ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream program?

To be eligible for the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream program, you must: • Businesses operating in the aerospace industry, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). • Non-profit organizations providing services to SMEs in the aerospace sector. • Indigenous businesses and organizations within the aerospace industry.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream?

You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.

Q: Where is the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream available?

The ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Funding to recover Atlantic's Indigenous-led aerospace sector

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing

Funds Providers

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Program status

Open

Overview

If your business 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 ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative offers specific financing modalities to support the recovery and innovation in the aerospace sector.

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 eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months prior to the application date, but no earlier than April 19, 2021.
Potential for up to 100% funding of eligible project costs for projects with Indigenous clients through the regional development agencies.

Activities funded

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

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 400,000

Developing a cybersecurity framework to protect aerospace data and operations

$ 500,000

Scaling up the production of eco-friendly aerospace materials

$ 460,000

Integrating advanced manufacturing to enhance production capabilities at an aerospace startup

$ 750,000

Implementing clean-tech solutions to reduce carbon emissions at an aerospace manufacturing plant

$ 560,000

Adopting AI-powered systems to enhance productivity in aerospace component manufacturing

$ 480,000

Enhancing supply chain integration with new technologies for aerospace parts distributors

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must operate in the aerospace industry.
Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations providing services to SMEs, and Indigenous applicants.
Indigenous businesses and organizations are eligible and may receive up to 100 percent of eligible project costs.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative include businesses operating in the aerospace industry, as well as organizations that support them. This specifically encompasses small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations providing services to SMEs, and Indigenous applicants. Indigenous businesses and organizations have the opportunity to receive up to 100 percent of eligible project costs covered by RDAs under this initiative.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) grant. Eligible applicants include businesses operating in the aerospace industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations providing services to SMEs, and Indigenous applicants. However, large corporations outside of the SME category may not be eligible for this grant.

Large corporations outside of the SME category

Eligible expenses

This initiative offers support to projects that aim to advance sustainability and competitiveness in the aerospace sector. Eligible projects focus on green operations, productivity enhancement, and supply chain integration.

Transition towards greener products and operations or adoption of environmentally sustainable practices such as the commercialization of clean-tech products.
Improvement of productivity through advanced manufacturing techniques, adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and workforce development.
Commercialization efforts and integration into regional and global supply chains, including the incorporation of new start-ups and new technologies into the value chain.

Eligible geographic areas

This initiative is aimed at businesses and organizations that operate within Atlantic Canada, serviced by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Eligible geographical areas are limited to the regions supported by this agency.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) grant:

Projects contributing to greener operations, improved productivity, and integration into supply chains are prioritized.
Preference is given to projects that support environmentally sustainable practices, generate economic benefits in regions, enhance diversity and inclusion, and promote digital adoption and cybersecurity in the aerospace sector.

How to apply

Review the Applicant Guide

Visit the official website to access the applicant guide for detailed information about the application process and requirements.
Ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria specified in the guide.

Prepare Application Documentation

Draft a comprehensive project proposal focusing on the initiative's objectives, such as greening operations or improving productivity.
Gather necessary documents including financial statements, business registration, and detailed project plans.

Fill Out the ARRI Application Form Online

Access the ARRI application form through the specified online portal.
Complete all sections of the form accurately, providing all required information.

Submit Application

Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents through the online application portal.
If necessary, applications can also be sent by mail to the ACOA regional office relevant to your location.

Confirmation and Follow-Up

Receive confirmation of successful submission from the agency through email or mail.
Keep in touch with ACOA Business Information Services for updates on your application status.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The initiative includes support for the aerospace industry as part of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Indigenous applicants can receive up to 100 percent funding for eligible project costs.
Contributions are generally repayable or conditionally repayable for SMEs, while non-profit organizations receive non-repayable contributions.
Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before project application receipt, but not before April 19, 2021.
Priority is given to projects improving diversity and inclusion within the aerospace sector.

Contacts

1-888-576-4444

NS, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under ACOA Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative — Indigenous Stream?

This initiative supports activities focused on greening operations, enhancing productivity, and improving commercialization within the aerospace industry. Projects that contribute to these objectives are prioritized for funding consideration. Transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices, such as adoption and commercialization of clean-tech products and services or electrification to support a lower carbon footprint. Improvement of productivity, including initiatives like advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0, scaling up high potential firms, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, or advancing workforce and skills development. Commercialization and integration into supply chains, such as the inclusion of new start-ups and new technologies in key value chain aspects.