Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Financing to accelerate growth in Atlantic Canada
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Get a financial contribution to help you scale up and expand, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, or diversify your markets. You can apply to this program as long as your project benefits Atlantic Canada.
Financing terms and conditions
- Repayable contributions are unsecured and interest-free; the specific repayment schedule and conditions are detailed in the agreement.
- Non-repayable contributions are available for non-profit organizations under certain funding streams.
Activities funded
- Scaling up and expanding business operations.
- Adopting and integrating new technologies.
- Improving productivity levels.
- Developing new products and accessing new markets.
- Building and strengthening regional innovation networks through business support organizations.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 45,000
Digitization of historical records for a non-profit organization with autonomous revenue
$ 120,000
Implementation of advanced CRM software for greater productivity at a financial cooperative in St John's
$ 60,000
Launch of a new organic skincare product line by a sole proprietorship
$ 85,000
Development of eco-friendly packaging for a social economy enterprise
$ 70,000
Exploring new export markets for local seafood products by a limited partnership
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a business, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, or Indigenous-owned businesses.
- The applicant may also be a non-profit organization that offers services to businesses.
- The project must focus on business scale-up, expansion, adopting new technologies, improving productivity, or accessing new markets.
Who is eligible?
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Social enterprises
- Incorporated companies, corporations, or co-operatives
- Indigenous-owned businesses
- Non-profit organizations that offer services to businesses
- Post-secondary educational institutions
- Accelerators and business incubators
- Angel networks
- Municipalities and municipal-type organizations
- Community-owned Indigenous businesses
Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. Indigenous-owned businesses, sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations or co-operatives, and all other types of enterprises are eligible for the grant.
- Indigenous-owned businesses
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Social enterprises
- Incorporated companies
- Corporations or co-operatives
- All other types of enterprises
Eligible expenses
- Costs to scale up and expand business operations.
- Expenses for adopting and integrating new technologies.
- Investments to improve productivity.
- Expenditures related to creating new products.
- Costs incurred to access new markets.
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation process considers various factors to determine eligibility and assess the potential impact of the project.
- Evaluation criteria may include:
- Alignment with program objectives
- Viability and potential for growth
- Economic impact and innovation
- Capacity to implement the project
- Benefit to the region and community
How to apply
1
Contact ACOA Office
- Reach out to your nearest Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) office to discuss your project details.
- Gather insights on project eligibility and funding details.
2
Prepare Application
- Complete the "Application for financial assistance" form provided by ACOA.
- Ensure all required information and documentation accompany your application.
3
Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form along with any necessary documents to the ACOA office.
- Confirm submission via a call or email, if necessary, to ensure receipt.
Additional information
- Repayment contributions provided through REGI are unsecured and interest-free, with schedules and conditions detailed in the funding agreement.
- Extra support or flexible repayment options may be available for Indigenous youth, Indigenous women, or community-owned Indigenous businesses.
- The Open Government Portal can be used to search for previously successful REGI funding applications using the keyword “REGI.”
- ACOA Business Information Services offers advisory support for applicants unsure about how to start or develop their business idea.
Contacts
1-888-576-4444
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA. 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 Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA?
Who is eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA?
Where is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA available?
Are startups eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA program?
Are women eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA program?
Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA program?
Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA program?
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