Business Development Program (Agriculture)

The Business Development Program will support the agriculture sector by providing funding for training, business planning and implementation, organizational development, benchmarking and risk management activities. The program will facilitate the development of sound business practices and is designed to enhance the capacity of PEI Agricultural producers, small to medium-sized agri-businesses and organizations to better understand and manage their financial performance, respond to change and maximize the use of comprehensive risk management options for their agriculture operations. 

The Business Development Program is comprised of five sub-programs:

• 4.1.1 Training Sub-Program
  • Agri-Skills Individualized Training
  • Group Training for Agricultural Producers, Agri-Processors and/or Agri-Businesses
  • Organizational Development
• 4.1.2 Business Planning Sub-Program
• 4.1.3 Benchmarking & Risk Management Sub-Program
• 4.1.4 Building Sector Capacity Sub-Program
• 4.1.5 Agriculture Labour Sub-Program

Am I eligible to apply for Business Development Program funding?

The following includes a summary of sub-program recipient eligibility. Before completing the application form, please review the Business Development Program Guidelines  for activities/expenses eligible for funding.

4.1.1 Training Sub-Program 

The Training Sub-Program supports the agriculture sector by providing funding for skills training and is comprised of three training categories:

1. Agri-Skills Individualized Training;
2. Group Training for Agricultural Producers, Agri-Processors and/or Agri-Businesses; and
3. Organizational Development.

Eligible Recipients

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups;
• Agricultural producers;
• Farm employees;
• Small to medium-sized agri-businesses;
• Agri-processors;
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations; and 
• Others may be considered upon request

4.1.2 Business Planning Sub-Program 

The Business Planning Sub-Program will support PEI agricultural producers, small to medium-sized agri-businesses, and agriculture organizations with business, financial, and operations management activities.

Eligible Recipients 

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups;
• Agricultural producers;
• Small to medium-sized agri-businesses;
• Agri-processors;
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations; and
• Others may be considered upon request.

4.1.3 Benchmarking and Risk Management Sub-Program

The Benchmarking and Risk Management Sub-Program will facilitate the development of projects to build the capacity of PEI agricultural producers, small to medium-sized agri-businesses and agricultural organizations to measure aspects of their performance and compare them to industry standards.

Eligible Recipients 

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups;
• Agricultural producers;
• Small to medium-sized agri-businesses;
• Agri-processors;
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations; and
• Others may be considered upon request.

4.1.4 Building Sector Capacity Sub-Program

The Building Sector Capacity Sub-Program will assist sectors to implement their key priorities.  examples: organizational development, activities which will expand domestic and international markets for Prince Edward Island producers and small to medium sized agri-businesses. The program will facilitate the development of projects designed to enhance the capacity of PEI producers, small to medium sized agri-businesses and organizations and to respond to change.

Eligible Recipients 

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations; and
• Municipal and provincial government.

4.1.5 Agriculture Labour Sub-Program

The Agriculture Labour Sub-Program will facilitate the development of projects designed to build the capacity of the PEI agricultural workforce.

Eligible Recipients 

• Mi’kmaq First Nations and other Indigenous groups;
• Agricultural producers;
• Small to medium-sized agri-businesses;
• Agri-processors;
• Agriculture industry organizations, clubs, and associations; and
• Others may be considered upon request.

What do I need to complete the application form?

Information required for all programs:

Application form

•  Applicant contact information;
• Business or organization information, including CRA registration number;
  • If applicable, Partnership information
• Project start and end date; 
• Additional sources of project funding;
• Recipient type (i.e. primary producer, agricultural landowner, processor);
• Type of industry (i.e. Dairy, potato, beef, hog, grains and oilseeds);
• Signature for declaration and consent to personal information; and
• Demographic information (optional).

Business Development Project Details

• Alongside the Business Development Program General Application Form, complete Appendices depending on which sub-program(s) you are applying for. 
  • Appendix A: Training Sub-Program (Agri-Skills Individual Training)
  • Appendix B: Group Training, Organizational Development, Benchmarking, Business Planning
• NOTE: Appendices are downloaded separately from the Business Development Program General Application Form.

For more information contact:

PEI Department of Agriculture 
11 Kent Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown PE C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-4880
Email: businessdevelopment@gov.pe.ca

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The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a new $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector. The agreement includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities funded by federal, provincial and territorial governments..