ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — For Profit

Who is eligible?

• Businesses, including co-operatives.
• Non-profit organizations.
• Community economic development partners.
• Indigenous-led organizations and businesses.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for the Jobs and Growth Fund grant in Canada:

• Businesses created before January 2020.

Eligible expenses

This grant aims to support activities that transition to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, preserve competitiveness through digital adoption, and strengthen critical sectors. These initiatives encompass technological, economic, and social aspects to aid businesses and communities in building resilience and capacity for future growth.

• Support the development and adoption of clean technology for a green economy.
• Assist communities and businesses in planning and driving sustainable economic growth.
• Partner with organizations to catalyze the development of green regional clusters.
• Collaborate with organizations supporting the transition to a green economy.
• Support businesses owned or led by under-represented groups to foster an inclusive recovery.
• Increase participation of under-represented groups by backing organizations that offer funding, services, and training.
• Support the development or adoption of digital and technological solutions to enhance productivity.
• Invest in technologies that scale businesses and enhance their capabilities.
• Support scale-up and market expansion in traditional and emerging competitive sectors.
• Aid supply chain adaptation and diversification in critical sectors such as food production and biomanufacturing.

Eligible geographic areas

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

The Jobs and Growth Fund has evaluation and selection criteria. Eligible projects are assessed based on their alignment with the fund's objectives and their potential impact on job creation and economic growth.

• Alignment with fund objectives
• Potential impact on job creation
• Potential impact on economic growth
• Feasibility and sustainability of the project
• Ability to leverage other sources of funding
• Benefits to under-represented groups or communities

• Step 1: Review the applicant guide
  • Consult the guide before applying.
• Step 2: Prepare the application
  • Complete the online form.
  • Gather the required supporting documents.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Submit through the application for financial assistance page.
  • Or mail it to the ACOA regional office in your province.

• Applications were reviewed on a continuous intake basis.
• ACOA could request additional information or clarification during assessment.
• Applicants received an acknowledgement confirming receipt.
• A funding decision was made after the assessment was complete.

• The fund is now closed and no longer accepts applications.
• It was delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies.
• Support included a dedicated allocation for businesses created after January 2020.
• Indigenous-led organizations and businesses were strongly encouraged to apply.