Open
Business Development Program — Commercial Component
Support for business growth in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
Get interest-free repayable funding for business expansion or start-up in Atlantic Canada. The program also supports growth activities and non-profit projects that help SMEs through training, counselling, networking, research, and technology transfer.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- 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
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Not Elsewhere Classified
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching a new business
- Expanding an existing business
- Modernizing business operations
- Helping SMEs through counselling, training, networking, research, and technology transfer
Documents Needed
- Application for financial assistance
- Incorporation or constituting documents
- Financial statements
- Project description or plan
- Supporting quotes, permits, or licences
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Entrepreneurs
- Existing companies
- Non-profit organizations
- Atlantic Canadian SMEs
Who is not eligible
There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Companies engaged in specific industries or activities such as tobacco, gambling, or adult entertainment may not qualify for funding through the Business Development Program.
- Tobacco manufacturing
- Gambling or betting services
- Adult entertainment or related industries
Eligible expenses
- Staff training
- Efficiency studies
- Marketing and trade activities
- Productivity improvements
- Quality assurance
- Environmental management systems
- Business counselling and advice
- Training and specialized services
- Networking opportunities
- Research and development
- Technology transfer
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic Canada
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Processing and Agreement
- Application is acknowledged after receipt.
- ACOA reviews the application based on submitted information and documents.
- Additional information or clarification may be requested.
- A funding decision is made after the assessment is complete.
Additional information
- ACOA provides bilingual support to applicants.
- Applications are assessed based on the information and documents provided.
- ACOA may ask for additional information or clarification.
- A funding decision is made after the assessment is complete.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Development Program — Commercial Component Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Business Development Program — Commercial Component. 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 — Commercial Component?
Get interest-free repayable funding for business expansion or start-up in Atlantic Canada. The program also supports growth activities and non-profit projects that help SMEs through training, counselling, networking, research, and technology transfer.
How much funding can be received?
Business Development Program — Commercial Component Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Business Development Program — Commercial Component program?
To be eligible for the Business Development Program — Commercial Component program, you must:
Entrepreneurs, companies, or non-profits
Based in Atlantic Canada
Project supports business growth
What expenses are eligible under Business Development Program — Commercial Component?
Launching a new business
Expanding an existing business
Modernizing business operations
Helping SMEs through counselling, training, networking, research, and technology transfer
Who can I contact for more information about the Business Development Program — Commercial Component?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.
Where is the Business Development Program — Commercial Component available?
The Business Development Program — Commercial Component program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Business Development Program — Commercial Component a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Business Development Program — Commercial Component is a Grant and Funding