Open
Business Development Program (BDP)
Funding to help businesses in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
Get financial assistance to provide business services such as entrepreneurship development, marketing, training and technology transfer.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop an online presence
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Business Development Program provides support for business growth initiatives and activities. It aims to aid entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada by offering funding for a variety of business enhancement endeavors.
- Staff training programs to enhance skills and productivity.
- Efficiency studies to optimize business operations.
- Marketing and trade activities to expand market reach.
- Productivity improvements to boost output and efficiency.
- Implementation of quality assurance measures.
- Development of environmental management systems.
- Business counselling and advice for SMEs.
- Training and specialized services offered by non-profits.
- Providing networking opportunities for business collaborations.
- Conducting research and development projects.
- Technology transfer initiatives to encourage innovation.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Business Development Program is available to both entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada. Entrepreneurs looking to launch, modernize, or grow their businesses can apply, as well as non-profit organizations that support the growth and competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian SMEs.Who is not eligible
There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Companies involved in illegal activities or those that do not comply with regional regulations may not qualify.
- Companies engaged in illegal activities
- Businesses not compliant with regional regulations
Eligible expenses
The Business Development Program (BDP) offers support to entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada for a variety of business growth activities. The eligible projects are geared towards expanding business capabilities and enhancing competitiveness in various operational areas.
- Staff training initiatives to improve workforce skills.
- Conducting efficiency studies to identify and implement cost-saving measures.
- Marketing and trade activities to expand market reach.
- Efforts aimed at enhancing productivity in business operations.
- Quality assurance programs to meet industry standards.
- Developing and implementing environmental management systems.
- Business counseling and advisory services for SMEs.
- Provision of training and specialized services to SMEs.
- Facilitation of networking opportunities for business growth.
- Research and development projects to foster innovation.
- Initiatives for technology transfer to improve competitive edge.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically tailored for businesses located in Atlantic Canada, as determined by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The focus on this region aligns with efforts to foster economic development and business growth within these areas.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The funding is interest-free and unsecured, providing significant financial flexibility.
- Repayable funding is available for entrepreneurs to cover up to 50% of capital needs.
- Non-profit organizations can receive support to enhance SME competitiveness and productivity.
- ACOA Business Information Services offer personal, bilingual, and free consultation services for applicants.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Development Program (BDP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Business Development Program (BDP). 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.
What is the Business Development Program (BDP)?
Get financial assistance to provide business services such as entrepreneurship development, marketing, training and technology transfer.
How much funding can be received?
Business Development Program (BDP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Business Development Program (BDP) program?
To be eligible for the Business Development Program (BDP) program, you must:
The business must be based in Atlantic Canada.
The application must be for launching, modernizing, or growing the business.
Non-profit organizations must support business growth for SMEs.
What expenses are eligible under Business Development Program (BDP)?
The Business Development Program provides support for business growth initiatives and activities. It aims to aid entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada by offering funding for a variety of business enhancement endeavors. Staff training programs to enhance skills and productivity.
Efficiency studies to optimize business operations.
Marketing and trade activities to expand market reach.
Productivity improvements to boost output and efficiency.
Implementation of quality assurance measures.
Development of environmental management systems.
Business counselling and advice for SMEs.
Training and specialized services offered by non-profits.
Providing networking opportunities for business collaborations.
Conducting research and development projects.
Technology transfer initiatives to encourage innovation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Development Program (BDP)?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.
Where is the Business Development Program (BDP) available?
The Business Development Program (BDP) program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Business Development Program (BDP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Business Development Program (BDP) is a Grant and Funding