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.

 

As of March 31, 2024, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency will no longer be accepting applications under the following initiatives:

  • Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative
  • Jobs and Growth Fund
  • P.E.I. Potato Stabilization and Innovation Initiative
  • Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund

The Agency will continue to work with applicants to determine if support can be provided through its core funding programs.



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's Industrial and Technological 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.

Canada 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.

Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund

The HFRF is a support measure to fill gaps for those who may not qualify under their insurance or other existing federal and provincial support measures, like their respective province’s disaster financial assistance.

International Trade and Investment

Businesses looking to reach international markets can get information, financial assistance and strategic support.

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.

Tourism Growth Program

This program helps Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and non-profit organizations develop local tourism products and experiences.

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.


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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