If you own a business in Atlantic Canada and need funding to start, grow, or modernize, the ACOA Business Development Program (BDP) is one of the most important federal programs available. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to help cover big costs like equipment, training, and expanding into new markets. The program is delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and is open to businesses in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The ACOA Business Development Program helps entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) launch or expand in Atlantic Canada. The main goal is to make local businesses more competitive, productive, and sustainable over time.
There are two main funding streams:
This guide focuses on the Support for entrepreneurs stream, which is the most common path for business owners.
To qualify for the ACOA Business Development Program, your business must meet all of these requirements:
Eligible applicants often include:
Non-profit organizations can also apply, but only if their project directly supports the growth of Atlantic Canadian SMEs.
Funding from the ACOA Business Development Program is repayable and interest-free. Here are the main limits:
There is no set maximum dollar amount listed. The amount you can get depends on:
All funding is:
The ACOA Business Development Program does not cover regular operating costs. It focuses on projects that help your business grow in the long run.
Common eligible expenses include:
Your expenses must be tied to a clear growth project, not just regular business activities.
ACOA does not have a single online application form. The process starts with contacting your local ACOA office.
Contact your local ACOA office
An ACOA business development officer will talk with you about your project and explain next steps.
Prepare a clear project plan
You will need:
Show the economic impact
Be ready to explain:
Submit a formal application (if invited)
ACOA staff will tell you what forms and documents to send.
Approval and agreement
If you are approved, you will sign a contribution agreement that explains how and when you repay the funding.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if the ACOA Business Development Program is a good fit for your business before you reach out.
Applying without a growth project
ACOA does not fund regular expenses or operating losses.
Not showing you can repay
Even though funding is interest-free, you must repay it.
Weak financial information
Strong cash flow and sustainability are important.
Waiting too long to contact ACOA
Reaching out early helps you understand if your project is a good fit.
Q: Is the ACOA Business Development Program a grant?
No. Funding is repayable, but it is interest-free and unsecured, making it more flexible than a regular loan.
Q: Can start-ups apply for the ACOA Business Development Program?
Yes. Start-ups can apply if they show strong market potential and a clear plan to repay.
Q: How long does the application process take?
It depends. Simple projects may be approved in a few months. Larger projects may take longer because of extra checks.
Q: Do I need matching funds?
Yes. You must pay for the part of the project not covered by ACOA, usually at least 25%–50%.
Q: Can I apply if I already received other government funding?
Yes, but there are limits. Total government support cannot go over the approved maximum.
The ACOA Business Development Program can help finance business growth in Atlantic Canada if your project and finances fit the program. GrantHub tracks hundreds of federal and provincial programs in Canada, including ACOA funding. Checking which programs match your business can help you focus on the best opportunities.
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