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.

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This grant is specifically tailored for companies located in Atlantic Canada, ensuring that funds are directed towards regional development within this area. Eligible companies must be based in one of the four specified provinces.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

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$100,000

Creating a new mobile app for a financial cooperative offering digital services

$50,000

Conducting in-depth market research for a start-up specializing in educational technology

$35,000

Developing a business plan for expanding a local non-profit's community outreach programs

$60,000

Setting up compliance systems for environmental regulations for a green tech company

$75,000

Launching an export program for a local food processor targeting the US market

$40,000

Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a local artisan cooperative

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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Business Information Services offers assistance to entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to start or grow their ventures in Atlantic Canada, with guidance available in areas such as planning, financing, and market research.

Entrepreneurs looking to start a new business venture.
Existing businesses aiming to grow within Atlantic Canada.
Organizations needing assistance with business planning or financial options.
Companies seeking guidance on government regulations and compliance.
Businesses involved in importing or exporting goods and services.

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There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.

Companies involved in illegal activities
Non-profit organizations
Individuals not operating a business

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This grant offers comprehensive support for businesses at various stages, from start-up to growth. It provides access to vital business planning resources, financial guidance, regulatory information, and market research tools to help businesses thrive.

Providing guidance on business planning tailored to each specific business stage.
Offering information on various funding opportunities, including loans, grants, and wage subsidies.
Assisting with navigation of government regulations, including taxes, permits, and licenses.
Supplying reliable market research information, including demographics, industry performance, and consumer trends.
Access to a wide variety of business templates and start-up guides for business development.
Professional review and feedback for business plans.
Facilitating imports and exports knowledge to move goods across borders effectively.

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There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

Business viability and growth potential
Alignment with program objectives
Feasibility of the project
Economic impact
Financial need

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Here are the steps to submit an application for ACOA's Business Information Services:

Step 1: Initial Inquiry
- Contact ACOA's Business Information Services via phone at 1-888-576-4444 or email to discuss your business needs.
- Utilize the Business Benefits Finder on the web or the Canada Business app to identify suitable programs.
Step 2: Program Identification
- Work with the ACOA team to determine the most relevant programs and supports based on your business objectives.
- Assess eligibility criteria and gather preliminary information on potential programs.
Step 3: Application Preparation
- Gather all necessary documentation, including business plans, financial statements, and any required forms specified by the ACOA program of interest.
- Engage with ACOA advisors for a professional business plan review if needed.
- Utilize available business templates and startup guides to ensure a comprehensive application.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Complete the application forms, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
- Submit the application through the designated submission portal or method as instructed by the ACOA advisors.
Step 5: Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of your application submission and keep a record of any reference numbers or communications from ACOA.
- Prepare for any follow-up questions or requests for additional information from the ACOA team.

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Understanding the services provided by ACOA's Business Information Services can enhance the grant application process:

ACOA provides free business support in both English and French, which can assist applicants in navigating grant requirements.
The agency offers resources like business planning guides and financial benchmarking specific to industries.
Applicants can access over 10,000 free business templates to help organize and prepare their applications.
ACOA offers personalized support, reviewing professional business plans to increase the success rate of grant applications.
The Canada Business app and Business Benefits Finder can help applicants identify additional programs and services beyond the grant in question.

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1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

Unlocking Business Opportunities with ACOA

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) provides vital support to businesses seeking growth and development opportunities in Atlantic Canada through its Business Information Services. This initiative offers entrepreneurs guidance on funding, planning, legal requirements, and market research to help turn their business ideas into reality.

In-depth Look at ACOA's Business Information Services

ACOA's Business Information Services is a crucial resource for entrepreneurs and established businesses within Atlantic Canada aiming to navigate the complex landscape of business operations and growth. This service acts as a comprehensive guide, offering targeted support for various aspects crucial to business success, such as financing, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning.

Business planning is a critical pillar of this service, providing personalized support regardless of where a business is in its lifecycle. From fledgling startups seeking an initial launch plan to established companies contemplating expansion, ACOA's team delivers tailored insights to align business goals with achievable strategies. This includes identifying potential funding opportunities, whether through grants, loans, or subsidies, to ensure businesses have the financial backbone necessary for growth.

Understanding and adhering to government regulations is another facet where ACOA excels. Businesses can receive up-to-date information on taxes, permits, and licenses, ensuring they operate within legal frameworks and are positioned for successful audits or evaluations. Such compliance is essential not just for legal operation but also for maintaining a reputable brand image.

For businesses involved in cross-border activities, the service also offers crucial support related to importing and exporting. It provides businesses with the necessary information to navigate international trade, including compliance with customs regulations and understanding tariff impacts, thus ensuring smooth and efficient international operations.

A key component of the support offered is market research, which empowers businesses with data-driven insights invaluable to strategic decision-making. Access to detailed demographics, competitor analyses, and industry performance data enables businesses to craft strategies that are responsive to market demands and trends. This information is complemented by financial benchmarking tools that measure a business's performance against industry standards, helping them to identify areas for improvement and innovation.

Beyond regulatory and financial guidance, ACOA offers diverse resources and tools, including a vast repository of over 10,000 business templates. These templates are designed to assist business owners in various tasks, from crafting detailed operational plans to developing robust marketing strategies. Additionally, entrepreneurs can benefit from business start-up guides that provide a comprehensive roadmap—from ideation to execution—tailored to specific industries.

Through its collaborative approach, ACOA also facilitates access to networks and partnerships that can prove instrumental in business expansion and innovation. The agency connects businesses with technical experts, industry leaders, and potential partners, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and resources. This network can be pivotal for businesses looking to scale operations, enter new markets, or develop innovative products.

Moreover, the agency offers ongoing support to ensure that businesses not only receive initial assistance but also have access to continuous resources as they grow. Engaging with ACOA therefore becomes a strategic move for any business determined to thrive in the competitive Atlantic Canadian market.

Businesses interested in ACOA's services can explore these resources through various platforms, including its Business Benefits Finder and Canada Business app, facilitating accessible and tailored support. By providing these digital tools, ACOA ensures that information is not only comprehensive but also convenient, empowering business leaders to make informed decisions efficiently.

With a dedicated team ready to guide them through every step, ACOA’s Business Information Services stands as an indispensable asset to businesses at all stages, driving success through informed decision-making and strategic support in the flourishing economy of Atlantic Canada.