Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate is now open for submissions.
The deadline is Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm AT.
You can download the Guidelines, Application Form, Eligible Expenses & Claims FAQ documents by clicking the link on the sidebar under Related Documents.
The Accelerate program helps Nova Scotia’s technology start-ups move faster on their path to market.
The Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate program now offers two streams to meet the unique needs of companies. Depending on the business model and path to market, each stream provides targeted programming and funding to help companies reach critical technical and business milestones.
Program Streams
GROWTH STREAM
The Growth Stream is for technology start-ups that are in-market and ready to accelerate growth, scale revenue, and capture market share. Competitive applicants often leverage AI-driven technologies or advanced software solutions.
Funding:
- $30,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding disbursed on an expense claim basis, up to $15,000 of which can be allocated to founder salaries.
Focus Areas:
- Sales Optimization: Build scalable sales processes and predictable pipelines
- Marketing Strategy: Execute go-to-market plans and drive adoption
- Product Evolution: Apply agile methodologies and iterate quickly
- Revenue Scaling: Establish repeatable, sustainable revenue models
- Funding Pathways: Explore options for bootstrapping or raising investment to fuel expansion
- Operational Efficiency: Strengthen systems and team structure
Program Features:
- Training with subject matter experts in sales and marketing through action-oriented sprints.
- Office hours with a human resources expert for advice and coaching for sustainable growth.
- Workshops tailored to each cohort (examples: IP strategy for AI companies, due diligence for AI companies, etc.).
- Access to the Invest Nova Scotia Perks program with discounts to 100+ vendors (HubSpot, Google Cloud, Zoom, Slack, AWS, and more).
- Access to market intelligence reports and PitchBook through Atlantic Market Intelligence.
DEVELOPMENT STREAM
The Development Stream is for technology start-ups tackling complex, regulated, or hardware-heavy markets. Successful applicants are often rooted in strong IP and backed by scientific research or deep technical innovation.
Funding:
- $40,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding disbursed on an expense claim basis, up to $15,000 of which can be allocated to founder salaries.
Focus Areas:
- Technology Validation: Advance R&D and prototype development
- Regulatory Strategy: Navigate compliance and certifications
- Product Development: Build MVP and prepare for scale-up
- Market Discovery: Validate customer needs and refine value proposition
- Capital Strategy: Plan for grants, partnerships, and early-stage investment
- IP & Risk Management: Secure intellectual property and mitigate risks
Program Features:
- Weekly 1:1 expert advice from a dedicated member of our network of investment and technology commercialization advisors.
- Office hours with a human resources expert for advice and coaching for sustainable growth.
- Workshops tailored to each cohort (examples: IP strategy, term sheets, storytelling, fundraising 101).
- Access to the Invest Nova Scotia Perks program with discounts to 100+ vendors (HubSpot, Google Cloud, Zoom, Slack, AWS, and more).
- Access to market intelligence reports and PitchBook through Atlantic Market Intelligence.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Be a Nova Scotia registered business in good standing with a permanent address in Nova Scotia.
- Have most of your workforce and senior leadership residing in Nova Scotia.
- Be the majority owner(s) (51% or more) of the company and must plan to work 35+ hours per week on the company for the duration of the program.
- Have less than $1M in cumulative sales and less than $250K in equity investment raised.
- Have a product at least at proof of concept or MVP stage with validated potential customers.
- Have identified and quantified a large and significant global market opportunity.
- Have not participated in Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate before.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Management Team: Skillset of key individual(s); entrepreneurial track record; capacity to develop the company and handle risks associated with the venture. We expect applicants to have strong technical and business team members.
- Market Pain & Value Proposition: Problem and size of the market pain (i.e., large international markets); solution (i.e., how it works, how it solves the problem, how it is unique); value proposition (i.e., how much time or money the customer will save/generate by using the solution).
- Market Opportunity & Business Model: Description of target customers; quantity of customers; customer validation; revenue model; size of the market opportunity.
- Competition & Go-to-Market: Competitive analysis; barriers to entry (examples: IP, proprietary data collection); pricing; go-to-market strategy.
- Accelerate Milestones & Success Metrics: Plan and timeline for program milestones; list of key activities to achieve milestones; detailed budget for award funding; evidence of execution on past key milestones.
- Capital Requirements & Investment Potential: Feasible, clear plan of execution; venture capital investment potential (i.e., high-growth potential, large market opportunity, attractive return prospects).
Important Dates
Call for submissions: January 6, 2026
Submission deadline: February 3, 2026
Shortlisted companies notified: February 18, 2026
Shortlist pitches: February 26-27, 2026
Winners notified: March 3, 2026
Program begins: April 1, 2026
FAQs
Is the program equity-free? Yes. Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate provides non-dilutive funding and support.
Who can apply? Nova Scotia-based start-ups with strong growth potential and founders committed full-time to the business.
How much funding is available? Growth Stream: $30,000; Development Stream: $40,000.
What’s the difference between Growth and Development streams? Growth is for in-market companies ready to scale revenue. Development is for pre-revenue companies tackling complex, regulated, or hardware-heavy markets.
When can I apply? Applications open twice a year. Check our site for current dates.
Do I need to be in Nova Scotia? Yes, applicants must have a permanent address and leadership team in Nova Scotia.
Is the program virtual? The program is delivered virtually, with the exception of a couple of workshops and training sessions in person.
How to Apply
Applications for Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate are now open. The deadline is Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm AT.
To apply:
- Pick your stream (Growth or Development).
- Complete the APPLICATION FORM, answering all questions in the boxes provided, and SUBMIT IT ONLINE.
- If this is your first time applying to a program with Invest Nova Scotia, please contact Kaitlin Webb to request your Customer Number. You will need this number to submit your application online.
- Have your payroll and revenue information (if applicable) ready to submit.
Details about what evaluators look for in a submission, and other important information, can be found in the Accelerate Guidelines. Please note that Invest Nova Scotia is unable to accommodate updates once applications are submitted.
Questions? Email accelerate@investnovascotia.ca
You can download the Guidelines, Application Form, Eligible Expenses & Claims FAQ documents by clicking the link on the sidebar under Related Documents.
Submit a claim
To submit a claim for approved activities completed during the program, please click Submit Claim below to access the form.