Business Development Program
Canada
Funding to help businesses in Atlantic Canada
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
- Retail trade
- 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
Get financial assistance to provide business services such as entrepreneurship development, marketing, training and technology transfer.
grant_single_labels|projects
Support for entrepreneurs includes funding for new business ideas, interest-free repayable funding for up to 50% of capital needs, and support for business growth activities including staff training, marketing, and productivity improvements.
- Staff training
- Efficiency studies
- Marketing/trade activities
- Productivity improvements
- Quality assurance
- Environmental management systems
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$25,000
Toronto
Implement an advanced staff training program in new marketing strategies for growth.
$30,000
Vancouver
Conduct an efficiency study for implementing Lean Manufacturing processes in operations.
$37,500
Montreal
Launch a comprehensive marketing campaign to boost brand awareness across Canada.
$40,000
Calgary
Implement an environmental management system to improve our sustainability practices.
$35,000
Ottawa
Improve quality assurance processes to meet international certification standards.
$45,000
Winnipeg
Conduct a productivity improvement study focusing on automation of key manufacturing processes.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant include:
- Applicants must be entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada looking to launch, modernize, or grow their business.
- Non-profit organizations that support business growth are also eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are eligible types of companies for the Business Development Program grant. The program supports entrepreneurs, existing companies, and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada looking to launch, modernize, or grow their businesses.
- Entrepreneurs
- Existing companies
- Non-profit organizations
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include staff training, efficiency studies, marketing/trade activities, productivity improvements, quality assurance, and environmental management systems.
- Staff training
- Efficiency studies
- Marketing/trade activities
- Productivity improvements
- Quality assurance
- Environmental management systems
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
- Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project.
- Complete and submit the Application for financial assistance.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
Business Development Program Grant Summary
Understanding the Business Development Program Grant by ACOA
The Business Development Program (BDP) offered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is designed to assist entrepreneurs in launching, modernizing, and expanding their businesses in Atlantic Canada. Through interest-free and unsecured repayable funding, eligible businesses can receive support for up to 50% of the capital needed for growth or for starting a new venture. Additionally, the program provides 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.
For non-profit organizations that support Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the BDP offers funding for projects that aim to enhance business growth, competitiveness, and productivity. Non-profits can receive support for providing business counseling, training, specialized services, networking opportunities, research and development, and technology transfer to SMEs in the region.
Applying for the BDP involves contacting the nearest ACOA office to discuss the project and then completing and submitting an Application for financial assistance. The process aims to connect businesses and non-profits with the right people and programs to help them achieve their goals. The BDP has already made a significant impact on numerous businesses across Atlantic Canada, enabling entrepreneurs to realize their visions and contribute to the region's economic growth.
For further information on the Business Development Program, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and success stories of businesses that have benefited from the grant, individuals can visit the ACOA website or contact the agency directly. The BDP serves as a vital resource for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs seeking financial support and guidance to propel their businesses to new heights in Atlantic Canada.
Overall, the BDP represents a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs and non-profits in Atlantic Canada to access funding and resources that can drive innovation, growth, and sustainability in the regional business landscape. By leveraging the support offered through the BDP, individuals and organizations can strengthen their market presence, enhance their operations, and contribute to the economic prosperity of the Atlantic region.
