ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream
Canada
Money to future-proof your Indigenous-led business in Atlantic Canada
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- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
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Grant and Funding
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- grant_single|allIndustries
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- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- Government of Canada
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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.
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The Jobs and Growth Fund is specific to the Atlantic Canada region, focusing on supporting companies within this geographical framework. These areas are part of regional efforts to foster economic development and inclusivity.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Partnering with a local tech hub to develop green regional clusters
$300,000
Launching a green technology startup fostering innovation in water purification
$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
$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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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- Step 1: Consult the Applicant Guide
- Review the applicant guide to understand the requirements and eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the Jobs and Growth Fund application form online.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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.
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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.
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1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
The Jobs and Growth Fund: Catalyzing Economic Recovery
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) offers financial assistance to businesses and organizations, aimed at fostering job creation and supporting economies nationwide towards sustainable growth. This initiative highlights the strategic importance of transitioning to a green economy and embracing digital technologies for future resilience.
Understanding the Scope and Benefits of the Jobs and Growth Fund
The Jobs and Growth Fund stands as a pivotal government initiative tailored to refuel the Canadian economy by focusing on job creation and sustainable growth within regional economies. Managed by Canada's regional development agencies, the fund allocates a substantial $700 million over three years to encourage economic resilience and competitiveness across the nation. In particular, the fund aims to create an inclusive economic revival, urging participation from underrepresented groups and supporting businesses established after January 2020 with up to $70 million specifically earmarked for them.
Administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the JGF in Atlantic Canada dedicates $70 million to fortify the region's economic infrastructure. This investment prioritizes the transition to a green economy by endorsing projects that involve the adoption of clean technologies, the establishment of green regional clusters, and socio-economic planning geared towards sustainable growth. Such initiatives are integral to both environmental stewardship and economic fortification, ensuring that Atlantic Canada can leverage its natural resources responsibly and effectively.
The fund also underscores an inclusive economic recovery, aiming to diversify engagement in the workforce by facilitating increased participation of Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, and other underrepresented groups. By providing nonprofits with non-repayable contributions, up to 90% of eligible costs, the JGF empowers these organizations to offer critical financial and business services, underpinning workforce development and economic justice.
Moreover, the fund addresses the need for digital transformation by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting Industry 4.0 solutions. This digital adoption aims to bolster productivity and scale businesses, positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation. Such advancements help ensure Canadian SMEs remain competitive on a global scale, thus fostering a high-tech industry capable of navigating the evolving market dynamics.
The strategic deployment of the JGF also focuses on enhancing Canada’s market resilience in sectors essential to national recovery and growth. By aiding activities that support market expansion, technology scaling, and supply chain diversification, the fund strives to build robust capacities in critical sectors like medical supplies, biomanufacturing, and food production. These strategic enhancements are pivotal in securing Canada's competitive edge globally while also ensuring economic self-sufficiency.
Eligible entities such as businesses and non-profit organizations can benefit from substantial financial backing through this fund, whether through interest-free repayable contributions or significant non-repayable ones. The flexibility and comprehensive reach of the JGF make it an indispensable tool for fostering a resilient and dynamic economy. The inherent emphasis on inclusivity and green energy transitions echoes the broader global economic trends towards sustainability and equitable growth.
By continuously accepting applications until funds are fully allocated, the JGF ensures ongoing opportunities for entities ready to embark on transformative projects. Through careful alignment with strategic national priorities, each funded project is positioned to deliver meaningful economic impact, reinforcing the collective push towards a sustainable and inclusive economy. As such, the Jobs and Growth Fund stands out as a critical mechanism in the post-pandemic economic landscape, supporting in-depth transformation and long-term prosperity.