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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is a federal government agency dedicated to promoting economic development in Atlantic Canada's four provinces through financial support and strategic partnerships. Established in 1987, ACOA provides grants and funding to businesses and non-profits to stimulate innovation, enhance competitiveness, and support diverse, sustainable growth in the region.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, commonly referred to as ACOA, is a federal government agency focused on fostering economic growth in the Atlantic Provinces of Canada, which include New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Established in 1987, ACOA's primary objective is to help create opportunities for economic development in the Atlantic region by supporting business growth, job creation, and economic diversification. It serves as a catalyst for economic progress, aiming to bolster the region's ability to compete in national and global markets.
One of the key ways ACOA achieves its goals is through the provision of grants and funding for businesses and non-profit organizations. This financial support is designed to stimulate innovation, enhance productivity, and encourage the adoption of new technologies. ACOA's funding programs cater to a wide array of sectors including but not limited to tourism, information technology, manufacturing, and resource industries.
For businesses, ACOA offers several funding initiatives aimed at improving competitiveness and fostering expansion. One of these is the Business Development Program (BDP), which provides access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This program offers interest-free, repayable contributions that can be used for various purposes such as improving business processes, investing in equipment, or expanding market reach. The Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) is another vital program, targeting projects that contribute to the long-term economic growth and sustainability of communities. Through this program, ACOA supports initiatives that leverage community assets, thereby encouraging economic diversification and growth.
Non-profit organizations can also benefit from ACOA's funding programs. The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) is particularly noteworthy. It is designed to strengthen the region's innovation capacity by challenging the private sector to develop and commercialize new or improved products and services. Non-profits that focus on research and development, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration with private sector partners are particularly well-positioned to receive funding from this program.
Another critical support mechanism is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. REGI focuses on projects that drive business scale-up and productivity, particularly by encouraging collaboration between businesses, non-profits, and academic institutions. The program supports projects that enhance productivity, innovation, and commercialization. It is especially beneficial for non-profits looking to engage in economic development projects in collaboration with businesses or academic entities.
ACOA also recognizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in economic development. Thus, it provides specialized funding and support for Indigenous-led businesses and projects, women's entrepreneurship, and youth entrepreneurship. These targeted initiatives are pivotal in ensuring that all segments of society contribute to and benefit from regional economic growth.
In conclusion, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency plays a vital role in nurturing economic development in Atlantic Canada. Through its comprehensive suite of grants and funding programs, ACOA provides crucial financial resources that empower both businesses and non-profit organizations to innovate, grow, and succeed. By focusing on strategic sectors and fostering partnerships and inclusivity, ACOA continues to facilitate a more prosperous and diverse economic landscape in the Atlantic Provinces.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

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Funding for economic growth projects in rural Atlantic Canada
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INNOVATION

Other Supportgrant_card_status|open
Help with defence procurement for Atlantic contractors
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- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
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Money for start-up and expansion in Atlantic Canada
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COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCESDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

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Canadian Experiences Fund supports innovative tourism projects expansion
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- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
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COMMERCIALIZATIONCONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

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Financial backing for technology R&D in Atlantic Canada
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- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Other services (except public administration)
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COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

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Funding projects in PEI's potato sector
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- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
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COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

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Funding to help businesses in Atlantic Canada
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COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEHUMAN RESOURCES

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Money to support business growth in Atlantic Canada
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COMMERCIALIZATIONTECHNOLOGYINNOVATION

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Money to future-proof your Indigenous-led business in Atlantic Canada
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Funding to address impacts of Hurricane Fiona
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- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
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- Public administration
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CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

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Funding to recover Atlantic's Indigenous-led aerospace sector
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- Manufacturing
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TECHNOLOGY

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Funding for R&D in Atlantic Canada
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- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
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INNOVATION

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Money to future-proof your Atlantic Canada for-profit business
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- Health care and social assistance
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Expert Advicegrant_card_status|open
Advice and expertise for entrepreneurs in Prince Edward Island
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Financing to accelerate growth in Atlantic Canada
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- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
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COMMERCIALIZATIONHUMAN RESOURCESINNOVATION

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Advice and expertise for entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia
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COMMERCIALIZATIONBUSINESS BUYOUT

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Money to future-proof your Atlantic Canada non-profit
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ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationExpert Advicegrant_card_status|open
Advice and expertise for entrepreneurs in Newfoundland and Labrador
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Other SupportExpert Advicegrant_card_status|closed
Free advice and expertise for entrepreneurs in New Brunswick
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INNOVATION

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Supporting tourism growth in Atlantic Canada through strategic investments
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- Accommodation and food services
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Funding to recover Atlantic aerospace sector
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- Manufacturing
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COMMERCIALIZATIONARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)TECHNOLOGYENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATEINNOVATIONDIGITAL TRANSFORMATION