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Source verified July 11, 2026
Business Development Program (BDP)
Financial support for business growth in Atlantic Canada
Latest source updateLast Update: May 13, 2026Latest change: BDP application instructions now point to an online MyACOA application flow with updated preparation and submission guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 13, 2026
Latest change: BDP application instructions now point to an online MyACOA application flow with updated preparation and submission guidance.
BDP application process updated
The BDP application page now directs applicants to an online MyACOA workflow with login, registration, module completion, and file upload steps. It also adds more explicit pre-application guidance about preparing supporting documents and reviewing program fit before submitting.
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Business Development Program supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada to launch, modernize, and grow businesses, with up to 50% of capital needed for expansion or a new business. It also supports staff training, marketing or trade activities, and productivity improvements, as well as non-profit services that help SMEs.
/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
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching a new business.
- Modernizing, expanding, or growing an existing business.
- Non-profit projects that help Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through business counselling and advice, training and specialized services, networking opportunities, research and development, or technology transfer.
Documents Needed
- A completed application form (PDF file), if using the fillable PDF submission route.
- Incorporation or constituting documents
- Financial statements
- A detailed project description or plan
- Quotes, permits, licences, and other supporting documents
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Entrepreneurs
- Existing companies
- Non-profit organizations that support Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Eligible expenses
- Capital needed to grow a business or launch a new one.
- Costs for staff training, efficiency studies, marketing/trade activities, productivity improvements, quality assurance, and environmental management systems.
How to apply
- Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project.
- Go to MyACOA and click Log in to MyACOA Account.
- If you are a new portal user, read and accept the terms and conditions, then register your account.
- Create a new application and complete the Organizational Profile and Project Information modules.
- Upload all required supporting documents, as prompted in the portal.
- Submit your application online by following the instructions in MyACOA.
Processing and Agreement
- Once ACOA receives your application, you will receive an acknowledgement confirming receipt, including your project number and the name of the program officer assigned to your project.
- Your application will be assessed based on the information and documentation provided.
- ACOA may contact you for additional information or clarification.
- Once all the information required to complete the assessment has been received, ACOA will make a funding decision in accordance with its service standards.
Additional information
- ACOA Business Information Services offers free, bilingual support.
- Applicants can consult the Open Government Portal to see funded organizations.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Development Program (BDP) Program
What is the Business Development Program (BDP)?
The Business Development Program supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada to launch, modernize, and grow businesses, with up to 50% of capital needed for expansion or a new business. It also supports staff training, marketing or trade activities, and productivity improvements, as well as non-profit services that help SMEs.
How much funding can be received?
Business Development Program (BDP) Funds up to 75% 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 applicant must be an entrepreneur, an existing company, or a non-profit organization.
Business applicants must be starting, modernizing, expanding, or growing a business in Atlantic Canada.
Non-profit applicants must support Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
What expenses are eligible under Business Development Program (BDP)?
Launching a new business.
Modernizing, expanding, or growing an existing business.
Non-profit projects that help Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through business counselling and advice, training and specialized services, networking opportunities, research and development, or technology transfer.
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Development Program (BDP)?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) by email at bis-sie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca 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