Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP)

Amount of Funding

The Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program (SGAP) provides non-repayable funding covering up to 40% of eligible project costs, to a maximum contribution of $100,000 per project.

Funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and administered by Bioenterprise Canada, the program helps southern Ontario agri-food and agri-tech businesses adopt proven clean technologies and sustainable business practices that improve operational performance and environmental outcomes.

Funding supports projects that reduce environmental impacts while enhancing productivity, efficiency, and long-term competitiveness.

The amount of funding awarded depends on factors such as:

• Total eligible project costs

• Scope of the technology adoption initiative

• Expected sustainability outcomes

• Project readiness and implementation plans

• Alignment with program objectives

Applicants must contribute at least 60% of project costs through internal resources or other funding sources.

Note: Successful applicants are required to pay Bioenterprise Canada a program administration fee equal to 4% of the approved funding amount.

Eligible Applicants

The Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program supports Ontario-based agri-food and agri-tech businesses seeking to implement proven sustainability solutions.

To qualify, applicants must generally:

• Be incorporated in Canada

• Be located and operating in Ontario

• Generate a minimum of $200,000 in annual revenues

• Demonstrate the financial capacity to fund at least 60% of eligible project costs

• Be prepared to adopt and integrate commercially available clean technologies, sustainable practices, or process improvements

• Provide a statement of work or quotation from the selected vendor or service provider

Eligible businesses may include:

• Agricultural producers

• Food and beverage processors

• Agri-tech companies

• Agricultural service providers

• Value-added agriculture businesses

• Other businesses operating within Ontario’s agri-food sector

Applicants should demonstrate a clear need for the proposed project and the ability to implement and benefit from the selected technology or sustainability initiative.

Eligible Activities

The Sustainable Growth and Adoption Program supports projects that improve environmental performance while enhancing operational efficiency and business growth.

Eligible project categories may include:

Advisory Services and Professional Consultations

Funding may support the engagement of third-party experts who help businesses identify and implement sustainability improvements.

Examples include:

• Sustainability consulting

• Environmental assessments

• Carbon reduction planning

• Resource efficiency evaluations

• Clean technology implementation planning

Facility Audits and Energy Studies

Projects may include assessments designed to identify opportunities for conservation and operational improvements.

Examples include:

• Energy audits

• Water usage assessments

• Waste reduction studies

• Facility optimization reviews

• Environmental performance evaluations

Product Integration and Technology Adoption

Funding can support the adoption of proven clean technologies and sustainable solutions.

Examples include:

• Energy-efficient equipment

• Automation systems that reduce resource consumption

• Waste reduction technologies

• Water conservation equipment

• Environmental monitoring systems

• Sustainable production technologies

Internal Employee Labour

Eligible projects may include labour costs for employees directly involved in implementing approved project activities.

Examples include:

• Project management

• Technology implementation

• Internal testing and deployment

• Process improvement activities

Other Technology Adoption and Assessment Activities

Additional activities that support technology evaluation, implementation, and sustainability planning may also be eligible where they contribute to project objectives.

Projects should demonstrate measurable benefits such as:

• Reduced energy consumption

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions

• Improved resource efficiency

• Reduced waste generation

• Increased operational productivity

• Enhanced sustainability performance

Program Deadline

Speak with a member of our team to find the latest intake period info for this program.