How much funding can be received?

If your SME or non-profit is working on a project to become more environmentally friendly, improve productivity, strengthen commercialization or integrate with regional and global supply chains, you could get a contribution to help with some of the costs.

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This grant is facilitated by Canada's regional development agencies, addressing specific regions to ensure targeted support.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
Outside Atlantic Canada

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$250,000

Develop and commercialize AI-driven cybersecurity solutions

$210,000

Integrate new technologies into the supply chain

$220,000

Scale-up high-potential firms with new start-up integration

$180,000

Adopt clean-tech products to transition towards greener operations

$200,000

Implement advanced manufacturing techniques and Industry 40 technologies

$180,000

Conduct workforce and skills development for advanced manufacturing

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Eligibility for the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative is determined by specific requirements concerning the applicant's industry involvement and activities.

The applicant must be operating in the aerospace industry.
The applicant can be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
Non-profit organizations providing services to SMEs in the aerospace sector are eligible.
Indigenous businesses and organizations can apply through the specified process.

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The grant is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the aerospace industry to help them green their operations, improve productivity, and enhance commercialization and supply chain integration. Eligible applicants include SMEs, non-profit organizations supporting SMEs, and Indigenous applicants, including businesses and organizations.

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Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant.

Businesses outside the aerospace industry.
Large corporations that do not fall under the category of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

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The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative aims to bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian aerospace sector. It emphasizes projects that enhance environmental sustainability, productivity, and supply chain integration.

Transition toward greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices, such as the adoption and commercialization of clean-tech products and services or electrification to support a lower carbon footprint.
Improvement of productivity through advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, the scale-up of high potential firms, utilization of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, or workforce and skills development.
Commercialization and integration into supply chains, including the integration of new start-ups and new technologies into key aspects of the value chain.

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Eligible expenses under the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative are those related to the objectives of greening operations, improving productivity, and fostering commercialization and market integration.

Costs associated with the transition toward greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices, such as adoption of clean-tech products and services.
Expenses for electrification projects to support a lower carbon footprint.
Investment in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies to improve productivity.
Costs related to the scale-up of high potential firms.
Expenses for integrating artificial intelligence and cybersecurity measures.
Costs related to workforce and skills development initiatives.
Integration costs of new technologies or start-ups into supply chains.

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There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) grant. The criteria focus on the alignment of proposed projects with the objectives of the initiative and the potential impact on greener operations, productivity improvement, commercialization, and supply chain integration.

Alignment of the project with the objectives of the initiative
Potential impact on greener operations, productivity improvement, and commercialization
Potential for integration into supply chains

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Guidelines
- Consult the applicant guide for detailed eligibility criteria and guidelines.
- Ensure your project aligns with the objectives and priority areas of the ARRI initiative.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Gather all necessary documents and information needed for the application.
- Ensure you have documented your project plan, budget, and any additional supporting information.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
- Access the ARRI application form online from the ACOA website.
- Complete all required fields, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit your application through the application for financial assistance page on the ACOA website.
- Alternatively, mail your completed application form to the ACOA regional office in your province.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable, whereas contributions to non-profits are non-repayable.
Some costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of the project application, but not before April 19, 2021.
Indigenous applicants can have up to 100 percent of eligible project costs covered.
Support for the aerospace industry is also provided through the Strategic Innovation Fund and other COVID-19 Economic Response initiatives.
Applications were accepted until the initiative closed, with funding distributed on an ongoing basis until fully committed.
The initiative had a total budget of $250 million over three years, concluding by March 31, 2024.

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1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

Nurturing the Aerospace Sector Through Strategic Support

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) is dedicated to strengthening Canada's aerospace sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing competitiveness on a global scale. Although no longer accepting applications, the initiative was a pillar of support for integrating sustainable practices, boosting productivity, and enhancing supply chain involvement among SMEs and Indigenous applicants.

Exploring the Objectives and Benefits of the ARRI

The ARRI served as a pivotal program within Canada's comprehensive support framework for the aerospace sector, uniquely focusing on SMEs and Indigenous businesses to aid their recovery and expansion post-pandemic. With a substantial funding envelope of $250 million spread over three years, the initiative aimed to boost the competitive edge of the aerospace industry by supporting projects that aligned with three core objectives: environmental sustainability, productivity enhancement, and increased commercialization in both regional and global contexts.

Emphasizing the transition to greener operations, the ARRI sought to fund activities that involved the adoption of clean technologies and processes aimed at reducing carbon footprints. This objective not only supported environmental goals but also piloted the integration of innovation within the industry. The clean-tech implementations ranged from simple electrification measures to complex projects fostering comprehensive sustainability frameworks within operations, all conducive to a greener aerospace sector.

Furthermore, the initiative directed efforts toward improving productivity through the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques and Industry 4.0 norms. By supporting the scale-up of high-potential firms, integrating artificial intelligence, boosting cybersecurity measures, and emphasizing workforce development, the ARRI played a crucial role in heightening the operational efficiencies and technological proficiencies of the entities involved in the aerospace industry. This focus on productivity was designed to establish a robust foundation for sustained growth and adaptability in an increasingly competitive market.

On the commercial front, the initiative aimed at enhancing the involvement of Canadian aerospace SMEs in broader supply chains, thereby facilitating their entry and integration into global value networks. This was vital for stimulating growth and diversification, ultimately enhancing the resilience and global competitiveness of the aerospace sector. Projects were encouraged that emphasized the development and integration of novel technologies and the active inclusion of startups, thereby nurturing innovation within the supply chain networks.

ARRI's offerings were meticulously structured to cater to the financial and operational needs of SMEs while adopting a flexible approach to funding. While SMEs typically received repayable or conditionally repayable contributions, non-profits providing essential support to these enterprises benefited from non-repayable contributions. This strategic financial layout was designed to maximize the accessibility and impact of the funded projects, promoting an equitable distribution of resources across various organizational types within the industry.

Beyond financial assistance, the ARRI provided significant avenues for knowledge sharing and capacity building. By aligning with Canada’s broader economic recovery and innovation strategies, the initiative bore the potential to catalyze transformative changes within the aerospace sector. It contributed not only to the redevelopment of infrastructure and capabilities but also to fostering a culture of resilience and innovation, empowering the sector to navigate future challenges more adeptly.

The ARRI reinforced its impact by prioritizing projects that were inclusive and diverse, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and approaches in driving innovation. This inclusive stance aimed to dismantle barriers faced by various groups within the sector, ensuring a more equitable and comprehensive approach to industry growth and development. Also, by supporting digital adoption and extending enhanced cybersecurity measures, the initiative aligned itself with the increasing digitalization of industries, preparing businesses for the demands of a digital-first market environment.

In summary, the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative was more than a financial assistance program; it was a strategic enabler for change and resilience within the aerospace industry. Its comprehensive approach, funding flexibility, and alignment with long-term strategic goals provided a strong platform for nurturing sustainable growth and fortifying Canada’s position in the global aerospace arena, ensuring that the industry not only recovered from its pandemic-induced setbacks but emerged stronger and more competitive on the global stage. Even though the initiative concluded with its application phase closed, the legacy of ARRI’s impacts and benefits will likely influence the future trajectory of Canada's aerospace sector.