In Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial government offers the Agriculture and Agrifoods Development Fund, which provides grants for processors of food and other agricultural products as well as farmers. To be eligible, the businesses must be in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, or have plans to be established in the area. The businesses must be in good standing in the province, be financially solid and have managerial staff. Additionally, a business plan needs to be provided in order to apply for the funding. Included in the proposal should be a marketing plan, human resources plan and general overview of the business.
In the province of Alberta, the Business Opportunity Grant is provided for agricultural businesses to help hire an expert to improve their business. The grants are meant to serve the primary agricultural businesses in the area, among other groups who are trying to meet changing market needs. To be eligible, the business must by a new entrant into the agriculture business in the province, currently be a business in Alberta or be an agricultural producer. To apply, applications may be filled out online at the Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website. The amount of the grant funds include up to $30,000 for the life of the grant when the money is being given on a cost- share basis at 75 percent from the government and 25 percent from the applicant. The 75/25 scenario applys when the business is the sole beneficiary of the grant. The cost-share may be at 90/10 for the government and the applicant if the enterprise would help an entire industry sector.
For businesses throughout Canada which are agricultural in nature, there is the AgriInvest fund. Businesses place money into the fund to protect against a 15 percent decrease in profits. As the money is placed into the fund, the government matches the businesses contribution. In doing so, the business is able to have access to more money to protect it when profits are down. The funds can also be used to improve marketability or manage the risk of investments.