Business Development Program (BDP)

Q: How much funding can be received?

Business Development Program (BDP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Business Development Program (BDP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Business Development Program (BDP) is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Business Development Program (BDP)?

Business Development Program (BDP) is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Government of Canada

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Business Development Program (BDP) available?

The Business Development Program (BDP) program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Business Development Program (BDP) program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Business Development Program (BDP) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Funding to help businesses in Atlantic Canada

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Retail trade
Other services (except public administration)

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get financial assistance to provide business services such as entrepreneurship development, marketing, training and technology transfer.

Financing terms and conditions

The Business Development Program provides entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada with interest-free, unsecured funding options to support business growth and development. The financing modalities are designed to ensure broad support for diverse business initiatives.

Repayable funding for entrepreneurs, covering up to 50% of the capital needed for business expansion or launching new ventures.
Interest-free contributions for business growth activities, covering up to 75% of costs related to staff training, efficiency studies, marketing/trade activities, productivity improvements, quality assurance, and environmental management systems.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 45,000

Conduct a productivity improvement study focusing on automation of key manufacturing processes

$ 35,000

Improve quality assurance processes to meet international certification standards

$ 37,500

Launch a comprehensive marketing campaign to boost brand awareness across Canada

$ 25,000

Implement an advanced staff training program in new marketing strategies for growth

$ 30,000

Conduct an efficiency study for implementing Lean Manufacturing processes in operations

$ 40,000

Implement an environmental management system to improve our sustainability practices

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant program is aimed at both entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations seeking to foster business growth in Atlantic Canada.

The applicant must be an entrepreneur looking to launch, modernize, or grow a business.
The applicant could also be a non-profit organization that supports SME growth and competitiveness.
Applicants must be located within Atlantic Canada.

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

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

Demonstrated need for funding
Viability and sustainability of the business
Potential economic impact
Alignment with ACOA's objectives

How to apply

Project Discussion

Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project and determine eligibility.
Clarify any questions about the BDP funding program and application process.

Application Preparation

Complete the Application for financial assistance provided by ACOA.
Gather necessary project information and documents.

Submission

Submit the completed application to the nearest ACOA office.

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

1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

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)?

How much funding can be received?

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.