What is the GreenShoots program?

Invest Nova Scotia, the Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, and Bioenterprise Canada have partnered to support early stage technology companies in the agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, clean technology, and related sectors.

The goal of GreenShoots is to find and support high potential, early stage knowledge-based Nova Scotia companies, and encourage entrepreneurial activity in the province. The support is intended to help improve the export potential of companies, projected impacts on climate change, job creation, and generation of economic impact in rural areas.

The GreenShoots Program provides eligible enterprises with:

  • Up to $40,000 in non-repayable, non-dilutive funding
  • Business guidance from seasoned professionals

Contact

We’re looking for early stage, knowledge based companies in Nova Scotia who are ready to scale-up and expand. If that’s your company, tell us about it.

Winter 2024 GreenShoots Info Kit

Eligibility

Enterprises applying for the GreenShoots Program must:

  • 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 should 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% or more) of the company and plan to work full-time with the business
  • Companies that have less than $1 million in cumulative sales
  • Additional program details, including eligible project types, are described in the Winter 2024 GreenShoots Info Kit

Timeline

Application Toolkit

How do I apply?

Phase one

Complete the Microsoft Word Application Form available on the Innovacorp website, answering the questions in the spaces provided. Submit the document at https://investnovascotia.ca/start-up/acceleration-initiatives/greenshoots by Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:59pm AT.

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

Phase two

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.  

Tools & Templates

Program Guide: 

Winter 2024 GreenShoots Info Kit

Apply Now:
Submit an Application 
Winter 2024 GreenShoots Application Form

About Invest Nova Scotia

From starting up and raising capital, to incubation and acceleration, export development and investment attraction, Invest Nova Scotia helps businesses seize opportunities. We support the growth and momentum of Nova Scotia businesses of all sizes, and we welcome businesses from elsewhere to join us here.

About the Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub

Our Mission is to accelerate the growth of Nova Scotia’s low-carbon Bioeconomy, leading to increased environmental and economic prosperity for all Nova Scotians. We create and promote best-in-class, investment-ready conditions for the success of Bioeconomy firms and projects to execute this mission.

About Bioenterprise Canada

Bioenterprise is Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine, a national agri-technology focused commercialization accelerator. Bioenterprise uses its 20 years of industry experience and a global network of experts, mentors, funders, researchers, and industry partners to help small and medium-sized agri-food businesses connect, innovate and grow.