Economic Development Initiative

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) is part of Canada’s official languages action plan. The plan has three building blocks:

• strengthening our communities
• strengthening access to services
• promoting a bilingual Canada

Our work to grow the economy is one way ACOA helps the plan succeed. Every year, we invest up to $1.1 million in Acadian and francophone communities through the EDI.

What projects qualify

To be eligible, non-profit organizations must serve Acadian or francophone communities in Atlantic Canada. Chosen projects will be those that:

• provide business advice and support
• foster research and development
• help to reach new markets
• boost innovation
• improve productivity
• support francophone immigration

Project criteria

To receive EDI funding, your project must:

• support the economic development of an Acadian or francophone community
• help businesses grow and become more competitive
• secure at least 25% of funding from other sources

Who can apply

Funding is available to non-profit organizations such as:

• economic development associations
• provincial Crown corporations
• colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions
• municipalities
• business and technology institutes

How to apply

Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project and then complete and submit the Application for financial assistance.