Funding

For small to medium entrepreneurs, it is important to find the right resources to help move their project forward. Here are some funding programs available:

Canadian Dairy Commission – Matching Investment Fund (MIF)

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) is committed to supporting an environment that encourages growth and innovation in the manufacture and use of Canadian dairy products and ingredients. The new Matching Investment Fund provides non-repayable contributions for product development applications on a matching investment basis.

Some of the key features of the CDC MIF are:

funding for consulting services and support needed for product development projects;
flexibility for larger companies equiped to perfrom “in-plant” product development and analysis;
eligibility of Food Technology Centres (FTC) to submit projects which have a demonstrated potential for commercialization with a dairy processor or further processor partner;
expanded scope of eligible activities;
streamlined application process.

For more information on their programs supporting innovation, check out the Canadian Dairy Commission website at www.milkingredients.ca

National Research Council of Canada (NRC) – Research and Technology Development Activities
NRC-IRAP provides non-repayable contributions to Canadian SMEs interested in growing by using technology to commercialize services, products and processes in Canadian and international markets. NRC-IRAP also provides mentoring support and invests on a cost-shared basis for research and pre-competitive development technical projects, upon assessment of a project and firm by a team of Industrial Technology Advisors. NRC-IRAP’s partner organizations also receive contributions to provide technical and research assistance to Canadian SMEs.

For more information, visit their website at: www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/irap/index.html and click on Funding.

Saskatchewan Grocery Retail and Foodservice Value Chain Initiative

The Grocery Retail and Foodservice Value Chain Initiative focuses on a consumer and operator driven approach, working with foodservice operators and grocery retailers to identify market opportunities and/or operational challenges that can be addressed through innovative products. The initiative then seeks to source those products through Saskatchewan food growers and processors and bring them to market in a timely and reliable fashion.

For more information, visit their website at: www.agcouncil.ca and click on Programs.

Canadian Agricultural Partnership

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $388 million investment by federal and provincial governments in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture.

Programs applicable to the food processing industry include:

For more information, visit their website at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/canadian-agricultural-partnership-cap