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 from Nova Scotia Universities and Colleges that they need to help make their business more innovative and productive.

Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program Summary 2011-12

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 previous program years are not eligible for consideration for 2011-12.

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
• 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, innovative 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)

STEP 3: E-mail completed form to P&Ivouchers@gov.ns.ca.

Successful applicants will be notified by the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism and will be issued a voucher in the name of their firm.

Voucher applications will be reviewed by Economic and Rural Development and Tourism staff, in consultation with program service providers, the following criteria will be used:

• 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 University/College program service provider.
• 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, 2012. Vouchers are limited to one per applicant.

When can I apply?

Applications will be accepted from September 12, 2011 to October 3, 2011.

Want additional information?

For additional information on accessing this program, please contact us by e-mail at P&Ivouchers@gov.ns.ca, or by phone at 902-424-7530 (Bruce Findlay) or 902-424-4446 (Greg Landry).