
ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative
Last Update: July 25, 2025
NS, Canada
Funding to recover Atlantic aerospace sector
ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Status
Open
Overview of the ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative program
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
- Capital investments are eligible for funding up to $10 million to bridge the gap with ISED’s Strategic Infrastructure Fund (SIF) and support transformational projects and high-profile emerging and expanding SMEs in the pre-SIF phase.
Eligible projects & activities
- Adoption and commercialization of clean technologies to reduce environmental impact and increase productivity.
- Implementation of advanced manufacturing practices and digital solutions, such as artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0.
- Strategic commercialization of innovative aerospace products and integration into supply chains.
- Capital investment projects that support business transformation and prepare for future growth in the aerospace sector.
- Workforce development initiatives, including training and upskilling to address labour and skills shortages.
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
- The applicant must be an incorporated small to medium-sized business (SME), not-for-profit organization providing services to SMEs, municipality, province or territory, or Indigenous organization.
- The project must support the aerospace sector through activities such as greening operations, improving productivity, or strengthening commercialization and integration into supply chains.
- The organization must provide all required supporting documents, including financial statements and a project plan, with the application.
- The project should align with one or more program priorities, including sustainability, economic development, diversity and inclusion, or digital adoption in aerospace.
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the aerospace sector
- Not-for-profit organizations providing essential services to aerospace SMEs
- Municipalities
- Provinces or Territories
- Indigenous Organizations operating within or supporting the aerospace sector
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
- Capital investments (up to $10 million) required to support project implementation.
- Acquisition and adoption of clean technologies, products, or services to lower carbon footprint.
- Costs related to the adoption of advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies (including artificial intelligence).
- Procurement of digital solutions and enhancement of cybersecurity measures.
- Workforce development costs, such as training, upskilling, or hiring directly related to the project.
- Technical assistance fees for technology adoption and improving management practices.
- Supplier quotes, permits, and licenses necessary for project execution.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Ottawa
- Other regions within Canada, as the program is available across Canada
Eligibility criteria of the ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative program
- Contribution to greening operations or products and adoption of environmentally sustainable practices.
- Impact on the resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector, including recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Extent of digital adoption within the aerospace industry and enhancement of cybersecurity.
- Support for inclusivity and diversity by addressing barriers faced by under-represented groups.
- Demonstration of measurable economic benefits, such as business development, job creation, and productivity improvements.
How to apply to the ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative program
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.
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.
3
Fill Out the Application Form
- Access the ARRI application form online from the ACOA website.
- Complete all required fields, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
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.
Additional information
- The application must include supplementary documents such as financial statements, project plans, and relevant licenses where applicable.
- If the project addresses diversity and inclusion, indicate which under-represented groups will benefit and provide details in the project plan.
- Certification and consent are required as part of the application process, attesting to the accuracy of provided information.
- Certain disclosures regarding the project must be made, and all applications are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
ns.bis-sie.ne@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program

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