Applications closed, monitoring for reopening

Applications are not open right now. Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page. Last verified July 2, 2026.

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Closed, monitoring for reopeningCost-shareLast verified July 2, 2026

Sustainable New Agri-Food Products & Productivity Program — Productivity Enhancement

Get reimbursed for 50% of your equipment costs to boost productivity or launch new agri-food products. You can receive up to $15,000 per project or $25,000 for collaborations, but you must pay upfront and the portal is currently closed. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.

How we verify funding records →

Official program source ↗Check your fit Ask BBN to review your project

Before you spend a dollar

Approval must come BEFORE spending; you must submit proof of purchase after approval but before the project completion deadline.

At a glance

Maximum supportUp to $15,000 at 50% cost-share for individual projects; up to $25,000 at 50% cost-share for collaborations of 3 or more businesses. No application fee stated.

Issued byRural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN)

Administered bySSMIC (Sustainable Small Business Innovation Centre) / RAIN (Rural Agri-Innovation Network) and regional partners (NOFIA, NWO Innovation).

RegionOntario

Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.

Not sure if you qualify?

Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.

Check your fit →

Is this for you?

You are an agriculture or food producer based in northern Ontario.
You are buying specific equipment or materials to improve efficiency, innovate, or reduce environmental impact.
You can cover the costs upfront and wait for reimbursement after approval.

Probably not the right fit if

You are located outside northern Ontario or do not work in agriculture or food production.
You need funding for services, labor, or general operating expenses instead of physical equipment or materials.
You need immediate cash flow and cannot pay for purchases before receiving reimbursement.

How much you'd realistically get

Up to $15,000 for individual projects or up to $25,000 for collaborations of 3 or more businesses, covering 50% of eligible costs.

What may be supported

Processing equipment for new value-added food products (mixers, sterilizers, wash/pack systems).
Packaging equipment for new production lines (vacuum sealers, bottling, labelers).
Precision agriculture technologies or innovative pest/predator management systems.
LED lighting for hydroponic growing.
Irrigation or rainwater harvesting systems.
Minimal or no-till equipment.
Passive solar greenhouse systems.

What's excluded or restricted

Projects that do not foster innovation, increase competitive advantage, improve efficiency/resource use, or reduce ecological impact while enhancing profitability.
Projects that do not involve the purchase of equipment and/or materials.

How applying works

Effort: moderateYou must contact a regional representative first, submit an application, potentially provide additional info for conditional approval, and sign an agreement before spending.

01Contact your regional representative (Cathy Bouchard, Ian Mclennan, or Chathura Jayasinghe) to discuss project eligibility.
02Receive and complete the application form from the representative.
03Submit the application; representatives can review it for completeness before final submission.
04If shortlisted, provide any additional information required for conditional approval.
05Sign an agreement with SSMIC upon success.
06Purchase eligible equipment/materials and submit proof of purchase before the project completion deadline.

Who to ask: Regional representatives: Cathy Bouchard (Algoma/Manitoulin) at snapp@rainalgoma.ca or (705)942-7927 ext. 3135; Ian Mclennan (Sudbury/Nipissing/etc.) at info@nofia-agri.com or (705) 647-4782; Chathura Jayasinghe (Northwest) at chathura@nwoinnovation.ca or (807)768-6681 x3916.

Documents commonly required

Completed application form from the regional representative.
Proof of purchase for eligible equipment and materials (submitted after approval).
Project details demonstrating innovation, efficiency, or clean growth benefits.
Signed agreement with SSMIC.

How BBN Labs helps

BBN coordinates qualified partners for the installation of processing and packaging equipment, helping you launch new value-added food products with modern, efficient production lines.
BBN designs and coordinates the setup of precision agriculture tech, LED lighting, or irrigation systems to boost your crop yields and reduce resource waste.
BBN guides you through the application and documentation steps so you don't lose the funding.

What to know before you count on it

This is a cost-share, not a gift: you pay 50% upfront and get reimbursed later.
Intake 1 is closed; you must monitor for future intake announcements via the mailing list.
Projects must demonstrate innovation, efficiency gains, or reduced ecological impact while enhancing profitability.
Only equipment and materials are eligible; services and labor are excluded.

What are your odds?

Funding is competitive and limited to specific intakes; approval is not guaranteed and depends on project alignment with innovation and efficiency goals.

Frequently asked questions

Is the money taxable?

Confirm on the official page or with a tax professional; federal cost-share grants are often taxable income, but rules vary.

Can I use this for hiring staff?

No. The program explicitly excludes projects that do not involve the purchase of equipment and/or materials.

When is the next intake?

Intake 1 is closed. Future intakes are announced via the mailing list; confirm current status with the regional representatives.

Do I need to be a large business?

The official program page does not state a specific business size or employee count requirement, but it is targeted at small business innovation. Confirm eligibility with the regional representative.

What you can combine it with

Can be combined with Community Futures Ontario financing for additional support, but confirm specific stacking rules with the administrator.

Get alerted when this changes

Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.

Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.