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Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada
Funding for defence supply chain integration in Atlantic Canada
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Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada supports defence and security needs while strengthening regional economic development. It supports business scale-up, productivity, commercialization, certification, technology development, and ecosystem-building activities linked to defence supply chains and regional innovation.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Business scale-up and productivity projects for defence supply chain integration.
- Research, development, demonstration, commercialization, and market expansion projects.
- Projects to develop dual-use or military technologies with a clear military application.
- Projects that build regional innovation ecosystems and support defence-related capacity.
Documents Needed
- Completed application
- Required supporting documents
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
RDII application process updated
RDII now uses a MyACOA-based online application flow with updated supporting document guidance and contact options.
The main change is on the application for financial assistance page, where the process now directs applicants to create a MyACOA account, log in, and submit online instead of relying on the older form-based workflow. The guidance also adds more detail on program-fit screening, supporting documents, and the contact path through the portal and a single email point of contact. The RDII overview, funding amounts, eligibility themes, and project scope remain essentially unchanged in the visible content. The contact page was also adjusted, but the visible phone numbers, emails, and office information remain available.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Non-profit organizations, including industry associations, business accelerators, incubators, and research centres.
- Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations.
- Provincial and municipal governments.
Eligible expenses
- Costs related to research and development, including late-stage product development, technology demonstrations and showcases.
- Expenses for acquiring equipment or modernizing facilities to improve productivity or increase manufacturing capacity for defence-related production.
- Costs associated with commercialization and market expansion for defence or dual‑use products and services.
- Fees and related costs to obtain certifications required to integrate into domestic or international defence supply chains.
- Expenditures for establishing, expanding or modernizing research centres, centres of expertise or specialized facilities focused on defence-related innovation.
- Costs for research, analysis and strategy development aimed at strengthening regional readiness for defence procurement and supply-chain participation.
- Expenses for knowledge and technology transfer activities to accelerate adoption and commercialization of dual‑use and defence-relevant technologies.
- Recruitment costs for specialized expertise needed to enhance organizational capacity to meet defence and security requirements.
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic Canada
Selection criteria
- Strongest benefits to the Canadian Armed Forces, NATO or NATO allies.
- Projects that increase Canada’s defence industrial capabilities and capacity.
- Projects that integrate Canadian businesses into defence supply chains.
- Expected productivity, competitiveness, and economic benefits.
- Projects that strengthen regional infrastructure, Indigenous economic inclusion, and align with the Buy Canadian Policy.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact ACOA to discuss your project.
- Step 2: Review the application guidance on the financial assistance page.
- Step 3: Complete and submit the application with the required documentation.
- Step 4: Consult the FAQ if you need additional clarification.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are acknowledged after receipt.
- Applications are assessed based on the information and documents provided.
- ACOA may request additional information or clarification.
- A funding decision is made once the assessment is complete, in line with service standards.
Additional information
- The initiative has a total national envelope of $357.7 million, with $38.2 million specifically delivered by ACOA in Atlantic Canada over three years starting in 2025–26.
- Information sessions are offered in both English and French on December 16, at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (AST) respectively, with online registration required.
- Additional resources such as an infographic and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document are available to help applicants better understand the program.
- The program is linked to opportunities created when large companies winning major defence contracts in Canada are required to work with domestic suppliers under the Industrial and Technological Benefits policy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada Program
What is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada?
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada supports defence and security needs while strengthening regional economic development. It supports business scale-up, productivity, commercialization, certification, technology development, and ecosystem-building activities linked to defence supply chains and regional innovation.
Who is eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada program?
To be eligible for the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada program, you must:
Business, non-profit, Indigenous, or government applicant.
Project benefits defence readiness or capability.
Project supports defence supply chain integration.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada?
Costs related to research and development, including late-stage product development, technology demonstrations and showcases.
Expenses for acquiring equipment or modernizing facilities to improve productivity or increase manufacturing capacity for defence-related production.
Costs associated with commercialization and market expansion for defence or dual‑use products and services.
Fees and related costs to obtain certifications required to integrate into domestic or international defence supply chains.
Expenditures for establishing, expanding or modernizing research centres, centres of expertise or specialized facilities focused on defence-related innovation.
Costs for research, analysis and strategy development aimed at strengthening regional readiness for defence procurement and supply-chain participation.
Expenses for knowledge and technology transfer activities to accelerate adoption and commercialization of dual‑use and defence-relevant technologies.
Recruitment costs for specialized expertise needed to enhance organizational capacity to meet defence and security requirements.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Where is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada available?
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada?
Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)