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Source verified July 8, 2026
Business Development Program — Commercial Component
Support for business growth in Atlantic Canada
Latest source updateLast Update: May 14, 2026Latest change: The application page now directs applicants to MyACOA and adds clearer pre-application, document, and submission steps.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 14, 2026
Latest change: The application page now directs applicants to MyACOA and adds clearer pre-application, document, and submission steps.
Application process updated
The application page was substantially updated to center the MyACOA online portal, including account registration, module completion, document upload, and online submission steps. It also adds clearer guidance on what to prepare before applying, what project information to include, and what applicants can expect after submission. Contact guidance was simplified to a single email address and the page now emphasizes checking program fit and economic development alignment in Atlantic Canada. The funding overview remains broadly similar, but the application instructions and supporting-document expectations are much more detailed than before.
Funding available
Up to 0.75% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Business Development Program provides interest-free, unsecured repayable funding of up to 50% for entrepreneurs and existing companies in Atlantic Canada. It supports launching, expanding, modernizing, or growing businesses, and can also fund non-profit projects offering training, research and development, or technology transfer for Atlantic Canadian SMEs.
/100
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 0.75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- 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, modernizing, or growing an existing business
- Non-profit projects that help Atlantic Canadian SMEs through business counselling and advice, training and specialized services, networking opportunities, research and development, or technology transfer
Documents Needed
- Application for financial assistance
- Incorporation or constituting documents
- Financial statements
- Project description or plan
- Supporting quotes, permits, or licences
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Entrepreneurs
- Existing companies
- Non-profit organizations that support Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises
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 and environmental management systems
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Demonstrated potential for business growth or modernization
- Clear plan for the use of funds
- Impact on the Atlantic Canadian economy
- Viability and sustainability of the project
How to apply
- Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project.
- Go to MyACOA and click Log in to MyACOA Account, then sign in using a sign-in partner or your GCKey user ID and password.
- If you are a new portal user, read and accept the terms and conditions, then register your account using your first and last name and email address.
- Create a new application by clicking + New Application and complete both 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
- After ACOA receives the application, an acknowledgement is sent confirming receipt and providing the project number and the name of the program officer assigned to the project.
- The application is assessed based on the information and documentation provided.
- ACOA may contact the applicant for additional information or clarification.
- Once all information required to complete the assessment has been received, ACOA makes a funding decision in accordance with its service standards.
Additional information
- Incomplete applications or applications missing key information may delay assessment or prevent ACOA from considering the request.
- A copy of the submitted application remains available in the MyACOA account.
- ACOA Business Information Services offers personal, bilingual, free support to help applicants find the right program.
- A fillable PDF version of the application form is available for submission in person, by email, mail or fax.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Development Program — Commercial Component Program
What is the Business Development Program — Commercial Component?
The Business Development Program provides interest-free, unsecured repayable funding of up to 50% for entrepreneurs and existing companies in Atlantic Canada. It supports launching, expanding, modernizing, or growing businesses, and can also fund non-profit projects offering training, research and development, or technology transfer for Atlantic Canadian SMEs.
How much funding can be received?
Business Development Program — Commercial Component Funds up to 0.75% 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:
The applicant must be an entrepreneur, an existing company, or a non-profit organization.
Business applicants must be launching, expanding, modernizing, or growing a business in Atlantic Canada.
Non-profit projects must support Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises.
What expenses are eligible under Business Development Program — Commercial Component?
Launching a new business
Expanding, modernizing, or growing an existing business
Non-profit projects that help Atlantic Canadian 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 — Commercial Component?
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 — 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