ACOA Jobs and Growth Fund — Non Profit
Canada
Money to future-proof your Atlantic Canada non-profit
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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 non-repayable contribution for up to 90% of the project’s cost.
grant_single_labels|projects
There are several eligible activities for this grant, supporting various aspects of economic growth and resilience.
- Activities that support the transition to a green economy
- Activities that foster an inclusive recovery
- Activities that preserve Canada’s competitiveness through digital adoption
- Activities that strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$72,000
Edmonton
Creating a localized reforestation project to support green economy transitions.
$135,000
Vancouver
Implementing a solar panel installation program in residential areas to promote green energy.
$180,000
Toronto
Developing an inclusive digital platform to enhance job opportunities for under-represented groups.
$225,000
Montreal
Launching a tech incubator to enhance digital adoption and market expansion.
$108,000
Halifax
Developing a digital tool to assist local artisans in enhancing their online presence.
$450,000
Calgary
Establishing a green housing development project targeting sustainable construction practices.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Jobs and Growth Fund, applicants must fall within specific categories and engage in particular activities that promote economic recovery and growth. The criteria include eligible applicants and eligible activities.
- Businesses, including co-operatives
- Non-profit organizations and community economic development partners
- Indigenous applicants
- Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses are strongly encouraged to apply
- Activities that support the transition to a green economy
- Activities that foster an inclusive recovery
- Activities that preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof SMEs through digital adoption
- Activities that strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Yes, there are eligible types of companies for the Jobs and Growth Fund. These include a variety of business entities and organizations aimed at fostering economic growth and creating jobs.
- Businesses, including co-operatives
- Non-profit organizations and community economic development partners
- Indigenous applicants
- Indigenous-led organizations and/or businesses
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant are associated with activities that support the transition to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, preserve competitiveness, and strengthen capacity in critical sectors. These include activities meeting specific criteria under these categories.
- Development and adoption of clean technology
- Planning and driving clean, sustainable economic growth
- Catalyzing the development of green regional clusters
- Supporting businesses to transition to a green economy
- Supporting businesses owned or majority-led by under-represented groups
- Increasing the participation of under-represented groups in the economy
- Development or adoption of digital and technological solutions
- Investing in technologies to scale businesses and enhance capabilities
- Supporting scale-up and market expansion activities
- Developing emerging areas of global competitive advantage
- Supporting supply chain adaptation and diversification opportunities
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for the Jobs and Growth Fund are outlined based on the different regional offices of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). For applicants outside Atlantic Canada, specific regional offices are also indicated.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Outside Atlantic Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the Jobs and Growth Fund focus on supporting activities that help transition to a green economy, foster an inclusive recovery, preserve competitiveness through digital adoption, and strengthen capacity in critical sectors.
- Support the transition to a green economy, including:
- Development and adoption of clean technology
- Planning and driving clean, sustainable economic growth
- Catalyzing the development of green regional clusters
- Supporting businesses to transition to a green economy
- Foster an inclusive recovery, including:
- Supporting businesses owned or majority-led by under-represented groups
- Increasing participation of under-represented groups in the economy
- Supporting not-for-profit organizations that provide funding and business services to under-represented groups
- Preserve Canada's competitiveness and future-proof SMEs through digital adoption, including:
- Development or adoption of digital and technological solutions
- Investing in technologies to scale businesses and enhance resilience
- Strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth, including:
- Supporting scale-up and market expansion activities
- Developing emerging areas of global competitive advantage
- Supporting supply chain adaptation and diversification opportunities
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Consult the applicant guide.
- Content: Review the applicant guide for detailed information on eligibility criteria, eligible activities, and the application process.
- Implications: Ensures you understand all requirements and prepare necessary documentation before applying.
- Step 2: Fill out the Jobs and Growth Fund application form online.
- Content: Complete the application form with all required details about your business or organization and the proposed project.
- Implications: Accurately providing all requested information will prevent delays or issues in the application review process.
- Step 3: Submit your application form.
- Content: Send the completed application form through the application for financial assistance page or by mail to the ACOA regional office in your province.
- Implications: Utilizing the preferred submission method can expedite the processing of your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The Jobs and Growth Fund is now closed and no longer accepting applications. However, you can still access information about past recipients and details of the funding.
- Continuous intake basis until funding is fully allocated.
- For more information, the applicant guide should be consulted before applying.
- Contact ACOA Business Information Services at 1-888-576-4444 for assistance.
- Open Government Portal site allows searching for recipients of Jobs and Growth funding with keywords "Jobs and Growth".
grant_single_labels|contact
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
Overview of the Jobs and Growth Fund
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) offers financial support to businesses and organizations in Atlantic Canada to foster job creation and long-term economic growth, focusing on areas such as green economy transitions, inclusivity, digital adoption, and sectoral strength enhancement. Although the fund is now closed, it provided critical assistance to entities committed to sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Detailed Examination of the Jobs and Growth Fund
For business owners and organizational leaders in Atlantic Canada, understanding the intricacies of available funding opportunities is vital. Among these, the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) stood out as a significant resource. Below is a detailed examination of this now-closed initiative to shed light on how it impacted the regional economy and what it entailed.
Introduction to the Jobs and Growth Fund
Launched as a key initiative under Canada’s regional economic development strategy, the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) provided $700 million nationally over three years, with $70 million specifically allocated for Atlantic Canada. Administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the fund was designed to catalyze job creation and support long-term economic growth through a variety of targeted activities.
Eligible Applicants
The JGF welcomed applications from a diverse range of potential beneficiaries, including businesses (both large and small), non-profit organizations, and community economic development partners. A significant emphasis was placed on inclusivity, encouraging Indigenous applicants and Indigenous-led organizations or businesses to apply. The fund allowed for up to 100% coverage of eligible project costs for Indigenous clients, which underscored the commitment to fostering equitable economic participation.
Eligible Activities
The fund supported activities that aligned with four principal objectives:
- Transition to a Green Economy: This included projects that developed and adopted clean technologies, helped communities plan for sustainable economic growth, fostered green regional cluster development, and supported businesses in their transition towards more environmentally friendly practices.
- Fostering an Inclusive Recovery: Activities under this category aimed to bolster businesses owned or led by under-represented groups. The focus was on increasing economic participation of Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, women, youth, LGBTQ2 individuals, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and members of official language minority communities. Furthermore, support was extended to not-for-profit organizations that provided necessary resources to these demographics.
- Preserving Competitiveness through Digital Adoption: This included the development or adoption of digital and technological solutions to boost business productivity. Efforts to invest in scalable technologies that enhanced business capabilities and resilience were highly encouraged.
- Strengthening Critical Sectors: Funding in this area targeted the enhancement and market expansion of traditional and emerging sectors of competitive advantage. Support also extended to initiatives aimed at adapting and diversifying supply chains within critical areas such as food production, medical supplies, and biomanufacturing.
Forms of Assistance
The JGF provided different forms of financial assistance based on the type of applicant:
- Businesses: Eligible businesses could receive interest-free, repayable contributions covering up to 50% of the eligible costs. This financial model aimed to minimize the financial burden on growing enterprises while fostering accountability and sustainable growth.
- Not-for-Profit Organizations: These organizations could receive non-repayable contributions for up to 90% of eligible costs. This support was crucial for non-profits that played a significant role in community development and economic inclusivity.
Application Process
Applications for the JGF were accepted on a continuous intake basis until the available funding was entirely allocated. Prospective applicants were urged to thoroughly review the applicant guide, which detailed the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and evaluation process.
The submission process involved completing an online application form available on the ACOA’s website. Applicants had the option to submit their completed forms electronically or by mail to the relevant ACOA regional office. This streamlined procedure aimed to facilitate ease and accessibility for all potential applicants.
Implications of JGF on Atlantic Canada’s Economy
The JGF had a notable impact on the Atlantic Canadian economy. By prioritizing green transitions, the fund contributed to the regional shift towards sustainable practices. This not only enhanced environmental stewardship but also positioned local businesses as leaders in the burgeoning green economy.
Additionally, the emphasis on inclusivity under the JGF fostered a more equitable economic landscape. By supporting under-represented groups and encouraging their participation in the economy, the fund contributed to a more diverse and resilient workforce.
The support for digital adoption and technological advancements under the JGF helped businesses modernize operations, improving efficiency and competitiveness. This was particularly significant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for robust digital capabilities.
Moreover, by strengthening critical sectors and supporting supply chain enhancements, the JGF played a crucial role in bolstering regional resilience. This was especially pertinent in essential areas such as food production and medical supplies, ensuring that Atlantic Canada could better withstand external shocks and demand fluctuations.
Conclusion
Though the Jobs and Growth Fund is now closed, its impact reverberates across Atlantic Canada. The fund provided crucial support for businesses and organizations during a transformative period, fostering job creation, economic inclusivity, and sustainable growth. The legacy of the JGF continues to influence regional economic development, setting a precedent for future funding initiatives and highlighting the importance of adaptable, inclusive, and forward-thinking economic policies.
