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ACOA — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative - NS - Canada

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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