Growing sales outside your local market takes time, money, and the right guidance. For New Brunswick businesses and farmers, business and market development grants can help cover costs like product development, market research, and regulatory compliance. The province also offers hands-on advisory support through Business Navigators — NB. This service helps you find the right programs faster. It also makes it easier to access and use funding options.
Below is a practical breakdown of the main programs New Brunswick companies and agricultural producers use to grow into new markets, with real funding details and eligibility rules.
Business Navigators — NB is not a cash grant, but it plays a central role in market development. It connects you with government experts who help you understand regulations, permits, and program options that affect your expansion plans.
What it helps with
Who is eligible
There is no application deadline, and support is ongoing.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter related New Brunswick funding programs by industry and growth stage in seconds.
This program supports farmers and agri-food businesses that want to expand into new markets or develop new products.
Funding details
Eligible activities
Who can apply
This program is especially useful if you are testing demand before scaling production.
For businesses developing new products or improving processes, partnering with a post-secondary institution can support long-term market growth.
What the program offers
This program does not provide direct cash funding. Instead, it reduces development costs by giving you access to expertise and infrastructure.
Best suited for
Projects can often be combined with other R&D or commercialization funding programs, depending on scope.
Assuming Business Navigators — NB provides direct funding
It is an advisory service. Its value is in helping you avoid delays and identify the right grants.
Applying without a clear market plan
Market development programs expect defined target markets, not general growth goals.
Overlooking repayable terms
Some programs, like the Agri-Food Market Development and Access Program, may require repayment or cost-sharing. Budget accordingly and check the specific terms.
Missing combined opportunities
University partnerships and advisory services often complement grants. Using them together strengthens applications.
Q: Are there non-repayable business and market development grants in New Brunswick?
Yes, but they are limited and competitive. Many market development programs in agriculture and commercialization are repayable or cost-shared.
Q: Can farmers use Business Navigators — NB?
Yes. Farmers and agri-food producers can use the service for regulatory guidance, export requirements, and referrals to agriculture-specific programs.
Q: Do startups qualify for these programs?
Yes. Recently established businesses and early-stage startups are eligible for Business Navigators — NB and many partnership-based programs.
Q: Can I combine advisory support with grants?
In most cases, yes. Advisory services help you prepare and manage projects funded through separate grant programs.
Q: How long do market development projects usually last?
Timelines vary. Market research projects may last a few months, while product development partnerships can run a year or longer.
See also:
Business and market development grants in New Brunswick work best when paired with the right advice and timing. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active programs across Canada, including New Brunswick-specific options for businesses and farmers. Checking which ones match your location, industry, and growth plans can save weeks of research and missed deadlines.
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