Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA
Canada
Money to support business growth in Atlantic Canada
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Your non-profit could get a financial contribution to assist businesses at all stages of development in scaling up and becoming more globally competitive. Investments will focus on enhancing business support networks for under-represented groups — includi
grant_single_labels|projects
There are project or activities eligible for this grant. Here is a summary of eligible activities:
- Scaling up and expanding business operations
- Implementing new technologies for increased productivity
- Developing new products and accessing new markets
- Supporting business networks and clusters
- Assisting entrepreneurs, start-ups, and high-growth potential companies
- Strengthening support for under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, and young entrepreneurs
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$30,000
Vancouver
Scaling a women-owned organic skincare business through new production equipment in Vancouver.
$50,000
Toronto
Implementing AI-driven analytics to boost productivity in a Toronto-based tech startup.
$25,000
Winnipeg
Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurial circles with training programs in Winnipeg.
$60,000
Montreal
Expanding a young tech company with a new software development wing in Montreal.
$35,000
Calgary
Introducing sustainable farming practices to a cooperative farm in Calgary.
$30,000
Ottawa
Expanding an Indigenous artisan network with an online marketplace in Ottawa.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant include:
- Business Scale-up option is open to various types of businesses and non-profit organizations.
- Regional Innovation Ecosystems option is available for non-profit organizations such as post-secondary educational institutions, accelerators, municipalities, and Indigenous businesses.
- Extra support is available for Indigenous youth, women, and community-owned Indigenous businesses.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are several types of companies eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) grant program in Canada. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations or cooperatives, Indigenous-owned businesses, and non-profit organizations that offer services to businesses are eligible for funding.
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Social enterprises
- Incorporated companies
- Corporations or cooperatives
- Indigenous-owned businesses
- Non-profit organizations offering services to businesses
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Social enterprises
- Incorporated companies
- Corporations or co-operatives
- Indigenous-owned businesses
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant. Businesses can use the funding for the following purposes:
- Scaling up and expanding
- Making the most of new technologies
- Improving productivity
- Creating new products and finding new markets
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program are the Atlantic Canadian provinces.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program are used to assess the eligibility and competitiveness of grant applications. Criteria include:
- Demonstrated potential for business growth or regional innovation
- Alignment with program objectives and priorities
- Economic benefits to Atlantic Canada
- Capacity to deliver on proposed project outcomes
- Innovation and creativity in proposed activities
grant_single_labels|register
- Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project
- Complete and submit the Application for financial assistance
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The REGI program stands out for its focus on various business stages and inclusive support. It emphasizes regional strength and innovation while offering specific benefits for under-represented groups.
- Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project before applying.
- Application involves completing and submitting the Application for financial assistance form.
- ACOA Business Information Services provides assistance for those with business ideas needing direction.
- Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Atlantic time).
- Search the Open Government Portal using the keyword "REGI" to see recently approved recipients and successful applications.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-888-576-4444
Apply to this program
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation Grant
Understanding the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program
The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), focuses on fostering a strong, inclusive economy in Atlantic Canada by supporting businesses and non-profit organizations. Through two funding options – Business Scale-up and Productivity, and Regional Innovation Ecosystems – REGI assists in accelerating business growth, enhancing productivity, and promoting innovation within the region.
Under the Business Scale-up and Productivity stream, businesses can access unsecured, interest-free repayment contributions to expand their operations, adopt new technologies, improve productivity, create new products, and explore new markets. On the other hand, the Regional Innovation Ecosystems support non-profit organizations that aid businesses at various stages of development, with a particular emphasis on strengthening networks for underrepresented groups like women, Indigenous peoples, and young entrepreneurs.
REGI funding is available for activities that align with these objectives, including enhancing regional strengths, scaling up businesses, supporting entrepreneurship, and advancing innovation initiatives. Both businesses and non-profit organizations can apply for the grant, with specific eligibility criteria outlined for each stream. The program aims to create a conducive environment for economic growth, competitiveness, and resilience in Atlantic Canada through strategic investments and community support.
Businesses seeking to expand, innovate, and increase their global competitiveness can benefit from the resources and financial assistance provided through REGI. By leveraging these opportunities, businesses in Atlantic Canada can position themselves for sustainable growth, new market opportunities, and improved productivity in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Overall, the REGI program plays a vital role in driving regional economic development, fostering innovation, and creating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports businesses of all sizes and sectors across Atlantic Canada.
