ACOA Business Development Program: Commercial Component
Get interest-free financing to cover up to 50% of capital costs or up to 75% of growth activities for your Atlantic Canadian business. This is a repayable contribution, not a grant.
“You could get up to 50% of the capital you need to grow your business or launch a new one.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
You must get written approval from ACOA before you spend any money. ACOA does not usually pay for costs from before approval.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You operate in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- You have a clear plan to launch, expand, or modernize and need funding for equipment or growth activities.
- You are ready to get written approval from ACOA before you start work or buy assets.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside Atlantic Canada, as this program only serves the four eastern provinces.
- You are looking for a grant that does not need to be paid back, since this is a repayable contribution.
- You have already started the project or spent the money, because approval must come before any spending.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible capital costs for new or expansion projects, or up to 75% of costs for business growth activities.
What may be supported
- Capital for launching a new business
- Capital for business expansion
- Staff training
- Efficiency studies
- Marketing and trade activities
- Productivity improvements
- Quality assurance
- Environmental management systems
- Technology transfer
- Research and development (for non-profits supporting SMEs)
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must register on MyACOA, complete organizational and project modules, and upload detailed financials and quotes. Pre-application discussion with an officer is recommended.
- 01Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project and confirm eligibility.
- 02Register or log in to MyACOA at acoa-apeca.canada.ca.
- 03Create a new application and complete the Organizational Profile and Project Information modules.
- 04Upload required supporting documents, including incorporation documents, financial statements, project plan, quotes, and permits.
- 05Submit the application online via MyACOA, or request a fillable PDF to submit in person, by email, mail, or fax.
Who to ask: Phone: 1-888-576-4444; Email: bis-sie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca; Contact Us Page: https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/corporate/contact-us.html
Documents commonly required
- Incorporation documents
- Financial statements
- Detailed project plan
- Quotes for proposed work or equipment
- Permits (if applicable)
What to know before you count on it
- It is a repayable contribution, not a grant. You must pay it back over time, though it is interest-free and unsecured.
- Approval is discretionary and relationship-based. You usually need to talk to an officer and present a strong, well-documented plan.
- Cash flow is required upfront. You typically fund your share and claim reimbursement, so you need liquidity to start the project.
- The official page does not list excluded costs. Ask ACOA whether items like land or vehicles are eligible before you apply.
What are your odds?
Approval is discretionary. A clear project plan and strong financial documentation significantly improve your chances.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay interest on this contribution?
No. The repayable contribution is interest-free and unsecured.
Can I apply if I am a non-profit?
Yes, if your non-profit supports the growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Atlantic Canada. You can fund activities like business counselling, training, or R&D.
What happens if I do not get approved?
You do not receive funding. Since approval must precede spending, you should not start the project until you have a decision.
Is there an application fee?
The official page does not list an application fee.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Check with ACOA if this contribution can be stacked with other federal or provincial programs, as rules vary by project type.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.