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Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada
Funding for Atlantic businesses integrating into defence supply chains
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada is a $38.2 million program over three years that supports businesses, non-profits, Indigenous organizations and governments to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains and strengthen defence-related industrial capacity. Eligible activities include business scale-up, R&D and technology demonstration, productivity and manufacturing upgrades, commercialization and market expansion, certification, ecosystem development, research and strategy, knowledge transfer and specialized expertise recruitment.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- 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
- 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
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business scale-up projects that increase productivity or manufacturing capacity to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains.
- Research, development and demonstration projects, including late-stage product development and technology showcases for defence or dual-use applications with a clear military use.
- Commercialization and market expansion initiatives that position companies within defence supply chains and enable them to respond to military procurement opportunities.
- Projects that develop or strengthen regional innovation ecosystems supporting defence needs, such as establishing or expanding research centres, centres of expertise or specialized facilities.
- Strategic initiatives that build regional readiness for defence procurement and supply-chain participation, including market development, advisory services, research, analysis, strategy development, and knowledge or technology transfer.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in the defence industry supply chain
- SMEs wishing to position themselves within the defence industry supply chain, including through dual-use products or services
- Indigenous-owned businesses operating or seeking to operate in defence-related supply chains
- Non-profit industry associations that support businesses involved in defence-related activities
- Business accelerators, incubators, and research centres that support companies in defence and dual-use technologies
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
- Businesses and organizations located in Atlantic Canada, within the area served by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada. 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 Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada?
The Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada is a $38.2 million program over three years that supports businesses, non-profits, Indigenous organizations and governments to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains and strengthen defence-related industrial capacity. Eligible activities include business scale-up, R&D and technology demonstration, productivity and manufacturing upgrades, commercialization and market expansion, certification, ecosystem development, research and strategy, knowledge transfer and specialized expertise recruitment.
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, mainly SME, active in or seeking to enter the defence industry supply chain (including dual-use products or services).
Indigenous-owned businesses operating in or aiming for defence-related markets.
Must demonstrate project benefits to Canadian Armed Forces, NATO or allies, and defence readiness or industrial capability.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Defence Investment Initiative in Atlantic Canada?
Business scale-up projects that increase productivity or manufacturing capacity to integrate into domestic and international defence supply chains.
Research, development and demonstration projects, including late-stage product development and technology showcases for defence or dual-use applications with a clear military use.
Commercialization and market expansion initiatives that position companies within defence supply chains and enable them to respond to military procurement opportunities.
Projects that develop or strengthen regional innovation ecosystems supporting defence needs, such as establishing or expanding research centres, centres of expertise or specialized facilities.
Strategic initiatives that build regional readiness for defence procurement and supply-chain participation, including market development, advisory services, research, analysis, strategy development, and knowledge or technology transfer.
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)
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