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

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

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

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.