Nova Scotia · Grants
Grants are money you don't repay, which makes them the most valuable, and most competitive, category. This page lists the federal and Nova Scotia grant programs CashRadar tracks, including forgivable loans, which function as grants once the forgiveness conditions are met.
Nova Scotia is one of our most thoroughly curated provinces, so this list goes beyond the headline programs into housing, repair and income support.
Plenty of programs marketed as 'funding' are interest-free repayable contributions rather than grants. We label the benefit type on every listing so you can tell the difference before you build it into a budget.
Many grants will not fund work that has already started. Energy programs in particular often require an assessment before installation. Read the sequence on the official page before you spend anything.
Some programs accept applications continuously; others open for a short window once a year. We show the intake status on each listing, and flag programs that are currently paused rather than showing them as available.
We don't guarantee eligibility or promise an amount. Every listing links to the official program page, which is the only authority on whether you qualify and how much you'd receive.
Each with its official source and last-verified date
Trade Commissioner Service, Global Affairs Canada
Federal funding of up to $50,000 for small and medium businesses developing new export markets. The current intake closed on 31 August 2026, the next intake has not been announced.
Value
Up to $50,000
Deadline
Aug 31, 2026
Last verified: September 20, 2026
Natural Resources Canada
No-cost home energy retrofits, insulation, heat pumps and more, for low-to-median-income households, delivered through participating provinces. Renters are eligible.
Value
Not stated by source
Intake
Ongoing
Last verified: September 14, 2026
National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA)
Start-up financing and non-repayable contributions for Indigenous businesses, through Indigenous Financial Institutions.
Value
Not stated by source
Intake
Ongoing
Last verified: September 15, 2026
National Research Council Canada
Advisory services and cost-shared funding for small and medium businesses developing new technology, delivered through a network of Industrial Technology Advisors.
Value
Not stated by source
Intake
Ongoing
Last verified: September 20, 2026
Indigenous Services Canada
Funding for First Nations students in post-secondary education, administered by your First Nation.
Value
Not stated by source
Intake
Ongoing
Last verified: September 15, 2026
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
A federal strategy funding women-owned and women-led businesses through ecosystem partners, the WES Loan Fund, and regional delivery organisations.
Value
Not stated by source
Intake
Ongoing
Last verified: September 20, 2026
CashRadar identifies potential matches. Final eligibility is determined by the program administrator. CashRadar is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or any provincial government.