ACOA Business Information Services — Prince Edward Island

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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

Eligible expenses

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant supports businesses located within specific regions in Atlantic Canada as determined by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). These areas are strategically chosen to enhance regional economic growth and development.

• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador

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

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.