How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available for companies specifically located in the Atlantic provinces as determined by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The eligible areas are focused to benefit regional economic development in Atlantic Canada.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$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

grant_single_labels|admissibility

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|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

grant_single_labels|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

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 6: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive confirmation of receipt from ACOA for your submission.
- Keep the confirmation details for future reference or follow-up.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

Grow Your Business with ACOA's BIS Opportunities

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency offers an invaluable grant through its Business Information Services to help aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in Atlantic Canada. This initiative provides support across various business essentials like planning, financing, and regulatory compliance to spur economic growth in the region.

In-Depth Information on ACOA's BIS and Its Advantages

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of businesses within the Atlantic Canadian region. Through its Business Information Services (BIS), ACOA offers free assistance to businesses looking to start, manage, or expand their operations effectively. This service is a vital resource for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, providing guidance on business planning, funding options, and regulatory compliance. The BIS serves as an accessible, multilingual information hub, designed to simplify the complexities of business operations in the region.

The goal of ACOA's BIS is to support businesses through a wide array of informative resources. Entrepreneurs can access tailored advice on business planning no matter the stage of their venture. This includes accessing templates and guides that streamline the creation of essential business documentation, ensuring firms are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern marketplace. Moreover, the service offers critical insights into various funding options, helping businesses understand the landscape of grants, loans, and subsidies available to fuel their growth.

ACOA understands the diverse regulatory environment that businesses must navigate and provides clarity on complex issues such as taxes, permits, licenses, and more. By simplifying these processes, BIS helps ensure that businesses operate within legal parameters, avoiding the potential pitfalls of non-compliance that can hinder business success.

In addition to logistical support, ACOA’s BIS delivers crucial market research data. Business owners can leverage insights into demographics, industry trends, and competitive landscapes to make informed decisions. This extends to details on import and export, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions that can open new markets and expand business reach.

For businesses in their nascent stages, ACOA's BIS provides comprehensive start-up guides, offering step-by-step instructions tailored to specific needs, from forming a business entity to scaling operations. These resources are bolstered by over 10,000 business templates available for free, covering everything from marketing to financial planning, effectively serving as a one-stop-shop for business development.

An added advantage is the professional review of business plans offered by the BIS, enhancing the quality and competitiveness of proposals for funding. This service is instrumental for enterprises seeking to attract investors or secure loans by presenting polished, robust business plans that highlight their potential for growth and innovation.

Additionally, ACOA's BIS connects entrepreneurs with a network of programs and services extended by the Government of Canada, thus offering a broader support base for business sustainability and growth. By optimizing resource allocation and planning effectively, businesses can harness these opportunities to drive lasting success and viability in competitive markets.

In conclusion, ACOA's Business Information Services aims to be more than just an information provider. The service represents a strategic partner in the business journey of Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs, offering a complete package of tools, advice, and resources necessary for sustained business growth and regional economic development.