
ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia
Last Update: January 24, 2025
NS, Canada
Advice and expertise for entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Bilingual staff to help you navigate government programs and services, regulations and permits, taxation, importing and exporting and financing options and can also put together tailored market research packages.
Activities funded
The services offered by ACOA's Business Information Services support various activities essential for business development. These include business planning, access to financing options, regulatory guidance, and market research, among others.
- Business planning and personalized guidance throughout various stages of business development.
- Facilitating access to financing options including loans, grants, and wage subsidies.
- Guidance on government regulations, taxes, permits, and licenses compliance.
- Information and support for managing imports and exports across the Canadian border.
- Access to reliable market research, including demographics, competitor analysis, and industry performance.
- Provision of business start-up guides and over 10,000 business templates.
- Professional business plan review support.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 5,000
Guiding a social enterprise on government regulations and employee training
$ 9,000
Providing startup costs and market research for a café
$ 6,000
Developing a business plan and acquiring market research for a new tech startup
$ 7,500
Conducting R&D and marketing for a healthcare startup
$ 7,000
Accessing funding options and equipment purchase for an agribusiness
$ 6,000
Supporting import-export guidance and marketing for a small winery
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
This context provides information about the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and its Business Information Services, designed to support businesses in Atlantic Canada. The program offers guidance for business planning, financing options, understanding government regulations, and market research. However, specific evaluation and selection criteria for projects under any grant associated with this service are not provided explicitly. Businesses in Atlantic Canada seeking to start or grow with support in these areas can reach out to ACOA through various contact methods. The service is open to a broad range of businesses without clear restrictions indicated.
Who is not eligible
There are certain types of companies that may not be eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria may vary based on the specific grant program, but typically ineligible companies may include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Individual sole proprietors
- Companies involved in illegal activities
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant may include:
- Start-up costs
- Research and development expenses
- Marketing and advertising costs
- Equipment purchases
- Employee wages and training
Eligible geographic areas
ACOA Business Information Services mainly supports businesses within Atlantic Canada. This includes engaging with companies across several specific provinces.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The following criteria are used:
- Business viability and potential for growth
- Economic impact on the community
- Innovation and competitiveness
- Management team expertise
- Alignment with program objectives and ACOA priorities
How to apply
1
Contact ACOA Business Information Services
- Reach out to ACOA via phone at 1-888-576-4444 or email for initial guidance.
- Explain your business idea and objectives.
- Seek advice on eligibility and suitable programs.
2
Research Available Programs
- Use the Business Benefits Finder tool on the ACOA website to identify applicable programs.
- Download the Canada Business app to explore programs on mobile devices.
- Gather information on programs that align with your business needs.
3
Business Planning
- Utilize ACOA’s resources for business planning including start-up guides and templates.
- Prepare a detailed business plan with professional review, if necessary.
4
Prepare Application Materials
- Gather all required documentation such as business plans, financial statements, and market research.
- Ensure compliance with any specific guidelines provided by the chosen program.
5
Submit Application
- Follow the submission instructions provided by the selected program through ACOA.
- Upload documents and complete any online forms as instructed.
- Submit the complete application package electronically or by mail, if required.
6
Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of receipt from ACOA for your submission.
- Keep the confirmation details for future reference or follow-up.
Additional information
ACOA's Business Information Services offer extensive support resources for businesses in Atlantic Canada.
- Provides personalized business planning guidance regardless of the company's development stage.
- Shares insights on various funding options such as grants, loans, and wage subsidies.
- Offers detailed information on Canadian government regulations including taxes, permits, and licenses.
- Supplies market research data, including demographics, industry performance, and consumer trends.
- Facilitates access to over 10,000 business templates and start-up guides.
- Conducts professional business plan reviews to ensure robust strategic planning.
Contacts
1-888-576-4444
Frequently Asked Questions about the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia. 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 Business Information Services — Nova Scotia?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia?
Who is eligible for the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia program?
Who can I contact for more information about the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia?
Where is the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia available?
Are startups eligible for the ACOA Business Information Services — Nova Scotia program?

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