Canadian wineries face high costs and strong market competition. The Wine Sector Support Program (WSSP) helps licensed wineries improve their business and stay competitive. If you run a winery and want federal funding, this guide explains how to apply for the Wine Sector Support Program. Each section covers program rules, requirements, and tips.
The Wine Sector Support Program is a federal funding program delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). It gives interest-free, non-repayable contributions to eligible Canadian wineries. If you meet the conditions in your funding agreement, you do not have to repay the money.
Key funding details:
Funding supports activities that help wineries improve their business and stay competitive.
Before you apply, make sure your winery meets all eligibility criteria. AAFC checks licensing and production rules carefully.
Your business may be eligible if it:
Eligible applicants include:
If you are not sure about your licence or production model, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by industry and business structure quickly.
The Wine Sector Support Program funds activities that help wineries operate more efficiently and compete in the market. Approved uses often include:
Only activities listed in your funding agreement are eligible. If you want to use funds for something specific, check with AAFC before applying.
For more details, see:
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Read the full program details on the AAFC website. Look for eligible activities, reporting rules, and timelines. The program uses a funding agreement. You must follow all rules.
You must have an active federal wine licence from the CRA when you apply. Applications without proof of licensing are not reviewed.
You will need:
Make sure your financial data is accurate and current.
Funding is only for activities approved in your agreement. These often include costs for:
Expenses outside the approved scope will not be reimbursed.
Send your application directly to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada using their intake process. Incomplete applications can delay approval or lead to rejection.
If approved, you will receive a formal contribution agreement. It will outline:
After receiving funding, wineries must follow strict reporting and compliance rules. These include:
Missing reports or not following requirements can delay payments or require you to return funds. Always read your contribution agreement carefully and ask AAFC if you have questions.
Applying without a valid CRA wine licence
Even a small issue with your licence can make your application ineligible.
Assuming all expenses are covered
Only expenses listed in your funding agreement can be reimbursed.
Missing reporting obligations
If you do not submit required reports, payments may be delayed or you may have to repay funds.
Overlooking other funding limits
You may not be able to stack this program with other grants. Always check funding limits.
For more information, see:
How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
Q: What is the Wine Sector Support Program?
It is a federal program that gives non-repayable funding to licensed Canadian wineries. The goal is to help wineries improve their business and stay competitive.
Q: Who is eligible for the Wine Sector Support Program?
Licensed Canadian wineries that produce wine fermented in Canada and reach minimum sales levels may qualify.
Q: How much funding can a winery receive?
An eligible winery can get up to $25 million, depending on eligibility and approved activities.
Q: Is the Wine Sector Support Program repayable?
No. The funding is interest-free and non-repayable if you meet all agreement conditions.
Q: Is funding from the Wine Sector Support Program taxable?
Funding is usually considered business income. Ask your accountant about tax treatment.
The Wine Sector Support Program can provide important federal funding if your winery meets the criteria and follows the application steps. GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including agriculture and agri-food funding. Visit GrantHub to see which options match your winery’s needs and location.
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