ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream

• Incorporation or constituting documents
• Most recent financial statements
• Project plan or detailed project description
• Supplier quotes or estimates
• Relevant permits and licences

Who is eligible?

• Incorporated businesses, including SMEs and co-operatives
• Non-profit organizations
• Municipalities and post-secondary institutions
• Provincial and territorial entities
• Indigenous organizations

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Not eligible companies include:

• Companies that do not align with the eligible activities outlined in the grant guidelines
• Companies that do not meet the criteria for funding set by the Jobs and Growth Fund

Eligible expenses

This grant supports activities that transition to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, preserve competitiveness, and strengthen capacity in critical sectors. Eligible projects are designed to help businesses and organizations drive sustainable economic growth and enhance resilience.

• Support the development and adoption of clean technology.
• Help communities and businesses plan and drive clean, sustainable economic growth.
• Partner with organizations to catalyze the development of green regional clusters.
• Work with organizations supporting businesses to transition to a green economy.
• Support businesses owned or majority-led by under-represented groups.
• Increase participation of under-represented groups by supporting not-for-profit organizations with services and training.
• Support the development or adoption of digital and technological solutions to increase productivity.
• Invest in technologies that help scale businesses and enhance their capabilities.
• Support scale-up and market expansion activities in traditional and emerging sectors.
• Develop opportunities to adapt and diversify supply chains in critical sectors.

Eligible geographic areas

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

The Jobs and Growth Fund has evaluation criteria to determine the eligibility of applicants and the selection of projects. To be considered for funding, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

• Evaluation and selection criteria for the Jobs and Growth Fund include:
  • Alignment with the fund's objective of creating jobs and fostering economic growth
  • Demonstrated need for funding and ability to leverage investments effectively
  • Feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project
  • Capacity of the applicant to successfully carry out the project
  • Evidence of community benefits and potential for long-term impact

• Step 1: Review the applicant guide and confirm program fit
  • Check the program objectives and requirements.
• Step 2: Prepare the application package
  • Complete the application form and gather the required supporting documents.
• Step 3: Submit the application online or by mail
  • Use the online financial assistance application page to submit electronically.
  • Alternatively, mail the signed application and supporting documents to the ACOA regional office in your province.

• Applications are reviewed after submission based on the information and documents provided.
• ACOA may request additional information or clarification during assessment.
• Applicants receive an acknowledgement confirming receipt of the application.
• A funding decision is made once the assessment is complete.

Additional relevant details for this grant include:

• Indigenous-led projects may receive up to 100% of eligible project costs covered.
• The fund had a total national budget of $700 million including $70 million specifically for businesses established after January 2020.
• Though applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, the intake halted once the total funding was allocated.