Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: 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) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.

Q: 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 across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Money to support business growth in Atlantic Canada

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program by ACOA aims to develop a strong, dynamic, and inclusive economy in Atlantic Canada by offering non-repayable contributions to non-profit organizations that build regional innovation ecosystems and nurture under-represented groups like women and Indigenous entrepreneurs. The program provides support for strategic clusters, business accelerators, and innovation-oriented organizations, though the maximum funding amount is not specified in the provided information.

Financing terms and conditions

The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program provides non-repayable and repayable contributions to support organizations and businesses in Atlantic Canada. The financing modalities are designed to enhance productivity and foster innovation within regional ecosystems.

Non-repayable contributions for non-profit organizations supporting business development and innovation.
Repayable contributions for business scale-up projects, which are unsecured and interest-free.
No interest is charged on repayable contributions provided to businesses for scaling up and enhancing productivity.
Specific focus on creating inclusive networks, supporting under-represented groups, such as women and Indigenous peoples, within the ecosystem funding framework.

Activities funded

Development of strategic clusters and groups to help businesses leverage regional strengths for scaling up and market introduction of new ideas.
Support for business accelerators and incubators assisting entrepreneurs, start-ups, and high-growth potential companies.
Initiatives by innovation-oriented organizations to increase business productivity, global competitiveness, and talent recruitment.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,000

Scaling a women-owned organic skincare business through new production equipment

$ 25,000

Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurial circles with training programs

$ 30,000

Expanding an Indigenous artisan network with an online marketplace

$ 50,000

Implementing AI-driven analytics to boost productivity in a Toronto-based tech startup

$ 60,000

Expanding a young tech company with a new software development wing

$ 35,000

Introducing sustainable farming practices to a cooperative farm

Eligibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a business or a non-profit organization.
Eligible business structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations or co-operatives, and Indigenous-owned businesses.
Non-profit organizations that offer services to businesses are also eligible.

Who is eligible?

Businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, and Indigenous-owned businesses, as well as all other types of enterprises, can apply for the Business Scale-up and Productivity option. Non-profit organizations that provide services to businesses are also eligible. For the Regional Innovation Ecosystems option, non-profit organizations such as post-secondary educational institutions, accelerators and business incubators, angel networks, social enterprises, industry associations or consortiums, municipalities, and municipal-type organizations, as well as community-owned Indigenous businesses, are eligible to apply.

Who is not eligible

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

Eligible expenses

This grant supports projects aimed at stimulating business growth and innovation across Atlantic Canada. Eligible activities focus on enhancing productivity, embracing technology, and fostering inclusive regional ecosystems.

Scaling up business operations and expanding market reach.
Leveraging new technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Creating new products and exploring new market opportunities.
Developing regional innovation ecosystems to support business growth.
Strengthening business networks for under-represented groups.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to organizations that support businesses within the Atlantic Canada region. The eligible geographical areas are specified to align with regional innovation and growth in that area.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

Selection 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

How to apply

Contact ACOA

Reach out to your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project details.
Use the contact details relevant to your region: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Outside Atlantic Canada.
Alternatively, call their information line at 1-888-576-4444 for guidance.

Application Preparation

Complete the Application for financial assistance using details from the initial discussion with ACOA.
Gather all necessary supporting documents relevant to your business or organization.

Submit Application

Submit the completed application form and any required documents to ACOA.
Ensure submission within any specific deadlines or timelines provided by ACOA.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

REGI funding can support creating inclusive networks, particularly benefiting women, Indigenous peoples, and young entrepreneurs.
There are options for both repayable and non-repayable contributions depending on the category of funding applied for.
Applicants can search the Open Government Portal for examples of previously successful applications using the keyword "REGI."

Contacts

1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — 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 — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?

This grant supports activities that enhance regional innovation ecosystems by strengthening business support networks. The eligible projects aim to foster growth, inclusivity, and innovation across various sectors in Atlantic Canada. Development of strategic clusters and groups to help businesses leverage regional strengths for scaling up and market introduction of new ideas. Support for business accelerators and incubators assisting entrepreneurs, start-ups, and high-growth potential companies. Initiatives by innovation-oriented organizations to increase business productivity, global competitiveness, and talent recruitment.

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?

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: Eligible applicants include businesses such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, and Indigenous-owned businesses. Non-profit organizations that offer services to businesses are also eligible for funding. Applicants can also be post-secondary educational institutions, business incubators, angel networks, or municipalities.