GreenShoots

Not Currently Accepting Applications

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.

About the program How to apply

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.

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:

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

Project Details

Funding Available: Up to $40,000 in non-repayable, non-dilutive funding

Program 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 2025 GreenShoots Info Kit

Timeline

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 – Program launch
Friday, February 28, 2025 – Submission deadline
Friday, March 7, 2025 – Shortlisted applicants notified
Monday, March 17, 2025 – Pitches and judging
Friday, March 21, 2025 – Successful applicants notified

Application Process

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://investns.formtitan.com/ftproject/greenshoots-application-2025 by Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:59pm AT.

If this is your first time applying to a program with Invest Nova Scotia, please contact grant.ruffinengo@investnovascotia.ca to request your Customer Number. You will need this number to submit your application online. You will need your payroll and revenue information (if applicable) to submit.

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.