If you operate an agri-business or food processing company in Prince Edward Island, finding funding for growth can be difficult. The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative (SIGI) in PEI supports projects that help move food products from idea to market. The program offers up to 85% of eligible project costs as a repayable loan, making it a significant resource for agriculture and food producers in the province.
The Strategic Industry Growth Initiative is a provincial program run by the Government of Prince Edward Island, Department of Agriculture. Its main purpose is to help PEI’s agriculture and food sectors grow by supporting projects that advance products towards commercialization.
Key details:
The program does not cover general business expenses. Only projects that encourage growth, innovation, or commercialization in agriculture or agri-food will be considered.
Eligibility for SIGI includes a range of groups, but your project must connect to agriculture or food production and show clear benefits to PEI’s industry.
Eligible applicants include:
Your project must directly support agriculture or food production. Routine business expenses or projects not related to agriculture growth are not eligible.
The Initiative funds projects that help bring food products to market. Supported activities include:
Routine business expenses or projects not related to agriculture growth are not eligible. Make sure your application explains how your project helps commercialization.
Applying for the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative in PEI involves several steps:
Before you apply, make sure your project:
You can use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to see if SIGI fits your business and project.
Gather the following:
Send your application to PEI’s Department of Agriculture. You might be asked for more information or changes during review.
The review process considers:
If approved, funding is provided as a repayable loan, with repayment terms set in your agreement.
Q: How much funding can I get from the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative?
You can receive up to 85% of eligible project costs. The exact amount depends on your project and budget.
Q: Is the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative only for PEI businesses?
Yes. Projects must benefit PEI’s agriculture or food sector, and applicants must meet provincial rules.
Q: Can Indigenous organizations apply?
Yes. Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups are eligible.
Q: What expenses are usually eligible?
Eligible expenses cover product development, applied research, and commercialization. Final approval happens during the review.
Q: Can I combine this with other grants or loans?
Sometimes, yes. You can combine funding if you follow government rules and report all sources.
Vague project scope
Projects without clear commercialization goals are often rejected.
Forgetting the repayable loan
Treating SIGI like a grant can cause problems when repayments start.
Requesting the maximum without reason
Explain why you need up to 85% support.
Not checking eligibility early
Some applicants start proposals for projects that do not fit the program.
If your project is ready to bring a food product to market and you can manage a repayable loan, the Strategic Industry Growth Initiative in PEI may be a good fit. To make your application stronger, use GrantHub to check program status, track deadlines, and match your project to the right funding before you apply. This helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures you meet eligibility requirements.
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