Open
Source verified July 13, 2026
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA
Support for business growth and innovation
Latest source updateLast Update: May 8, 2026Latest change: The application page now directs applicants to MyACOA and adds new pre-apply, upload, and post-apply steps, with updated contact guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 8, 2026
Latest change: The application page now directs applicants to MyACOA and adds new pre-apply, upload, and post-apply steps, with updated contact guidance.
ACOA application process updated
The application instructions were substantially revised to move from the ACOA Direct submission flow to the MyACOA online portal. The page now adds program-fit checks, a clearer document list, required portal account steps, upload instructions, and post-submission acknowledgment and assessment details. Contact guidance also changed, with a single email and MyACOA portal instructions replacing the older regional contact approach. The page still points applicants to Atlantic Canada opportunities, but the wording now emphasizes confirming eligibility and using the online account to submit and track the application.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Who can apply
Businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated businesses, corporations, co-operatives, Indigenous-owned businesses, and other business types.
See full eligibility
Overview
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada to build growth, productivity, and a strong, inclusive economy. It funds business expansion, adoption of new technologies, productivity improvements, and regional innovation initiatives led by organizations that support entrepreneurs and high-growth firms.
/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
- Increase operational productivity
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
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business expansion.
- Adoption of new technologies.
- Productivity improvements.
- Development of new products and entry into new markets.
- Regional innovation ecosystem initiatives led by strategic clusters, business accelerators and incubators, and other innovation-focused organizations that support entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovative high-growth businesses.
Documents Needed
- Incorporation or constituting documents, and for non-profits a list of directors or board members.
- Financial statements.
- A detailed project description or plan.
- For business applicants, a research and development project plan, business plan, and/or marketing plan.
- Supplier quotes and copies of relevant permits or licences.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated businesses, corporations, co-operatives, Indigenous-owned businesses, and other business types.
- Non-profit organizations that provide services to businesses.
- Post-secondary institutions, business accelerators and incubators, and angel investor networks.
- Social enterprises, associations or industry consortia, and municipalities and other municipal-type organizations.
- Community-owned Indigenous businesses.
How to apply
- Contact the nearest ACOA office to discuss your project.
- Go to MyACOA and click Sign in to MyACOA Account, then sign in with a Sign-In Partner or GCKey.
- If you are a new portal user, accept the terms and conditions and create your account using your first name, last name, and email address.
- Create a new application by clicking + New application and complete the Organization Profile and Project Information modules.
- Upload all required supporting documents as indicated in the portal.
- Submit your application online by following the instructions in MyACOA.
Processing and Agreement
- ACOA sends an acknowledgement of receipt that includes the project number and the name of the assigned Program Officer.
- The application is assessed based on the information and documents provided.
- ACOA may contact the applicant for additional information or clarification.
- Once all required information for the assessment has been received, ACOA makes a funding decision in accordance with its service standards.
Additional information
- Applicants can search the Open Government Portal for previously approved REGI applications.
- Indigenous youth, women, and community-owned Indigenous businesses may receive additional support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA Program
What is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada to build growth, productivity, and a strong, inclusive economy. It funds business expansion, adoption of new technologies, productivity improvements, and regional innovation initiatives led by organizations that support entrepreneurs and high-growth firms.
Who is eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program?
To be eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program, you must:
Businesses can apply under Business Expansion and Productivity.
Non-profit organizations that provide services to businesses can also apply.
Non-profit organizations can apply under Regional Innovation Ecosystems.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
Business expansion.
Adoption of new technologies.
Productivity improvements.
Development of new products and entry into new markets.
Regional innovation ecosystem initiatives led by strategic clusters, business accelerators and incubators, and other innovation-focused organizations that support entrepreneurs, start-ups, and innovative high-growth businesses.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
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 Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA available?
The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)