Good ideas belong out in the open.

Our mission: activating early stage innovation companies in rural Nova Scotia.
Each year, Spark Nova Scotia seeks to discover and support high potential, early stage knowledge-based companies, and encourage entrepreneurial activity across the province’s heartlands. Winners of our competition receive up to $50,000 and guidance from seasoned business professionals to put their ideas into action.


Spark Nova Scotia 2021 is held in three regions of the province — Cape Breton, NS North and NS Southwest — with three competitions running simultaneously. Each region operates independently, with its own applicant pool and judging committee. All applicants can take advantage of the Spark Training Program to develop critical business development skills.
Get out and pitch your new knowledge-based product or service.
Funds awarded will be used to support the completion of prototypes or preparation for taking your product or service to market.
Spark is especially interested in start-ups from the agricultural technology, life sciences, clean technology and ocean technology sectors. However, we welcome submissions for any innovation with high-growth potential.
Timeline – Spark Nova Scotia 2021
Monday, August 16, 2021
Full Training Registrations Open
Making Ideas Spark Workshop (Zoom) 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Training
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Identifying and Managing the Risks in a New Business (Zoom) 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Introduction to the Business Model Canvas (Zoom) 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Finance – What Young Companies Need To Know (Zoom) 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Storytelling and Presenting (Zoom) 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Monday, October 4, 2021
Last Day To Submit Formal Applications
Friday, October 8, 2021
Judges Decide On Final 6/7 Companies For Each Region
Week Of October 11, 2021
Companies Receive Pitch Training One-On-One (Zoom, arranged using Calendly)
Judging
Monday, October 18, 2021
Judging Southwest Region – Bridgewater 11:00am - 3:00pm
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
Judging North Region – New Glasgow 10:00am - 2:00pm
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Judging Cape Breton Region – Sydney 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Monday, November 1, 2021
Gala Event – Winners Announced — Venue to be confirmed