Small business funding in New Brunswick
NB Power's Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program reimburses up to $1.25 million per business for energy audits and efficiency projects. The Downtown Moncton Beautification Grant covers up to 50% of a storefront refresh, to a maximum of $5,000, for new signage and exterior work. The federal ACOA Business Development Program adds interest-free repayable financing worth up to 50% of capital costs and up to 75% of growth activities. CBDC innovation loans put up to $150,000 toward new technology. BBN Labs helps you find the programs that fit and sends deadline alerts. You apply on the official program site.
Local funding options
Downtown Moncton runs a Beautification Grant that pays half the cost of new signage, storefront work and exterior improvements, up to $5,000. NB Power's province-wide Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program reimburses energy audits and electricity-saving projects up to a ceiling of $1.25 million per business. Both pay you back after the job is done.
For broader growth, the federal ACOA Business Development Program offers interest-free repayable contributions covering up to 50% of capital costs and up to 75% of growth activities, and local Community Business Development Corporations lend up to $150,000 for new technology through their Innovation Loan. Those loans can help pay for new equipment, software and technology. Agri-food processors can add the province's Advancing Agri-Food Processing cost-share, worth 25% to 50% of eligible equipment costs up to $50,000.
City rules we checked
- NB Power's Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program provides up to $1.25 million per business, reimbursing energy audits and feasibility studies plus electricity-saving and non-electric projects after the work is done. source ↗
- The Downtown Moncton Beautification Grant covers up to 50% of total improvement costs, to a maximum of $5,000, for signage, architectural details and landscaping. source ↗
- ACOA's Business Development Program offers interest-free repayable contributions of up to 50% of capital costs for new or expansion projects and up to 75% for business-growth activities. source ↗
Notes reflect official sources as checked on September 24, 2026; programs change, so confirm with the administrator.
Programs
Funding programs for New Brunswick
Every program shows its official source, what kind of help it is, and when we last checked it.
Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program
Up to $1,250,000
This program helps New Brunswick business owners cut energy bills and improve facilities by reimbursing costs for audits and retrofits.
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Advancing Agri-Food Processing
Up to $50,000
Cost-share funding for New Brunswick agri-food processors and manufacturers. It helps pay for equipment that improves production capacity and…
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ACOA Business Development Program: Commercial Component
Up to 50% of costs
Interest-free repayable contributions from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to start, modernize, or expand a business.
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CBDC Innovation Loan
Up to $150,000
A loan for rural Atlantic Canadian businesses to pay for new technology, products, or services.
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CBDC General Business Loan
Up to $150,000
A loan to grow or take over a business when standard bank financing is hard to get. You can use it for expansion or working capital, with competitive…
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Student Work Placement Program
Up to $5,000
A federal wage subsidy for employers who hire post-secondary students through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).
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BDC: Business Purchase or Transfer Loan
A BDC loan to help you buy an existing Canadian business. It can fund buying a competitor or supplier, a management or employee buyout, taking over a…
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Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
Up to $2,000
A federal non-refundable tax credit for employers who hire apprentices in Red Seal trades. It is worth 10% of eligible apprentice wages, up to $2,000…
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Community Futures Network of Canada
Community Futures has 267 non-profit offices across Canada. They provide small business loans, training and local support to entrepreneurs in rural…
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Funding by need
What funding can pay for in New Brunswick
Funding for Storefronts and Facades
Grants and loans that may help pay for storefront and facade work.
Funding for Storefront Signage
Grants and loans that may help pay for new storefront signage.
Funding for Energy Efficiency
Grants and loans may help pay for lighting, HVAC and refrigeration improvements.
Funding for Manufacturing
Grants and loans that may help pay for automation and productivity tools.
Funding for E-commerce
Grants and loans to help you launch or improve your online store.
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Frequently asked questions
What funding can a New Brunswick small business get for signage or a storefront refresh?
In Moncton, the Downtown Moncton Beautification Grant covers up to 50% of exterior improvement costs, to a maximum of $5,000, for signage and storefront work. Other New Brunswick towns run their own downtown programs from year to year. Tell us your city and we'll check what's open for you.
Is there funding for energy projects in my New Brunswick building?
Yes. NB Power's Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program reimburses energy audits and efficiency projects up to $1.25 million per business, paying you back after the work is done. We explain the rules and deadlines, and you apply on the official program site.
Also see: all verified funding in New Brunswick, the full funding list and our guides.