Small business funding in Prince Edward Island
Innovation PEI's Small Business Assistance covers up to 50% of professional fees and first-year marketing, up to $5,000 in year one. The Downtown Charlottetown Facade Improvement Program reimburses 50% of eligible storefront costs, up to $4,000 per facade. E-tools for Exporting pays back up to 65%, to a maximum of $15,000, on SEO, ads and e-commerce. ACOA offers interest-free repayable capital and Finance PEI's Entrepreneur Loan Program lends up to $100,000. BBN Labs helps you find the programs that fit and sends deadline alerts. You apply on the official program site.
Local funding options
Innovation PEI's Small Business Assistance covers up to 50% of professional fees and first-year marketing costs, to a maximum of $5,000 in year one. Its Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund covers up to 60% of eligible export costs, to a maximum of $32,000. E-tools for Exporting reimburses up to 65%, to $15,000, on SEO, paid advertising and e-commerce.
The Downtown Charlottetown Facade Improvement Program reimburses 50% of eligible exterior costs, up to $4,000 per facade. It funds signage, awnings, windows, doors and accessibility work. Intake is open to October 31, 2026, and it pays after the work is inspected.
For larger projects, PEI also offers financing. ACOA's Business Development Program offers interest-free repayable support toward up to 50% of capital costs, and Finance PEI's Entrepreneur Loan Program lends up to $100,000 for growth. We show which programs fit your project, and you apply on each official program site.
City rules we checked
- Innovation PEI's Small Business Assistance covers up to 50% of eligible costs for professional fees and, in a business's first year, marketing and promotion, to a maximum of $2,500 each and $5,000 in year one, awarded first-come while funds last. source ↗
- The Downtown Charlottetown Facade Improvement Program gives successful applicants 50% of eligible project costs, excluding HST, up to a maximum of $4,000 per facade for up to two facades, with intake open to October 31, 2026. source ↗
- E-tools for Exporting reimburses up to 65% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $15,000, for digital export work such as SEO, paid advertising and e-commerce integration, on a minimum project cost of $5,000. source ↗
Notes reflect official sources as checked on September 24, 2026; programs change, so confirm with the administrator.
Programs
Funding programs for Prince Edward Island
Every program shows its official source, what kind of help it is, and when we last checked it.
Entrepreneur Loan Program
Up to $100,000
Finance PEI offers loans of up to $100,000 to start, improve or expand a business in Prince Edward Island.
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Small Business Assistance
Up to $2,500
This Innovation PEI grant helps PEI micro-businesses pay for expert help with plans, such as business or marketing plans.
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Export Enhancement and Diversification Fund
Up to $32,000
Innovation PEI pays part of the cost of export activities such as trade shows and market research.
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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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E-tools for Exporting
Up to $15,000
This cost-share program helps PEI SMEs cover eligible expenses for export market development activities like SEO, paid advertising, and e-commerce…
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Micro-Loan Program
Up to $15,000
This provincial loan program offers working capital and equipment funding for new or expanding businesses on Prince Edward Island.
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Horticulture Diversification Program
Up to $40,000
Expand your PEI horticulture business with cost-share funding for infrastructure and agronomic services.
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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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Funding by need
What funding can pay for in Prince Edward Island
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 Export and New Markets
Grants and loans that may help pay for trade shows, research and translation.
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 Prince Edward Island shop or restaurant actually use?
The broadest programs are where most Island businesses start: Innovation PEI's Small Business Assistance covers up to 50% of professional fees and first-year marketing, to $5,000 in year one; the Downtown Charlottetown Facade Improvement Program reimburses 50% of eligible storefront costs, up to $4,000 per facade; and E-tools for Exporting pays back up to 65%, to $15,000, on SEO, ads and e-commerce. A few programs, like Capital Acquisition Support, are aimed at manufacturers, processors and exporters. Tell us your business and we will point you to the ones that fit.
Also see: all verified funding in Prince Edward Island, the full funding list and our guides.