For-profit businesses and non-profitsGrantNova ScotiaNova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (Employment Nova Scotia)Year-round
  12. Nova Scotia Digital Media Tax Credit (NSDMTC)25-50% tax credit on qualifying NS digital media costs, with 10% non-Halifax bonus and up to $100K marketing/product.Tax creditNova ScotiaProvince of Nova Scotia / Department of FinanceUp to $100KYear-round
  13. Nova Scotia Creative Industries FundUp to $30K (50% of eligible costs) for Nova Scotia creative businesses and non-profits to build export capacity in fashion, design, screen, music, and arts.Who can apply: For-profit businesses and non-profits. Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaNS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and HeritageUp to $30KYear-round
  14. Nova Scotia: EXPORT Travel Trade Program (Marketplace Support)Reimburses up to $5,000 of registration fees for one Nova Scotia tourism business representative to attend an approved travel trade marketplace.Who can apply: Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaTourism Nova ScotiaUp to $5K (registration)Open now
  15. Efficiency Nova Scotia Business Energy Rebates (BER)GrantNova ScotiaEfficiency Nova ScotiaYear-round
  16. Nova Scotia Research and Development Tax CreditA 15% Nova Scotia credit on SR&ED carried out in the province, refundable above tax payable and available to corporations of any size.Tax creditNova ScotiaGovernment of Nova Scotia / Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)15% refundable, no capYear-round
  17. Nova Scotia Seafood Accelerator Program (Perennia)NS seafood and aquaculture companies get up to $15,000 (50% cost-share) from Perennia for food safety certification or new value-added product development.GrantNova ScotiaPerennia Food and Agriculture Corporation (funded by NS Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture)Up to $15,000Year-round
  18. Nova Scotia CEDIF Equity Tax Credit35% provincial tax credit on Nova Scotia CEDIF investments; businesses raise capital from locals, investors get $35 per $100 invested.Who can apply: For-profit businesses and co-operativesTax creditNova ScotiaNova Scotia Securities Commission / Nova Scotia Department of Finance and Treasury Board35% rateYear-round
  19. Black Business Initiative (BBI): Direct Business LoansDirect business loans up to $25,000, first year interest-free, for Black-owned businesses in Nova Scotia; from Canada's longest-running Black business support organization.Who can apply: For-profit businesses. Startups and growing businessesLoanNova ScotiaBlack Business Initiative (BBI)Up to $25KYear-round
  20. Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate: Invest Nova ScotiaPays back a slice of your Nova Scotia payroll, 5% to 10% a year for a term usually set at five years, if you create at least 20 new full-time jobs at above the regional average salary. Nothing is paid until you have actually hit the employment, payroll and salary targets you agreed to, so it rewards growth you complete rather than growth you plan.GrantNova ScotiaInvest Nova ScotiaYear-round
  21. Invest Nova Scotia: Innovation Rebate Program (IRP)25% rebate on eligible manufacturing project costs with minimum $350,000 project size and up to $15M eligible costs.Who can apply: Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaInvest Nova ScotiaUp to $15MYear-round
  22. Nova Scotia Workforce Tariff Response FundWho can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits, Indigenous organizations and public bodies. Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaNova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (Canada-NS cost-shared)Year-round
  23. TEAM Work Self-Employment / GO-3D Start Up StreamTEAM Work's GO-3D Start Up Stream gives Nova Scotian entrepreneurs 18 or older who live with a disability a 52-week program of coaching, training, and individually assessed funding for basic living costs and small start-up costs.Who can apply: Established businessesGrantNova ScotiaTEAM Work CooperativeNot stated on program pageOpen now
  24. Efficiency Nova Scotia Pay-for-Performance (P4P) ProgramA performance incentive for Nova Scotia commercial, institutional and non-profit facilities that cut electricity use by at least 10% through a whole-building retrofit.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits, colleges and universities and public bodies. Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaEfficiency Nova ScotiaYear-round
  25. Rise Asset Development: Business LoansMicroloans of $500–$10,000 for Canadian entrepreneurs with mental health or addiction challenges; no credit score required, mentorship included.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesLoanOntario and Nova ScotiaRise Asset Development (Rise)Up to $10KYear-round
  26. Offshore Wind Indigenous and Coastal Communities Grant: Round 2, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)NRCan pays up to $10,000 a fiscal year, for up to two years, so Indigenous and coastal organizations in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador can hire the help they need to engage with offshore wind developers and regulators. It covers 100% of project costs, so nothing has to be matched.GrantNova Scotia and Newfoundland and LabradorNatural Resources Canada (NRCan)Up to $10K per yearCloses Oct 30today
  27. Market Entry Development Program (MEDP)Up to $26,000 in subsidized export consulting for Atlantic Canadian businesses at $2,500; expert market entry strategy for Europe and Indo-Pacific.Who can apply: Growing and established businessesSupport program4 provincesAtlantic Chamber of Commerce (delivery); co-funded by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces under the Atlantic Trade, Investment and Growth Strategy (ATIGS)$13,000Year-round
  28. Business Development Program (BDP) - ACOAInterest-free, repayable contributions for Atlantic Canada SMEs; marketing, R&D, or capital projects.Who can apply: For-profit businesses and non-profits. Growing and established businessesForgivable loan4 provincesAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Year-round
  29. Zensurance Small Business GrantAward9 provincesZensurance$10,000Closes Dec 1849 days
  30. Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy (ATIGS)Subsidized export development services: $15K value for $250 fee (88% subsidy) or $30K value for $2,500 fee (88% subsidy) in Atlantic Canada.Who can apply: For-profit businesses. Growing businessesSupport program4 provincesAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Up to $15KYear-round
  31. CBDC First-Time Entrepreneur Loan (Rural Atlantic Canada)CBDC loans up to $150,000 specifically for first-time entrepreneurs in rural NB, NS, PEI, and NL; starting or buying a business with no prior ownership expe…Who can apply: For-profit businesses and individuals. Startups and early-stageLoan4 provincesAtlantic Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC Network) / ACOAUp to $150,000Year-round
  32. Canada's Total Mom PitchOne mom-identifying woman founder wins a $50,000 package: $10,000 in cash and $40,000 in curated business services, consulting and strategic support. The Top 100 semi-finalists receive webinars and a national media campaign but no money.Award12 provinces and territoriesTotal Mom Inc.$10K–$50KOpen now
  33. CBDC General Business Loan (Rural Atlantic Canada)CBDC provides loans of $5,000–$150,000 to rural Atlantic Canada businesses (NB, NS, PEI, NL) that can't access conventional bank financing, with flexible ter…Who can apply: For-profit businesses and individuals. Startups and growing businessesLoan4 provincesAtlantic Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC Network) / ACOA$5,000 to $150,000Year-round
  34. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) FundingInterest-free repayable contributions for Atlantic Canada business projects; up to 50% of capital costs and up to 75% of business growth activities such as training, marketing and productivity work.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesLoan4 provincesAtlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyUp to 75% of costsYear-round
  35. Propel e-Accelerator (Atlantic Canada)No-cost acceleration program for Atlantic Canada tech startups (Vision and Traction tracks), plus a separate $25K Gerry Pond Award for one annual winner.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesSupport program4 provincesPropel (Atlantic Canada ICT Accelerator)No-cost programYear-round
  36. Volta AI Residency & AI Productivity LabYear-round residency for Atlantic Canadian AI startups giving Halifax cowork space, peer groups and coaching; Volta provides no funding to founders.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesSupport program4 provincesVoltaNo funding (space + coaching)Year-round
  37. Access Ability Wage Subsidy Program: Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship CentrePays an Atlantic Canada employer $9 an hour, for up to 700 hours, toward hiring someone who self-identifies as living with a disability. The subsidy goes to the business through its own payroll, and the centre screens and puts forward candidates. Placements are limited and allocated first come, first served, and the employer pays the rest of the wage.Grant4 provincesSaint Mary's University, Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre (Service Canada funded)Up to $6.3KYear-round
  38. SheBoot: Women-Led Tech Startup Investment ProgramSix-week bootcamp and Grand Finale pitch event connecting women-led tech startups with 55 angel investors; 78 graduate companies, $55M raised by alumni.Who can apply: Startups and early-stageSupport program7 provincesSheBoot (Ottawa-based non-profit; national reach across 7 provinces)Open now
  39. REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP): ACOAInterest-free repayable contributions for Atlantic Canada SMEs to scale, adopt tech, or expand exports; typical $100K-$500K, $1M+ export-driven.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits, co-operatives, individuals and Indigenous organizations. Growing businessesLoan4 provincesAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Typically $100K–$2MYear-round
  40. Atlantic Fisheries FundCost-shared funding for Atlantic Canada fish and seafood projects: innovation, infrastructure, science partnerships and market development. The share is set per project.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits, individuals, Indigenous organizations and industry associationsGrant4 provincesFisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) with provincial governmentsSet per projectYear-round
  41. REGI: Regional Innovation Ecosystems (ACOA)Non-repayable ACOA funding, with a cost-share that varies by project, for Atlantic Canadian not-for-profits that build innovation ecosystems; accelerators, incubators, and clusters.Who can apply: Non-profits and Indigenous organizations. Startups and growing businessesGrant4 provincesAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Year-round
  42. Ulnooweg Indigenous Business Loans (Micro, Women & Youth, General Lending)Developmental business loans for First Nations, Métis and Inuit entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada; micro ($5K), women/youth ($25K), and general lending to $750K–$1.5M.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesLoan4 provincesUlnooweg Development Group Inc.Up to $750K (individuals)Year-round
  43. Atlantic Investment Tax Credit (AITC)10% refundable tax credit on new buildings, machinery, and equipment in Atlantic Canada; fully refundable for CCPCs, partially for others.Tax credit4 provincesCanada Revenue Agency (CRA)10% rateYear-round

  44. Open now in one Nova Scotia city or region

    2Local programs, usually for a downtown or a region
  45. Halifax Anti-Black Racism Grants ProgramOne-time grants of $500 to $10,000 for registered Halifax non-profits and charities running community-led projects against anti-Black racism. Applications close November 14, 2026.Who can apply: Non-profits, charities and co-operativesGrantHalifax, Nova ScotiaHalifax Regional Municipality, African Nova Scotian Affairs Integration Office (ANSAIO)$500 to $10,000Closes Nov 1415 days
  46. Halifax Affordable Housing Grant Program (AHGP)Grants for non-profits and charities that build, buy, repair, convert or plan affordable housing in Halifax. No set maximum; about $5.1 million is available this round, which closes November 2, 2026.Who can apply: Non-profits, charities and co-operativesGrantHalifax, Nova ScotiaHalifax Regional MunicipalityNo set minimum or maximumCloses Nov 23 days

  47. Also open across Canada

    208Most viewed first
  48. Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (Access to Capital)Non-repayable equity contributions: $10K-$50K for individual Indigenous entrepreneurs (up to $99,999), or up to $250K for community businesses.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideIndigenous Services CanadaUp to $250KYear-round
  49. Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)Up to $1M in R&D funding for SMEs, accessed through an NRC industrial technology advisor relationship; typical first-time award $75K-$200K.Who can apply: For-profit businesses. Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideNational Research Council Canada$75K-$1M typical (up to $10M)Year-round
  50. Futurpreneur Canada Startup ProgramLoans from $5,000 to $75,000 for first-time entrepreneurs aged 18–39, including mandatory mentorship and access to Futurpreneur's national community.Who can apply: Startups and early-stageLoanCanada-wideFuturpreneur CanadaUp to $75KYear-round
  51. Canada Small Business Financing ProgramLoans from $1,000 to $1.15M for small business capital equipment, facilities, working capital, or startup launch; average loan $294K.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesLoanCanada-wideInnovation, Science and Economic Development CanadaUp to $1.15MYear-round
  52. Amber Grant for Women$10,000 monthly grant for women-owned businesses, plus a $50,000 year-end grant (3 selected in December, announced in January); no business plan required.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesAwardCanada-wideWomensNet$10K monthly · $50K year-endOpen now
  53. Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)Up to $3M non-repayable for tariff-hit SMEs: up to $2M liquidity support plus up to $1M for pivot projects, each covering up to 50% of costs.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits, co-operatives and Indigenous organizations. Growing and established businessesGrantCanada-wideInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (via 7 Regional Development Agencies)Up to $3MYear-round
  54. Black Opportunity Fund: Black Entrepreneur ProgramWho can apply: Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideBlack Opportunity Fund, delivered with the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (funded by CIBC and the CIBC Foundation)Up to $2,000 per calendar yearYear-round
  55. Black Entrepreneurship ProgramThe federal programme behind the Loan Fund (up to $250,000 for Black-led businesses) and the Ecosystem Fund (capacity funding for Black-led business organizations).Who can apply: For-profit businesses and non-profits. Startups and growing businessesLoanCanada-wideInnovation, Science and Economic Development CanadaUp to $250KYear-round
  56. Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)Wage subsidy covering 50% of a student's wages, up to $5,000 per placement, for STEM and business co-ops hired through an approved SWPP delivery partner.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideEmployment and Social Development CanadaUp to $5KYear-round
  57. ScotiaRISE Community Investment Grants$25K-$1.5M for CRA-registered charities and non-profits working on ScotiaRISE's four pillars; Education, Employment, Community Needs & Cohesion, and Resilient Economy.Who can apply: Non-profits and charitiesGrantCanada-wideScotiabank$25K–$1.5MYear-round
  58. Innovative Solutions CanadaUp to $1M to solve a federal department's posted R&D challenge; Phase 1 prototype, Phase 2 product.Who can apply: For-profit businesses. Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideInnovation, Science and Economic Development CanadaUp to $1MOpen now
  59. Canada Summer JobsWage subsidy for 6 to 16 week summer youth jobs at $2,400–$5,800 per position; covers up to 100% of the minimum wage for non-profits and up to 50% for small businesses and public employers.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits and public bodies. Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideEmployment and Social Development Canada50% to 100% of minimum wageCloses Dec 334 days
  60. Mitacs AccelerateMitacs pays 50% of a graduate intern's R&D project ($15K per 4- or 6-month unit, $20K for postdoctoral fellows) when paired with industry.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideMitacs$15K per unit; $20K postdocYear-round
  61. Canada Council for the Arts - Explore and CreateUp to $75,000 per application (maximum $150,000 per calendar year) for Canadian artists, groups, and arts organizations to create new artistic work.Who can apply: Non-profits, individuals and industry associations. Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideCanada Council for the ArtsUp to $75KYear-round
  62. BDC Growth & Transition CapitalCustomized mezzanine, cash flow, and quasi-equity financing from BDC Capital for growth, acquisitions, or ownership transitions without diluting ownership.Who can apply: Growing and established businessesLoanCanada-wideBDC Capital$250,000 to $35MYear-round
  63. Mitacs Accelerate Entrepreneur ProgramFunds student and postdoc entrepreneurs up to $15,000 per 4-month unit to commercialize their incorporated startup's core technology at an approved incubator.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesGrantCanada-wideMitacs$15,000Year-round
  64. BDC Small Business LoanLoans from $10,000 to $350,000 for established small businesses with 24+ months revenue, no collateral required; personal guarantee only.Who can apply: Growing and established businessesLoanCanada-wideBusiness Development Bank of Canada (BDC)Up to $350KYear-round
  65. Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (WELF)Loans up to $50,000 for women-led businesses through four ISED delivery organizations, each with its own fees, security and eligibility.Who can apply: Individuals. Startups and growing businessesLoanCanada-wideInnovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Up to $50KYear-round
  66. Canada Media Fund$15,000-$2,000,000 recoupable equity investment for TV, digital, and interactive media production; non-repayable for development and IDM prototyping.Who can apply: For-profit businessesSupport programCanada-wideCanada Media Fund (CMF)$15K–$2MYear-round
  67. Startup Global Pitch CompetitionRegional pitch competitions across Canada with $1,000 to $30,000 prizes for winners advancing to national finals.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesAwardCanada-wideStartup CanadaUp to $30KOpen now
  68. Futurpreneur Side Hustle ProgramLoans from $5,000 to $20,000 for young entrepreneurs starting a business while keeping a full-time income outside it. Includes mentorship.Who can apply: Startups and early-stageLoanCanada-wideFuturpreneur CanadaUp to $25KYear-round
  69. WEOC National Loan ProgramUp to $50,000 for women-owned businesses Canada-wide; no minimum credit score, startup-eligible, funds within 10 business days via regional Loan Fund Partners.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesLoanCanada-wideWomen's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC)Up to $50,000Year-round
  70. BDC StrongNorth Fund$1M-$15M equity for early-stage Canadian deep-tech with defence/dual-use applications; AI, robotics, semiconductors, advanced systems.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesSupport programCanada-wideBusiness Development Bank of Canada (BDC Capital)$1M–$15MYear-round
  71. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program (MARP)Federal funding for not-for-profits, Indigenous organizations and small municipalities running community events, worth up to $100,000 per event a year.Who can apply: Non-profits, Indigenous organizations, public bodies and industry associationsGrantCanada-wideCanadian HeritageUp to $100K/eventCloses Nov 1213 days
  72. Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) Programs$5,000-$15 million in cost-shared funding for agricultural R&D, equipment, facilities, and environmental projects across all provinces.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesSupport programCanada-wideAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada$5K–$15MOpen now
  73. See all 208 programs open across Canada

  74. Not open right now in Nova Scotia

    15Between intakes or announced but not yet open
  75. Nova Scotia Business ACCESS-Ability GrantUp to $50,000 covers 2/3 of costs for Nova Scotia businesses to improve physical or digital accessibility via renovations, equipment, or website upgrades.GrantNova ScotiaNS Dept of Communities, Culture, Tourism and HeritageUp to $50KBetween intakes
  76. Halifax Community Grants ProgramYearly Halifax grants for registered non-profits and charities: up to $5,000 for a project or up to $25,000 for capital work. The 2026 round is closed; the 2027 guidebook is due January 2027.Who can apply: Non-profits, charities and co-operativesGrantHalifax, Nova ScotiaHalifax Regional Municipality, Finance and Asset Management (Grants and Contributions)Up to $25,000Between intakes
  77. Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI)Covers up to 75% of eligible training costs for Nova Scotia employers upgrading workforce skills and productivity; no per-project maximum is published.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits and industry associations. Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaNova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and ImmigrationUp to 75% of costsBetween intakes
  78. Launch Export Atlantic Incubator Program: Invest Nova Scotia, ACOA, Atlantic provincesA seven month export readiness incubator run by ACOA and the four Atlantic provinces, taking eight small businesses from each province. Participants get 15 virtual training sessions, 10 hours of coaching, a provincial contact and up to $1,000 plus HST for digital marketing assets, for a $250 fee.Who can apply: Growing businessesSupport program4 provincesInvest Nova Scotia, ACOA, and the four Atlantic ProvincesUp to $15KBetween intakes
  79. CUA Community Investment GrantGrants up to $25,000 for small businesses, non-profits, and community projects in Nova Scotia; covers capital, marketing, and expansion.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits and industry associations. Startups and growing businessesGrantNova ScotiaCredit Union Atlantic (CUA)Up to $25KBetween intakes
  80. Nova Scotia Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP)Nova Scotia SMEs get up to $25,000 to co-develop products or processes with one of nine NS post-secondary institutions through this annual competitive voucher.Who can apply: For-profit businesses. Startups and growing businessesGrantNova ScotiaInvest Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia Business Inc.)Tier 1: up to $15,000Between intakes
  81. Digital Adoption Program: Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (AC-ADA) with ACOAThe Atlantic Force Multiplier Fund pays a share of the cost of outside expertise, so an aerospace, defence or security SME in Atlantic Canada can automate a process, tighten cybersecurity or improve online sales without carrying the whole consulting bill. The 2026 round closed on July 31 and no further intake has been announced.Who can apply: Growing businessesGrant4 provincesAtlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (AC-ADA) with ACOAUp to $18KBetween intakes
  82. Tourism Nova Scotia: RADIATE Tourism ProgramNova Scotia tourism operators get coaching, NovaScotia.com exposure, and up to $5,000 in digital marketing to build and sell late-fall and winter packages.GrantNova ScotiaTourism Nova ScotiaBetween intakes
  83. Halifax Heritage Incentives ProgramHalifax pays half the cost of exterior conservation on privately owned registered heritage buildings, up to $15,000 for homes and $25,000 for commercial or institutional properties. A new program is expected to open in 2027.GrantHalifax, Nova ScotiaHalifax Regional Municipality, Heritage Property ProgramUp to $25,000 (50% match)Between intakes
  84. Atlantic Force Multiplier Fund (AFMF): Digital Adoption stream, AC-ADA with ACOAThe Atlantic Force Multiplier Fund pays 65% of the cost of bringing in an approved consultant, so an aerospace, defence or security SME in Atlantic Canada can get certified, adopt new technology, build its HR foundation or start on ESG without carrying the full bill. Applicants must be ACADA Category 1 members, incorporated in Atlantic Canada, with fewer than 500 employees.Who can apply: Growing businessesGrant4 provincesAtlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (AC-ADA) with ACOA$15K–$25KBetween intakes
  85. Nova Scotia Get Growing Program: Government of Nova Scotia, Department of AgricultureCovers half the cost of specialized equipment or infrastructure for very small Nova Scotia farms, up to $5,000 a program year and $12,000 over the life of Sustainable CAP. It is aimed at farms earning $30,000 or less in gross commodity income that want to grow production for local markets, and Mi'kmaq farming in a Mi'kmaw community can apply as well.GrantNova ScotiaGovernment of Nova Scotia, Department of Agriculture$2K–$12KBetween intakes
  86. Spark Nova Scotia Startup CompetitionUp to $50,000 non-dilutive, non-repayable funding for early-stage tech startups based outside metro Halifax, awarded by regional pitch competition.Who can apply: For-profit businesses and individuals. Startups and early-stageAwardNova ScotiaNova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Up to $50K per companyBetween intakes
  87. Tourism Nova Scotia: Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP)Nova Scotia tourism operators get up to $5,000 in digital consultant services; website, SEO, booking systems, and digital marketing.Who can apply: For-profit businesses, non-profits, public bodies and industry associationsGrantNova ScotiaTourism Nova ScotiaBetween intakes
  88. BBI Business Consultancy Advisory Services GrantUp to $7,500 reimbursement for external consultant fees for Black-owned Atlantic Canadian businesses; annual intake, first-come first-served.Who can apply: Startups and growing businessesGrant4 provincesBlack Business Initiative (BBI)Up to $7,500 (incl. HST)Between intakes
  89. Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund (SASI)Up to $1.125M (75% of eligible costs) for strategic capital investments in equipment, facilities for Nova Scotia agriculture, seafood, and agri-food businesses.Who can apply: Indigenous organizations. Growing and established businessesGrantNova ScotiaNS Dept of Agriculture / PerenniaUp to $1.125M (75% of costs)Between intakes

  90. Canada-wide, not open right now

    93Between intakes or announced but not yet open
  91. See the 93 Canada-wide programs that are not open right now

What’s in this directory

This directory lists 360 live business funding programs open to businesses in Nova Scotia: 197 grants, 14 tax credits, 58 loans, 4 forgivable loans, 22 awards and 65 support programs. 59 are provincial, regional or local programs; the other 301 are open to applicants Canada-wide. 252 accept applications today, and 168 of those have no deadline at all.

By type of funding

  • Grant197
  • Tax credit14
  • Loan58
  • Forgivable loan4
  • Award22
  • Support program65

By who runs it

  • Federal254
  • Provincial31
  • Municipal4
  • Private and non-profit71

Closing in the next 14 days 9

Updated October 30, 2026. Every program is checked against its funder’s own pages; statuses and dates change, so confirm with the funder before you apply.

Want advice on where to start rather than the full list? Read the Nova Scotia grants guide.

This directory is for businesses. Looking for money as a person? See benefits and credits for individuals. Artists and arts groups have their own directory at GrantCompass Arts.

Not sure where to start? Rank my list