ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream

Q: How much funding can be received?

ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?

ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream?

ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Government of Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream program?

To be eligible for the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream program, you must: • Eligible applicants include businesses, co-operatives, and non-profit organizations. • Indigenous applicants and Indigenous-led organizations or businesses are encouraged to apply.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream?

You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.

Q: Where is the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream available?

The ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream program is available the province of NS.

Q: Are women eligible for the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Money to future-proof your Indigenous-led business in Atlantic Canada

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

If your business is working on a project to transition to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, become more competitive and create jobs for Canadians, you could get a contribution for up to 100% of the project’s cost.

Financing terms and conditions

The ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream provides several financing options to support eligible projects. The modalities are designed to encourage recovery and growth through tailored financial support mechanisms.

Interest-free repayable contributions for eligible businesses covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Non-repayable contributions for eligible not-for-profit organizations covering up to 90% of eligible project costs.

Activities funded

The Jobs and Growth Fund aims to empower businesses and organizations in Atlantic Canada by facilitating their transition to a green economy and enhancing competitiveness. The eligible activities focus on sustainability, inclusivity, digital adoption, and supporting critical sectors for post-COVID-19 recovery.

Support the development and adoption of clean technology and drive clean, sustainable economic growth.
Partner with organizations to catalyze the development of green regional clusters.
Foster inclusive recovery by supporting businesses owned or led by under-represented groups.
Enhance participation of under-represented groups in the economy by supporting not-for-profit organizations.
Promote digital adoption and technological solutions to increase business productivity and resilience.
Invest in technologies that enhance capabilities and increase resilience of businesses.
Strengthen capacity in critical sectors such as food production and medical supplies through scale-up and market expansion.
Support supply chain adaptation and diversification to build Canadian capacity in critical sectors.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 400,000

Partnering with a local tech hub to develop green regional clusters

$ 120,000

Implementing a solar energy system for a local community center

$ 95,000

Supporting an inclusive recovery by funding training programs for under-represented groups

$ 300,000

Launching a green technology startup fostering innovation in water purification

$ 250,000

Developing a digital platform to enhance supply chain efficiency for a local manufacturing company

$ 180,000

Scaling up a local organic food supply chain to increase market reach

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Jobs and Growth Fund involves specific criteria regarding applicant types and their intended activities.

The applicant can be a business, including cooperatives, or a non-profit organization and community economic development partner.
Indigenous applicants and Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.
Activities should support the transition to a green economy.
Projects should foster an inclusive recovery and support businesses owned or majority-led by under-represented groups.
Projects should help SMEs preserve competitiveness and future-proof through digital adoption.
Initiatives should strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth.

Who is eligible?

The Jobs and Growth Fund is accessible to a wide range of applicants aiming to foster economic growth and job creation.

Businesses, including co-operatives.
Non-profit organizations and community economic development partners.
Indigenous applicants, with a strong encouragement for Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses.

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

This grant specifically targets businesses and organizations situated in Atlantic Canada, as the fund is delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). This includes a focus on supporting economic growth and transition to a green economy in these areas.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

Selection criteria

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

How to apply

Consult the Applicant Guide

Review the applicant guide to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria.

Prepare the Application

Collect all necessary information and documents required for the application.
Ensure all eligibility criteria are met and clearly document how your project aligns with the fund's objectives.

Complete the Application Form

Fill out the Jobs and Growth Fund application form online.

Submit the Application

Submit the completed application form through the application for financial assistance page.
Alternatively, send the application by mail to the ACOA regional office in your province.

Contact ACOA for Assistance

If needed, contact ACOA Business Information Services for guidance at 1-888-576-4444.
Email support is also available for specific regions such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and outside Atlantic Canada.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.