Ready to build something that matters?
We are your unfair advantage.
We get it. You put everything you have into your product because you want to make a difference. NPC exists to help founders like you. Our unique combination of in-house technical expertise, business supports, and unparalleled industry and investor network has already helped hundreds of Canadian natural product innovators. See how it can help you.
“There are so many critical decisions to make in developing a new product. NPC has been invaluable as a resource of information, connections to key partners and experts, and capital.”
Nancy Thompson, AtlanTick
Become Part of Something Big
Our network is big. Over 4000 founders, industry leaders, investors, researchers, government agencies, incubators, professional services firms, accelerators, experts and more. When you join NPC you gain access to this rich resource as well as NPC’s exclusive suite of programs and services for early-stage natural product innovation.
Why join NPC?
We’ve helped hundreds of founders. We know what it takes to attract customers and capital. And we know the mistakes that can trip you up. Everything from strategy and investment-readiness, to scaling, suppliers and sales, the NPC team offers objective and clear insight to help you conquer your ‘next best step’.
Ask any founder: there’s never enough cash or time. Our curated referrals help you save both. With our network of over 4000 and a team with deep connections in industry, technology, and innovation, we help you find the vetted expert, facility, supplier, or resource you need quickly and easily. You can act faster, avoid costly mistakes, and stay ahead of your competition.
Yes, we have cash. But we don’t think like a granting agency. We allocate our capital to competitive products with teams that can execute. We’ll work with you through our thorough application process to ensure the money will deliver the results you need, and the ones your future financial backers want to see. Learn more below.
Building a high-innovation natural product business is not easy. Regulatory compliance, product formulation, preparing a data room, building a sales strategy, determining product-market fit, securing your IP, and the list goes on and on. We give you a leg up with clear, concise information delivered in convenient formats – from articles to webinars and workshops – to fit into your busy founder schedule.
We work with the best of the best. And we tell the truth. So when we ask the hard questions, it’s because we know you’ll need clear answers for investors and other strategic partners. This diligence – and our extensive technical, business, and investment acumen – is why investors, funders and industry partners trust our introductions. And it’s why our introductions can make all the difference for you.
Network. You know it’s important. But it’s an investment of time and energy that you don’t always have. Our network initiatives create high-impact connections to quality people, ideas and resources that can accelerate your success. Whether it’s a virtual founder group, a regional funder meeting, or access to our member database, we’ll help you expand your network and all the ROI that comes with it.
Everyone wants an opportunity to tell their story. Whether you’re making ‘better for you’ beverages or creating biofuels from farm waste, you need to explain your product and why it matters. We provide an array of platforms – newsletters, industry reports, event panels, and much more – to tell your story and expand your audience.
“It is very difficult finding the right partners who understand the natural health product industry and the science, technology, business and especially the regulatory requirements. Maskwiomin thanks NPC for their huge help with financial support and bringing our unique product from idea stage to market.”
Matthias Bierenstiel, Maskwiomin
NPC start-ups get all this and more as part of annual membership. If you’re ready for your next level, contact us for a 30-minute complimentary call to see if membership is right for you.
Smart Capital
As capital experts, we help you prepare for, and connect with, investors or funders that are right for your stage of growth. And in some cases, we’ll invite you to apply for our Commercialization Programs – non-dilutive, non-repayable capital to help you overcome a critical gap in your growth plan.
Access To Talent
Need a strategic addition to your team to get you past the next hurdle? Access to Talent provides up to $150,000 to help high potential companies achieve key commercialization milestones through the addition of an experienced individual.
Proof of Concept Program
The Proof of Concept Program provides up to $350,000 for companies and research institutions to demonstrate the commercial potential of natural products and technologies through things like field studies or clinical trials.
Fast-Track to Financing
Many new ventures struggle to attract financial backers because of gaps in their business or commercialization plan. This program provides up to $25,000 to companies or research institutes to complete their planning to meet the needs of public or private sources of capital.
How do I apply?
Those interested in applying must first talk to their Regional Director who will assess if they meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements and the scope of the potential project.
My company is not based in Canada – can I apply?
Natural Products Canada is funded by the Government of Canada with a focus on advancing Canadian economic development. As such, only companies that are incorporated in Canada are eligible for our Commercialization Programs. However, NPC may be able to provide support in other ways such as introductions to key resources, organizations and expertise.
Do I have to repay the money?
NPC’s Commercialization Programs are generally non-repayable. However, repayment may be required if key stipulations in the contract are not met.
How is my application evaluated?
Applicants must meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements, which are evaluated on the following criteria: novelty of the natural product or technology; market opportunity; business model/commercialization strategy; competitors; strength of the management/research leadership team; and feasibility of the project.
How long does it take to get an answer?
NPC’s application process has five stages: Eligibility assessment, Application form, Internal Review and External Review and Notification. The application process is an iterative process at each stage. You will work with your Regional Director and the Program Director to support the application development. Generally, the application process is completed within 3 to 4 months from Eligibility assessment to Notification, but is dependent on responsiveness of the applicant.
Can I apply for more than one program at the same time?
No, you can only apply to one program at a time. It is possible to receive support from more than one program but not at the same time.
How do I tell if my product or technology is within scope based on your description of natural products or technologies?
Please refer to our definition of natural products:
- biologically-based innovations that leverage or enhance the use of naturally-occurring molecules
- highly innovative products or technologies with proprietary intellectual property
- the innovation must benefit people, animals and the planet
Please note that technologies and solutions based on IT (software, hardware, AI, etc.) or mechanical solutions (drones, automation, etc.) that exclude a biological element fall outside of scope for the Programs. We recommend that you reach out to your Regional Director to discuss natural product or technology to confirm it is within scope.
What are the criteria for an innovative solution?
NPC exists to bring game-changing solutions to the world’s big problems. We’re seeking new, different, improved products or processes that are not easily copied, and that bring true potential for change. We’re asking questions like:
- Is it measurably better than the current solution?
- Does it have proprietary IP or processes?
- Does it have the potential to work at the capacity needed to serve a market in a cost-competitive way?
- Can it be applied to a large and growing industry vertical? Can it be applied to more than one?
- And is there a keen customer willing/waiting to buy it?
Why do you have limits on the number of employees for some programs?
The Access to Talent Program is the only program that has limits on the number of employees a company can have. For this Program, NPC is looking to support early-stage companies (fewer than 25 employees) to achieve the next growth stage through the expansion of their team.
Why can’t I apply online?
NPC is here to help you advance your innovation through our comprehensive suite of programs and services. With that in mind, we provide support and guidance throughout the application process to get to know your product/technology better and identify other resources you may need, and of course to bolster your chance of success in the application. In addition, NPC respects your time. We don’t want you to waste time applying to the programs if your product or project is out of scope. Instead, the first part of the application process is an eligibility assessment, which involves meeting with your Regional Director to ensure you meet NPC’s minimum eligibility requirements.
What types of costs are eligible under the Proof of Concept Program?
Eligible costs include employee salaries, direct materials, subcontractors or consultants, equipment up to 10% of project costs, other direct costs (ex. Participant recruitment costs or software licenses) and indirect costs.