Open for Applications - November 4-18, 2009
What is a "productivity and innovation voucher"?
A "productivity and innovation voucher" is a credit note that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use to acquire the direct assistance they need to help make their business more innovative and productive.
Who is eligible?
All businesses currently operating in Nova Scotia provided:
- they are registered as a business to operate in Nova Scotia
- part, or all, of the their workforce currently resides in Nova Scotia
- they have less than 100 employees at the time of their application
- the service they require is offered by at least one eligible service provider
Please note that successful voucher recipient firms from the 2008-09 program are not eligible for consideration for 2009-10.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must clearly demonstrate the potential to contribute to the development of a new, high value-added product, service or process.
Eligible Service areas:
- applied research
- SR&ED assistance
- Industrial/process engineering services
- scientific/technology related advice and support
- proof of concept, field testing, product evaluation and certification
- prototyping
- product design
- feasibility studies necessary to help move a new product or service to market
- eco-efficiency audits
How do I access a voucher?
STEP 1: Review the list of eligible service providers and services. Select a provider and service which best fits your needs.
STEP 2: Download and fill in the program application form.
Business Application Form (MS Word 149KB)STEP 3: E-mail completed form to P&Ivouchers@gov.ns.ca.
Successful applicants will be notified by Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and will be issued a voucher in the name of their firm.
Voucher applications will be reviewed by Economic and Rural Development staff, in consultation with program service providers, based on the following criteria:
- Proposals determined to have the most potential to contribute to the development of a new, high value-added product, service or process;
- The fit of the proposal with the objectives of the program:
- The potential of the project to contribute to productivity and/or innovative gains for the firm
- The potential of the project to contribute to the development of a viable working linkage between the firm and the publically funded service provider, (Universities/Colleges/Business Development Bank of Canada)
- Other considerations, including service provider capacity and available program funding.
Successful applicants will be issued a voucher worth a maximum of $15,000 and valid until March 31, 2010. Vouchers are limited to one per applicant.
When can I apply?
Applications from businesses will be accepted between November 4 to November 18, 2009.
Want additional information?
For additional information on accessing this program, please contact P&Ivouchers@gov.ns.ca, or at 902-424-7530 (Bruce Findlay) or 902-424-4446 (Greg Landry).
