Strategic Industry Growth Initiative

For Prince Edward Island agri-food businesses looking to move beyond ideas and into market-ready products, the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative offers meaningful support for projects that drive commercialization. Delivered by the PEI Department of Agriculture, this program is built around strengthening the province’s food and agriculture sector by helping organizations turn innovation into competitive, profitable outcomes. It’s particularly relevant for businesses and industry groups working on new food products, processing methods, or sector-wide initiatives that can create long-term value for the Island’s agri-food economy.

Funding through the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative can cover a significant share of eligible project costs, often up to roughly 85%, making ambitious development work more financially achievable. Supported projects tend to focus on applied research, feasibility studies, market and value-chain development, and activities that help bring new or improved products to market. There is also a strong emphasis on collaboration, with priority given to initiatives that benefit more than one business or have broad impact across the agriculture and agri-food sector, from productivity gains to labour attraction and retention.

While the program is not currently accepting applications due to high demand, it is expected to reopen in spring 2026. For PEI businesses and organizations planning future commercialization or sector development projects, now is a good time to explore how this funding could fit into your growth strategy and what preparation may be needed before applications resume.