Funding helps Sydney organizations to create jobs, support entrepreneurship and build the innovation ecosystem  

News release

Government of Canada investments support clean, inclusive recovery and long-term economic growth  

April 22, 2022 · Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

A key part of Canada’s economic recovery is supporting businesses as they adapt, grow and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Small and medium-sized businesses and the organizations that support them represent the backbone of regional economies. They generate good paying jobs and are a source of pride for their communities. To do so, businesses and entrepreneurs need a strong foundation, built on technological innovation, inclusivity, and clean growth to create the workforce of the future.

Federal investments support business growth

Today, Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, announced a total investment of $1,869,900 for four projects in the Sydney area that are expected to create up to 12 jobs and maintain 59 jobs  

Of this total, ACOA is contributing $999,900 through its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program and $477,000 through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF). The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is providing advisory services and up to $393,000 in funding support.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

For the full list of projects, please see backgrounder.

Launched in July 2021, the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) provides $700 million over three years to Canada’s regional development agencies to support a regional response and stimulate economic recovery following the COVID-19 crisis by investing in projects that will help to create jobs. Through the JGF, the Government of Canada aims to support the transition to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, enhance competitiveness, and create jobs in every corner of the country.

Quotes

“The vitality of Canada’s business communities is key to our economic recovery. These investments will help create good jobs, support inclusive and clean growth opportunities and build resiliency to ensure that companies in Atlantic Canada are well equipped for future growth.”
- The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“For decades, the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) has provided expertise and capital to help businesses grow. Today’s investment is ensuring small and medium-sized businesses in Sydney have the tools they need to turn their ideas into commercial successes and help build a strong, growing, and resilient economy for Atlantic Canadians.”
- The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Investing in organizations like Navigate Startup House, Talem Health Analytics, Copol International, and Cape Breton Capital Group will help create a place for entrepreneurs to thrive and build their companies and communities right here in the Sydney area. This will support job and economic growth and allow these organizations to continue to call Cape Breton home.”
- Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney - Victoria

Quick facts

  • In Atlantic Canada, ACOA is delivering $70 million of the $700-million national Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) to eligible businesses, non-profit organizations, community economic development partners, and Indigenous-led organizations and businesses, with projects that: 
    o   support the transition to a green economy
    o   foster an inclusive recovery
    o   preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof      businesses through digital adoption
    o   strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth

  • For more information on the application process, eligibility criteria and eligible expenses, or to apply for the JGF, reach out to your regional development agency.

  • Through its Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, ACOA funds non-profit organizations that support businesses at each stage of development. This creates strong and inclusive regional networks to fuel growth and innovation.

  • The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Chris Brooks
Communications Director
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
chris.brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

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