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.

Financing terms and conditions

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative includes financial contributions with specific conditions for different types of recipients to foster growth and sustainability within the aerospace sector. These modalities ensure that support is tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises as well as non-profit organizations.

Contributions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.
Contributions to non-profit organizations are generally non-repayable.
Certain project costs may be retroactively covered if they occurred up to 12 months before the project application was received, but not before April 19, 2021.

Eligible projects & activities

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative supports activities that enhance the capacity of Canadian aerospace SMEs through greening efforts, productivity improvements, and commercialization advancements. These initiatives are aimed at integrating new technologies and practices to strengthen the industry's competitive edge.

Transition to greener products and operations through adoption and commercialization of clean-tech products and electrification for a lower carbon footprint.
Enhancement of productivity via advanced manufacturing techniques, Industry 4.0 technologies, AI and cybersecurity measures, and workforce skill development.
Commercialization initiatives and supply chain integration, including the integration of new start-ups and technologies across value chains.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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).

Eligible expenses

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.

Eligible geographic areas

The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative was primarily focused on supporting businesses within the Atlantic Region of Canada. It was specifically administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to fulfill its objectives.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

Eligibility criteria of the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative program

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

How to apply to the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative program

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.

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.

Fill Out the Application Form

Access the ARRI application form online from the ACOA website.
Complete all required fields, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

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.

Additional information

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.

Contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

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