GreenShoots applications are now open!
We’re looking for early-stage, knowledge-based companies in Nova Scotia that are ready to scale up and expand. If that’s your company, tell us about it.
Bioenterprise Canada Corporation, Invest Nova Scotia, and the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub have partnered to create GreenShoots, providing funding, coaching and mentorship services to early stage innovative businesses in the
agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, clean technology, and related sectors. The support will help companies accelerate their business growth and profitability.
Successful applicants will each receive up to $40,000 in non-repayable, non-dilutive funding, as well as mentorship and business guidance from seasoned professionals to put their plans into action. Participating companies will have regular meetings with Bioenterprise Canada Corporation, Invest Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub to work on the plans for the milestones to be achieved through the program.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are:
- Companies registered in Nova Scotia or with a significant presence in the province
- For-profit businesses with technologies at or beyond Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL 4+) stage of development (i.e., competitive applicants have a proof of concept and have completed prototype validation in a laboratory environment, at minimum)
- Companies operating in the agri-technology or bioeconomy sectors (as defined below)
- Companies that have a novel technology and/or business model that is potentially disruptive (i.e., a unique technology solution that cannot be easily duplicated)
- Companies that have identified a large market pain and established a company around a customer-validated problem
- Majority owner(s) (51 per cent or more) of the company and plan to work full-time with the business
- Companies that have less than $1 million in cumulative sales
Important Dates
August 24, 2023: Program Launch
September 15, 2023: Submission deadline
September 29, 2023: Shortlisted applicants notified
October 5, 2023: Pitches and judging
October 6, 2023: Successful applicants notified
How to Apply
Phase 1
GreenShoots is currently open for submissions until Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM AT!
Those interested are asked to complete the Microsoft Word application form here, answering the questions in the spaces provided, and then submit it online here.
Invest Nova Scotia is unable to accommodate updates once applications have been submitted. If you have questions about the application, please contact agritech@investnovascotia.ca.
Resources
Phase 2: Pitches from Shortlist
Shortlisted applicants will each have 10 minutes to present their business overview, proposed budget and milestone plan relating to the funding request. The presentation will be followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session.
Pitches will be delivered virtually over Zoom. Participants must provide an electronic copy of their presentation 24
hours before their scheduled pitch time.
The pitches are closed to the public. Feedback is provided to all shortlisted applicants upon request.
AWARDS
Successful applicants each receive up to $40,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding as well as guidance from
seasoned business professionals to tackle short-term technical and business milestones. Up to six awards are
anticipated.
GreenShoots participants will enter into a contribution agreement with the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub, Bioenterprise
Canada Corporation and Invest Nova Scotia.
Participants will also receive one year of complimentary access to Bioenterprise’s membership program: Canada’s
Food & Agri-Tech Engine (The Engine).
About the Organizations
Bioenterprise Canada Corporation
Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, bringing more than 15 years of industry experience to help
businesses connect, innovate and grow. With expert commercialization services, mentorship, public and private
funding, national and global networking, Bioenterprise will help scale your business to create sector-wide impact. For
more information, please visit bioenterprise.ca.
Invest Nova Scotia
Invest Nova Scotia offers programs, services, advice and other resources Nova Scotia companies need to grow.
Start-ups are a key focus area for the organization, supporting them through venture capital, incubation facilities,
expert advice, and other acceleration initiatives. For more information, please visit investnovascotia.ca.
Nova Scotia Innovation Hub
The Nova Scotia Innovation Hub was established in 2015 to foster opportunities in the bioeconomy. The organization
works to transform Nova Scotia’s renewable resources into opportunities for the province’s economy and people. It is
focused on improving access to feedstock supply, fostering collaborations to capitalize on the growing demand for
low-carbon products, and providing financial support to help companies achieve critical commercialization
milestones. For more information, please visit novascotiainnovationhub.com.
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