• The Regional Enterprise Networks are business-led and business-facing organizations.
• Each REN builds on the strengths and values of their region through a collaborative approach to economic development that supports business growth outside the capital city (Halifax Regional Municipality).

Business retention and expansion services

• BusinessNOW
• Continuous Improvement Program
• Business Transition Program
• Employer Immigration Support
• Connector Program

• The Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund helps prepare the commercial fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Nova Scotia to reduce their energy use and reduce climate change impacts.
• Apply for non-repayable, claims-based contributions covering 50% to 75% of costs.

Four pathways to participation:

• Study Path
• Electrification Path
• Renewable Path
• Operational Efficiency Path

• Nova Scotia-based farm, seafood and food and beverage companies can get up to $20,000 to meet and maintain food safety requirements for specific retailers, institutions or customers.
• Intake opened on May 1st ,2025.

• In response to the immediate and emerging needs of the seafood sector due to global market uncertainty, Perennia is launching a new short-term emergency funding program. This program helps Nova Scotia-based fish and seafood companies with increasing their long-term business productivity and market competitiveness.
• Get up to $99,900 in cost-shared funding for eligible expenses
• All funded activities must be completed by December 31, 2025

• Perennia is providing non-repayable financial assistance to Nova Scotia commercial entities in the fishing, aquaculture, marine plant harvesting and seafood buying/ processing sector to increase productivity, competitiveness, quality and sustainability in the fish and seafood sector under NS-ITAP.
• Depending on the nature and scope of the project, funding may also be awarded to Nova Scotia-based industry groups or associations.

Eligible Activities

• Innovation
• Infrastructure

Intake is ongoing until funds are fully subscribed. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2025.

• This program offers cost-shared grants to businesses for accessibility related improvements.
• Grants are intended to improve overall accessibility and create welcoming environments that persons with disabilities can access for business and employment opportunities.
• We pay up to 2/3 of accessibility improvements and up to $50,000.

•The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, and by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies.

Perennia works with companies in the fisheries sector in three key areas:
• Quality and food safety initiatives and training
• Product development and research to commercialize new products or improve current ones.
• Sector development projects with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and other industry partners.

• The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) offers customized one-on-one Business Advisory Services.
• You’ll be matched with a member of their Senior Business Advisory Team, who will meet with you for the number of hours you feel you need to get the expert advice and support your business needs.
• The fee for Business Advisory Services is $49 per hour, plus HST.

• Available to small businesses with annual electrical energy consumption of less than 600,000 kWh (approx. $6,000/month in electricity costs) for electric upgrades.
• Apply for rebates to cover a portion of your project costs for qualifying energy efficiency upgrades.
• Available on your Nova Scotia Power bill for businesses with eligible electric upgrades (24-month interest-free financing).