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Centre of Forest Innovation

Forest Innovation Voucher Program

A man scales logs on a truck at a lumber mill.
NSCC is supporting forest innovation projects that propel business growth in the sector with funding grants of up to $50,000. The Forest Innovation Voucher Program supports opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities to engage in innovative ecological forest activities that foster a strong, growing and sustainable forest economy. Total funding for this program is approximately $2 million from the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust.

Program goals

  1. Increase ecological forest management practices in Nova Scotia
  2. Explore research and development focused on bioenergy and non-timber products or forest management
  3. Expand opportunities for entrepreneurship and business development in the forest sector

Eligible applicants

  • Individuals and businesses
  • Industry association with a majority of members operating in Nova Scotia
  • Non-profits and community organizations
  • Woodland owners

Application dates

Applications are open and will be reviewed quarterly. Concept forms must be submitted at least 30 days before final applications are due, and final applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the cycle review date.

Concept Form Due Final Application Due Funding Decision Date
October 1, 2023 November 1, 2023 December 31, 2023
January 1, 2024 February 1, 2024 March 31, 2024
April 1, 2024 May 1, 2024 June 30, 2024
July 1, 2024 August 1, 2024 September 30, 2024

How to apply

  1. Complete and submit the concept form
  2. Our project coordinator will review your concept and contact you with feedback
  3. Complete and submit the full application form via email to the project coordinator

Successful applicants will be required to a sign a project service agreement and payment schedule, which will include a requirement to submit a final report.

Submit a concept form

Before you begin, gather the following information about your project: 

  • Project details including an explanation of what is innovative about the project and expected outcomes
  • A description of applicant and partner experience relevant to the project
  • A description of how the proposed project will contribute to the program goals
  • A plan to measure project success and monitor progress

Concept form

Contact  if you have questions.

Decision Criteria

  • Applicant meets eligibility criteria
  • Anticipated impact of the project toward the goals of the program
  • Project considers new and innovative approaches in the forest sector
  • Project considers human rights, equity and Sustainable Development Goals
  • Project links to existing ecological forestry strategies, including the Lahey Report
  • Past experience of applicant and project partners, including ability to complete the proposed project
  • Submitted plan to evaluate project success
  • Financial resources

Funding tiers and grant amounts


Applicants must successfully complete a Tier 1 project to apply for additional funding from Tier 2. Supporting Mi’kmaq innovation is an important goal of this program. Indigenous projects do not require an applicant contribution, and 10% of project funds have been designated for Indigenous projects.

Funding Type Voucher Funding Applicant Contribution Project Timeline
Tier 1: General $25,000 10% of voucher funding value
(cash, time or in-kind)		 6 months
Tier 1: Indigenous $25,000 Not required 6 months

Applicants must have successfully completed a Tier 1 project to apply for additional funding from Tier 2.

Funding Type Voucher Funding Applicant Contribution Project Timeline
Tier 2: General Up to $50,000 10% of voucher funding value
(cash, time or in-kind)		 12 months
Tier 2: Indigenous Up to $50,000 Not required 12 months

 

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