Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM)

The Canadian manufacturing industry, particularly within the agri-business sector, is continuously evolving to meet the demands of modern markets. As companies face challenges such as supply chain disruptions, rising production costs, and the need for sustainable practices, the adoption of advanced technologies becomes crucial.

One key support mechanism for these advancements is the Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program. This initiative offers significant funding to help agri-businesses adopt best practices, implement new technologies, and enhance their processes to remain competitive and resilient. By leveraging government support, these businesses can achieve operational efficiencies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and expand their product offerings, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.

Funding Snapshot: Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM)

Funding Amount

Under the SLIM program, different funding streams have different funding amounts. These include:

• Efficiency Stream – 50 per cent rebate for eligible expenses.
• Emissions Reduction Stream—60 per cent rebate for eligible expenses.
• Expansion Stream—50 per cent rebate for eligible expenses.
• A business analysis completed by a third-party contractor may also be eligible for 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of $20,000.

An applicant’s maximum funding cap is determined by assessing the project size against the Tiered Funding Model.

Tiered Funding Model:

Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3
Project size of $50,000 to $1,000,000	Project size greater than $1,000,000 to $5,000,000	Project size greater than $5,000,000
Maximum funding up to $300,000*	Maximum funding up to $500,000*	Maximum funding up to $750,000*

Program Eligibility

To qualify for the SLIM program, applicants must be:

• Commercial Enterprises: Located in Saskatchewan, incorporated federally or in Saskatchewan, and must have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year.
• Established Operations: The facility must be in operation for a minimum of two years, undertaking value-added processing.
• Abattoirs: Licenced, certified, registered, or inspected with relevant authorities such as the Ministry of Health’s Public Health System, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Domestic Meat Inspection Program, or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s federal system.
• Revenue: Must demonstrate a minimum of $100,000 gross annual revenue related to value-added processing.
• Value-Added Products: The business must be involved in upgrading raw primary agricultural products or processed products into new products, using inputs originating from primary agricultural commodities grown or raised in Canada.

Cannabis Processing Facilities:

• Cannabis processing facilities are eligible for the SLIM program, subject to the final approval by the Ministry of Agriculture. These facilities must have a standard processing license issued by Health Canada. However, facilities exclusively involved in drying, milling, bagging, or pre-rolling cannabis are not eligible.

Ineligible Corporations and Facilities

The following are not eligible for funding under the SLIM program:

• Facilities where the retail environment is larger than the processing area;
• Publicly funded facilities;
• Cannabis processing facilities without a standard processing license from Health Canada;
• Processors of seafood, fish, or seed intended to grow crops;
• Facilities dedicated to cleaning, bagging, handling, or storing primary products (not considered value-added);
• Businesses exclusively operating as food service operators (e.g., restaurants, grocery stores, caterers);
• Facilities solely assembling, blending, or packaging; and
• Applicants related to an eligible applicant, where the program’s maximum funding cap of $750,000 per applicant/related entity would be exceeded.

Project Eligibility

Eligible projects under the SLIM program must align with one or more of the following streams:

• Efficiency Stream:
  • Projects that improve production efficiencies, such as reducing food or water waste, improving water quality, or enhancing water use efficiency.
  • Purchase and installation of new or refurbished equipment that enhances processing efficiency.
• Emissions Reduction Stream:
  • Projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or improve energy efficiency, such as upgrading lighting or adopting alternative energy sources like solar or wind power.
• Expansion Stream:
  • Projects that expand processing capabilities, including adding new product lines that complement existing production.

Deadlines

The deadline to submit a pre-approval application is on or before October 31, 2027.

The deadline to submit a completed business analysis is on or before December 31, 2027. Pre-approval must be received before a business analysis can be undertaken.

All approved projects must be fully completed with equipment paid for, installed and operational, and final claim submitted by the earlier of the date in the approval package or on or before March 31, 2028.

Looking for More Funding in Saskatchewan?

If you are a Canadian business located in Saskatchewan getting started with government grants and/or loans to assist you in meeting your project goals, please contact the Mentor Works team of professional grant writers to help with program assessment and eligibility. You can also find more information on currently open programs in Saskatchewan by reading this blog.

Canadian businesses should understand that there are key differences between the types of funding which is available before they begin an application process. Download our free Types of Government Funding resource to learn about the various types of grants, loans, and government incentives that are available to Canadian companies, organizations, and entrepreneurs.