GreenShoots
We’re looking for the best early stage agri-technology and bioeconomy companies in Nova Scotia. If that’s your venture, tell us about it.
GreenShoots is now closed for submissions. The deadline to apply was Friday, February 16, 2024, by 11:59 pm AT.
Below are highlights about the opportunity. You'll also find details in the GREENSHOOTS INFO KIT.
About GreenShoots
Invest Nova Scotia, the Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub and Bioenterprise Canada Corporation have partnered to support early stage technology companies in the agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, clean technology, and related sectors.
Successful applicants receive up to $40,000 in non-repayable, non-dilutive funding, as well as business guidance from seasoned professionals to put their plans into action.
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.
Important Dates:
Call for applications: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Submission deadline: Friday, February 16, 2024
Shortlisted applicants notified: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Pitches and judging: Thursday, February 29, 2024
Successful applicants notified: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Eligibility
Applicants must be a start-up registered and based in Nova Scotia. They must have a new knowledge-based product (i.e., a unique technology solution that cannot be easily duplicated).
Applicants must have a technology at or beyond Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL 4+) stage of development (i.e., competitive applicants have a proof of concept and have completed prototype validation in a laboratory environment, at minimum).
Applicants must have identified a large market pain and established a company around a customer-validated problem.
Applicants must be the majority owner(s) (51 per cent or more) of the start-up and plan to work full-time with the business.
Applicants must be from the agri-technology or bioeconomy sector, including agri-management and agri-waste management; anaerobic digestion; aquaculture; bioenergy; bioproducts (i.e., biofibers, biocomposites, biomaterials, bioplastics); crop science and/or protection; fermentation processes; plant genetics; precision agriculture and data analytics; consumer and industrial agri-food innovations; natural health products; and cannabis technology.
Applicants must have less than $1 million in cumulative sales.
Companies that have raised more than $25,000 in equity investment from Invest Nova Scotia are ineligible. Stacking Invest Nova Scotia and other government funding programs is subject to review and approval by the judging panel.
Previous GreenShoots recipients are eligible to apply for GreenShoots again if they have new milestones that demonstrate traction towards investibility.
How to Apply
GreenShoots is now closed for submissions. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 16, 2024, by 11:59 pm AT. Applicants are asked to complete the Microsoft Word APPLICATION FORM, answering the questions in the boxes provided, and submit it online.
Invest Nova Scotia is unable to accommodate updates once applications are submitted. If you have questions about the application, please contact agritech@investnovascotia.ca.
Shortlist Pitches
Shortlisted applicants have 10 minutes to present their business overview, proposed budget and milestone plan relating to the funding request. The presentation is followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session.
Pitches are 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 on request. Successful applicants who are approved for funding will also engage in a discussion with program advisors as a first milestone.
Awards
Successful applicants receive up to 90 per cent of total eligible costs to a maximum of $40,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable funding, as well as guidance from seasoned business professionals.
The amount awarded is determined by the judging panel. Applicants must demonstrate available sources of capital to complete proposed activities and milestones.
Successful applicants will enter into a program agreement with the Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, Bioenterprise Canada Corporation and Invest Nova Scotia. Up to six awards are anticipated.
Confidentiality
All submissions are treated confidentially and not made available to the public. Only those involved in managing or judging the competition view submitted documents. While business details will not be disclosed, the GreenShoots partners reserve the right to announce competition winners.
For any questions you may have, reach out to Kaitlin Webb at agritech@investnovascotia.ca.