Programs and initiatives
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency provides programs for every need to help Atlantic Canadian businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive and to diversify local economies. Here’s how we can help you.
Federal Court certifies Government of Canada privacy breach class action
If you received a NOTICE OF CERTIFICATION or have reason to believe that you were affected by a privacy breach with respect to your personal or financial information accessed through Government of Canada online accounts between March 1 and December 31, 2020, you may be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit: Government of Canada privacy breach class action
Extension for CEBA-equivalent RRRF funding repayment
The repayment deadline to qualify for partial forgiveness for CEBA-equivalent lending through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) has been extended to January 18, 2024. If you are unable to pay the outstanding amount by this date, you will have one extra year (to December 31, 2026) to repay the contribution.
ACOA will contact funding recipients who are eligible for this extension. For CBDC clients, please contact your CBDC to discuss your specific situation.
Programs
Atlantic Innovation Fund
Create new large-scale projects and bring them to market with the help of the Atlantic Innovation Fund.
Business Development Program
Hire an expert, create a business plan, improve your productivity – all with interest-free repayable funding.
Community Futures
Start or scale up your business with loans and training to entrepreneurs through the Community Futures Program.
Innovative Communities Fund
If you have a community project in mind, check out the Innovative Communities Fund to see if it's right for you.
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
Grow your business, reach new markets and stay on top of the latest technology.
Initiatives
Atlantic Canada Industrial and Technology Benefits Policy
See how ACOA makes sure Atlantic Canadians benefit from this policy, which requires contractors who win major defence bids to do business in Canada.
Atlantic Growth Strategy
This strategy is a federal-provincial initiative to create well-paying jobs, strengthen local communities and grow innovative companies.
Black Entrepreneurship Program
Black Canadian business owners can grow their businesses and succeed now and into the future.
Canada Digital Adoption Program
Take advantage of new digital technologies to give your business an edge. Find out what grants are available.
Canadian Coal Transition Initiative
We’re here to help workers and communities adjust to the transition to a greener economy by investing in new opportunities.
Economic Development Initiative
Are you an official language minority community, or OLMC? We can help you support local growth.
International trade and investment
Businesses looking to reach international markets can get information, financial assistance and strategic support.
Rediscover Main Streets
We’re supporting non-profit organizations on projects to inspire residents and visitors to Atlantic Canada’s main streets, downtowns and neighbourhoods.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
Women business owners can get access to the funding, talent and expertise they need as they start up, scale up and access new markets.
P.E.I. Potato Stabilization and Innovation Initiative
Potato growers and key suppliers can build their businesses with help from this new fund, which supports projects in Prince Edward Island’s potato sector and its supply chain.
COVID-19 funding
Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative
Businesses and organizations related to aerospace can get support to help this sector emerge stronger from the pandemic.
Jobs and Growth Fund
We provide funding to businesses to help create jobs and long-term growth, and transition to a green economy.
Contact us today!
Call 1-888-576-4444.
Or contact us by email:
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Atlantic time)
Business impact stories

Motryx has developed a quality assurance technology to assist hospitals, laboratories and research institutions monitor their blood transportation system without jeopardizing the blood samples.

When Lisa Ali Learning’s two sons became ill with Lyme disease three years ago in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, she was driven to act. After they recovered, she wanted to ensure her children, and their dog would be safe from ticks while continuing to enjoy the outdoors. Lisa’s solution led to the creation of AtlanTick Repellent Inc.

The Prince Edward Island Brewing Company is satisfying a Canadian thirst for buying local and supporting independent enterprises. “We are responding to consumer demand,” says Jeff Squires, president of the Charlottetown-based brewery.
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